Boeing pays fine for water quality violations

Boeing Co. has paid more than $471,000 to settle a state enforcement action against the aerospace giant for scores of water quality violations at the company’s Santa Susana Field Laboratory near Simi Valley.

Boeing was accused of allowing excessive levels of lead, mercury and other toxins to flow from the nuclear and rocket-engine test site into surrounding canyons as well as the Arroyo Simi and Bell Creek, a tributary of the Los Angeles River.

“Boeing will work with the water board to determine reasonable and effective options for future compliance,” Boeing spokeswoman Blythe Jameson said.

In late July, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a formal complaint against Boeing, saying it had improperly controlled wastewater and storm water runoff from the 2,800-acre property in the hills between Simi Valley and Chatsworth. The company had 30 days to contest the complaint or pay.