AQMD Files Suit Against Post Office
The Southland’s smog police took aim at the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday, charging that an Orange post office failed to come up with a smog reduction plan for its 324 employees.
In a lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court, the South Coast Air Quality Management District seeks $25,000 per day in penalties against the post office, at 1075 N. Tustin Ave.
Postmaster Mel Jurado could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Under an AQMD rule adopted Jan. 1, 1989, all California employers with 200 or more workers are required to submit a written “trip reduction plan” specifying what steps would be taken to reduce the number of vehicle trips to and from the workplace. The rule is intended to encourage car-pooling and alternative transportation.
The AQMD warned the post office on April 19, 1989, that it had to submit a plan within 90 days. The agency received no response and informed the post office on Feb. 15, 1990, that it was in violation, the suit alleges.
According to the lawsuit, the post office is liable for civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each day of noncompliance, $10,000 for each day of “negligent emission violations” and $25,000 for each day of “knowing” violations.
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