CLIPBOARD : The Dirty Half-Dozen

The following is a list of the six most severe air pollution penalties assessed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District in August, the most recent period for which information is available. Company Kirkhill Rubber Co. 300 E. Cypress St., Brea Penalty $11,500 Violation Violating permit conditions on two curing ovens between September, 1989, and August, 1990 (rubber product manufacturer). Company Wood Textures Inc./ Lifestyle of California 17622 Von Karman, Irvine Penalty $10,000 Violation Exceeding permit limits on coating usage in spray booths between November, 1987, and January, 1989 (wood furniture finisher). Company Ricoh Electronics Inc. 1101 Bell Ave., Tustin Penalty $6,500 Violation Violating permit conditions on coatings and solvents, including operating degreasers using noncompliant solvent, on various dates between January and November, 1990 (electronics firm). Company The Hartley Company 1987 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa Penalty $2,100 Violation Failure to submit a toxic-emissions inventory plan (mechanical pen and pencil manufacturer). Company Western States Planing Inc. 1442 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim Penalty $1,200 Violation Excessive smoke emissions from asphalt pavement heaters during seven days at a Cypress work site (asphalt street removal firm). Company Alpha Beta Co. Inc. 850 S. Cypress St., La Habra Penalty $1,100 Violation Failure to obtain operating permits for two 36,000-gallon propane storage tanks during a 20-day period (supermarket chain). Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District Researched by: JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times