Jim Vreeland Motors has agreed to pay $110,000 in penalties to settle a lawsuit over alleged hazardous waste violations.
In its lawsuit, Santa Barbara County claimed that the Buellton Ford dealership violated three environmental protection statues by not properly labeling hazardous waste containers and not properly training personnel in the management of hazardous waste, failing to establish and implement a Hazardous Materials Business Plan, and not having a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office says Jim Vreeland Motors, without admitting liability, came into compliance and negotiated the following resolution to the lawsuit:
- $2,500 to the state General Fund, Toxic Substances Control Account
- $13,750 to the District Attorney's Office
- $13,750 to the Santa Barbara County Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)
- $64,600 to the County of Santa Barbara
- $5,400 to the CUPA for investigation and enforcement costs
- $10,000 as a supplemental environmental project to the Craig Thompson Environmental Protection Prosecution Fund
- Injunction making it easier to enforce future compliance with the Health and Safety Code
