C&H Sugar Co. Reaches A Settlement Agreement Over 2022 Odor Violations

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — C&H Sugar Company Inc. has agreed to a $500,000 settlement involving 2022 odor violations at one of its facilities in the unincorporated Contra Costa County community of Crockett.

The violations occurred between Sept. 8 and Oct. 14, 2022 and involved "excessive sewage odors" at the company's wastewater treatment plant on Dowrelio Drive, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

The Bay Area Air District referred the case to the District Attorney's Office for enforcement following an investigation.

The settlement includes $400,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in costs and a commitment from C&H Sugar that it will implement several compliance measures, including the purchase and installation of a backup generator, the replacement of existing diffuser heads in all three reactors, an upgrade to the "blowers," including replacement or refurbishment of the motors, a complete comprehensive internal audit of operations and the creation of a 24-hour toll-free community hotline, according to the announcement by prosecutors.

District Attorney Diana Becton said the company was cooperative throughout the process.

In an email, company officials said they regret the surrounding community had to deal with odor issues at the "Joint Treatment Plant" following what they said was an extreme heat wave.

"C&H Sugar has made substantial investments to the JTP, which we own with the Crockett Community Services District," according to the statement. "The final upgrade to the plant will be installed once we receive a permit."

By Kiley Russell, Bay City News

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