State Urges Fines for 6 Polluters

State water officials are recommending more than $93,000 in fines for three dairies, two developers and an electronics company for U.S. Clean Water Act violations in the Santa Ana River basin.

Standard Pacific Homes is accused of allowing 260,000 gallons of sediment-laden runoff to flow from a Tustin development site in February, according to Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Executive Officer Gerard Thibeault. He recommended a $15,280 fine.

Thomas Olson, project manager with the Irvine-based home builder, said the company will put “measures in place to avoid such an occurrence in the future.” He said the company would not oppose the fine, but said he hopes the money can be used for an educational seminar for the building industry.

HQT Homes of Tustin is accused of allowing an unknown amount of polluted runoff to flow from a Placentia development site in March and April. Thibeault recommended a $15,630 fine. Attempts to reach HQT officials were unsuccessful.

Circuit-board maker Dynamic Detail Inc. of Anaheim is accused of improperly storing hazardous waste, and sending an unknown amount of runoff contaminated by copper, zinc and lead into a storm drain in January and February. Thibeault recommended a $12,750 fine. Attempts to reach Dynamic officials were unsuccessful.

Three dairies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties are accused of violations that affect Orange County residents. The dairies’ polluted runoff flows into the Santa Ana River, which provides 38% of the water used to replenish ground water that serves the northern and central parts of Orange County.

The ground water supply meets state and federal drinking water standards. However, manure causes high concentrations of nitrates and minerals and turns the water into “hard water,” which shortens the life span of household appliances.

Michael Bidart, owner of Loyola Dairy #1 in Chino, is accused of allowing 37,900 gallons of manure-laden runoff to flow into a tributary of the river in February. Thibeault recommended a $20,000 fine. Attempts to reach Bidart were unsuccessful.

Ben Goedhart, operator of Vermeer & Goedhart Dairy #1 in Corona, is accused of allowing an unknown amount of manure-laden runoff to flow into the river in February. Thibeault recommended a $20,000 fine. Attempts to reach Goedhart were unsuccessful.

Patti Lekkerkerker, owner of an 11-acre plot in Ontario that she used to be lease to a dairy, is accused of allowing an unknown amount of runoff tainted by leftover cow manure to flow into a tributary of the river in February. Thibeault recommended a $10,000 fine. Attempts to reach Lekkerkerker were unsuccessful.

The companies and individuals who face fines can request a public hearing at the regional board’s June 1 meeting in Loma Linda.