Health Dept. Acts Against Recycler

The state Department of Health Services is seeking to fine a Wilmington oil recycling business $135,000 for failure to ensure that its recycled oil meets state pollution standards, among other violations.

The health agency announced on Wednesday that Brent Petroleum, 401 Canal St., was also cited for failing to test adequately for pollutants in the waste oil it receives and for violating record-keeping rules.

The proposed fine is the second piece of bad news in a week for Brent Petroleum. The company’s president, Paul Bouchard, was jailed for two days last week when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge found that he had failed to comply with a March order to remove 50,000 tons of contaminated soil he had piled on a vacant lot.

Under the order issued Wednesday by state Health Director Kenneth Kizer, Brent Petroleum is required to correct the problems or face additional fines. The company has the right to appeal the order in a meeting with the health services agency or before an administrative law judge before a fine can be assessed.