$17,600 Assessed in Release of Pollutants
An Azusa chemical plant owner must pay more than $17,600 in fines and penalties after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of releasing toxic pollutants into the air.
John Rykowski of the Jay Chemical Co. must also perform 150 hours of community service under a sentence imposed by Citrus Municipal Judge Fred Felix as the result of the March 29 plea.
Felix suspended a 30-day jail term but placed Rykowski on 18 months’ probation. The South Coast Air Quality Management District cited the company for negligence after an incident last May 18 in which an epoxy resin mixing operation went out of control, producing fumes and smoke that forced the evacuation of nearby residences and businesses.
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