BUENA PARK : AQMD Fines City for Breaking Rules
The city has been fined $4,200 by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for improperly maintaining fire station fuel pumps and emergency generators for water wells.
In a random check of city facilities, AQMD officials found that vapor recovery systems had not been placed on fuel pumps at two fire stations. The city was also cited for failing to obtain operating permits for emergency generators.
“We were shocked,” said Don Kemp, director of public works.
Kemp said the fire fuel pumps previously were exempt from the rule and the city was not aware of any rule change. He said city officials also were unaware that permits were required for the four generators.
The standby generators are on the city well system to ensure that residents have access to water in case of an emergency.
The fine was originally set at $1,200 for each of six violations, but the AQMD reduced the penalty to $700 per violation because the city is willing to make the necessary changes, Kemp said.
Fire Chief Sam Winner said that pumps will be locked until the vapor systems can be installed. Locking the pumps will not be a safety problem because the fire trucks can fuel at the city yard or at nearby gas stations if necessary.
The City Council authorized spending $10,000 to install the proper vapor systems and $1,200 for annual license fees for the generators.
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