Simi Planners Suspend Spa Maker, Give Firm 90 Days to Filter Fumes

The Simi Valley Planning Commission has voted unanimously to suspend the license of a spa and bathtub manufacturer that neighbors say produces noxious odors.

The commission’s action, taken early Friday after more than six hours of public testimony, gives Hydro Systems 90 days to eliminate the styrene vapors emitted in the manufacture of its fiberglass products.

In the meantime, the firm has been prohibited from producing styrene fumes.

Neighbors began complaining about odors from the firm shortly after it opened last year in a light industrial park near Moreland and Madera roads. Those testifying before the commission during public hearings that began June 22 said the odors were unhealthy and annoying.

The commission found the company in violation of a city ordinance that prohibits “industries in the light industrial zone from producing obnoxious odors.”

Larry Burroughs, Hydro Systems vice president, said Friday that his firm will present plans to build two 75-foot-high stacks to release the fumes higher in the atmosphere, which he said would eliminate the odor problem.

Plans to Be Heard

Those plans will be heard by the commission Wednesday.

“Our position has been that we want to solve this problem,” Burroughs said. “We know that we are creating an odor, but there are also other companies in the area that are using some of the same chemicals we are.”

More than 100 residents signed petitions and turned out for the commission hearings Wednesday and Thursday nights. Some of those testifying blamed the firm’s emissions for respiratory and other physical ailments.

Following up on the suspension, the commission will decide in 90 days whether to revoke the city’s operating permit. The decision will be made after emission guidelines are drawn up by city inspectors and the county Air Pollution Control District, said Jocelyn Reed, city code enforcement officer.

Burroughs said he did not know whether his firm will appeal the commission’s decision to the City Council.

Times staff writer Charles Finnie contributed to this story.