The Dirty Half-Dozen

Following is a list of the six most severe air pollution penalties assessed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District in September, the most recent period for which information is available. Company: Toshiba American Information Systems Inc. 9470 Irvine Road, Irvine Penalty: $18,000 Violation: Installing an oven and an adhesive dispenser without permits and operating solder equipment contrary to permit conditions during October, 1990, and March, 1991, at its Parker Street facility in Irvine (computer manufacturer). Company: Setco Inc. 4875 E. Hunter Ave., Anaheim Penalty: $2,400 Violation: Failure to obtain operating permits for five polyvinyl extrusion machines, a polyvinyl chloride storage and transfer system and a diesel dispenser (plastics manufacturer). Company: Bell Industries, Electronics Systems Division 1831 S. Ritchey St., Santa Ana. Penalty: $1,800 Violation: Operating equipment contrary to permit conditions (circuit board manufacturer). Company: Hixson Metal Finishing 829 Production Place, Newport Beach. Penalty: $1,100 Violation: Operating two spray booths contrary to permit conditions on 44 days from May, 1990, to February, 1991 (metal finisher). Company: East Hill Cleaners 8285 Santa Ana Canyon Road Anaheim Hills Penalty: $500 Violation: Improper storage of perchloroethylene filters (dry cleaners). Company: A La Car Express 1725 S. Brookhurst, Anaheim Penalty: $400 Violation: Failure to obtain a permit for gasoline-dispensing equipment (car wash and service station). Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times