GM to Pay Fine Over Emissions

General Motors Corp. agreed Thursday to pay a $57,000 fine for emissions regulation violations at its Van Nuys manufacturing plant, which will close permanently next week after 45 years of operation.

The payment constitutes a partial settlement of a complaint filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, Assistant U.S. Atty. Peter Hsiao said.

The complaint, filed concurrently with the consent decree, alleged that paints and primers used at the San Fernando Valley plant emitted “volatile organic compounds” that exceeded legal limits.

More significant than the fine is the auto maker’s agreement to comply with emissions limitations until the plant’s closing Aug. 27, Hsiao said.

“Until the plant closes, their application of paint primer and top coats (of paint) will comply with the state plan,” he said.

Although General Motors agreed to the consent decree, the company denied any wrongdoing, Hsiao said.