Attorney General is not bound by cases to which he was not a party
How later courts described this case
- Attorney General is not bound by cases to which he was not a party
- a consent decree should conform with and further the objectives of the law upon which the complaint was based
- explaining that the United States is not bound by citizen suit settlements, and may “bring its own enforcement action at any time”
Written by the judges who cited it.
The opinion
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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
13 CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
14
15 ORANGE COUNTY COASTKEEPER, a_ | Case No. 8:24-cv-02162-FWS (ADSx)
16 || California non-profit corporation,
CONSENT DECREE
17 Plaintiff,
18 VS.
(Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
19 || Griswold Industries, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. and Resource
70 Conservation and Recovery Act, 42
Defendant. U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.)
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25
26
27
28
1 CONSENT DECREE
2 The following consent decree (“Consent Decree”) is entered into by and between
3 Plaintiff Orange County Coastkeeper (“Plaintiff’ or “Coastkeeper”) and Griswold
4 ||Industries d/b/a Cla-Val Co. (“Defendant” or “Cla-Val’’). The entities entering into this
5 ||Consent Decree are each an individual “Settling Party” and collectively are the “Settling
6 || Parties.”
7 WHEREAS, Orange County Coastkeeper is a non-profit public benefit corporation;
8 WHEREAS, Coastkeeper is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and
9 ||restoration of the environment, the wildlife, and the natural resources of all waters of
10 California, including Newport Bay and the Santa Ana River;
1] WHEREAS, Cla-Val owns and operates an industrial facility that manufactures
12 || valves located at 1701 - 1741 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (‘Facility’).
13 || Activities at the Facility include ferrous and non-ferrous metal melting, forming of sand
14 ||molds and cores, pouring metal, and trimming of raw castings. Finished castings are then
15 ||machined, assembled, finished, tested, and shipped from the Facility;
16 WHEREAS, the Standard Industrial Classification (“SIC”) codes applicable to the
17 ||Facility include 3325 (steel foundry), 3369 (nonferrous foundry), 3324 (steel investment
18 || foundry), and 3491 (industrial valves).
19 WHEREAS, Coastkeeper alleges that Cla-Val’s operations at the Facility result in
20 || discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States and are regulated by the Clean
21 ||Water Act Sections 301(a) and 402 and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
22 ||(“RCRA”) Section 7002. 33 U.S.C. §§ 1311(a), 1342; 42 U.S.C. § 6972(a)(1)(B);
23 WHEREAS, discharges from the Facility are regulated by the National Pollutant
24 || Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) General Permit No. CAS000001 [State Water
25 ||Resources Control Board] Water Quality Order No. 92-12-DWQ, as amended by Order
26 97-03-DWQ, as amended by Order No. 2014-0057-DWQ, as amended by Order No.
27 ||2015-0122-DWQ, as subsequently amended by Order 2018-0028-DWQ (effective July 1,
2g || Consent Decree 2 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||2020) (collectively, as amended, and as may be subsequently amended from time to time,
2 ||the “Storm Water Permit” or the “Permit’), issued pursuant to Section 402 of the Federal
3 || Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seg. (the “Clean Water Act” or the
4 ||“CWA”);
5 WHEREAS, the Storm Water Permit requires all permittees, including Cla-Val, to
6 ||comply with, inter alia, the following mandates: (1) develop and implement a storm water
7 || pollution prevention plan (“SWPPP”), (2) control pollutant discharges using, as applicable,
8 || best available technology economically achievable (“BAT”) or best conventional pollutant
9 || control technology (“BCT”) to prevent or reduce pollutants through the development and
10 application of Best Management Practices (“BMPs”), which must be included and updated
11 |/in the SWPPP, (3) when necessary, implement additional BMPs or other control measures
12 ||as necessary to comply with any and all applicable receiving water limitations, including
13 California Toxics Rule (40 C.F.R. § 131.38), and/or other requirements set forth in the
14 Permit, including as of July 1, 2020, compliance with the Permit’s water-quality based
15 |/numeric effluent limits (“NELs’), and (4) implement a monitoring and reporting program
16 designed to assess compliance with the Permit;
17 WHEREAS, on February 26, 2024, Coastkeeper issued a notice letter (the “Notice
18 || Letter’) to Cla-Val, their registered agents, select corporate officers, the Administrator of
19 ||the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”’), the Executive Director of
20 State Water Resources Control Board (the “State Water Board”), the Executive Officer
21 the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (the “Regional Water Board”’),
22 ||the Regional Administrator of EPA Region IX, the U.S. Attorney General, and the Director
23 || of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery alleging violations of
24 ||the Storm Water Permit, Clean Water Act, and RCRA at the Facility;
25 WHEREAS, on October 7, 2024, Coastkeeper filed a Amended Complaint against
26 ||Cla-Val (the “Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the Central District of
27 || California (Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162) (hereinafter, the “Action’”);
4g || Consent Decree 3 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 WHEREAS, Coastkeeper alleges Cla-Val is violating the substantive and
2 || procedural requirements of the Storm Water Permit, Clean Water Act, and RCRA;
3 WHEREAS, Cla-Val denies each of Coastkeeper’s claims in the Notice Letter and
4 || the Complaint;
5 WHEREAS, the Settling Parties agree it is in their mutual interest to enter into a
6 ||Consent Decree in this Action setting forth terms and conditions appropriate to resolving
7 || the allegations set forth in the Notice Letter and the Complaint without further proceedings;
8 WHEREAS, Cla-Val agrees to comply with the current version of the Storm Water
9 || Permit;
10 WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings
11 |/ascribed to them in the Storm Water Permit; and
12 WHEREAS, all actions taken by Cla-Val pursuant to this Consent Decree shall be
13 |}made in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and local rules and
14 |/regulations.
15 || NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED BETWEEN THE SETTLING
16 || PARTIES AND ORDERED AND DECREED BY THE COURT AS FOLLOWS:
17 1. The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to
18 ||Section 505(a)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365(a)(1)(A) and Section
19 || 7002(a)(1)(B) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6972(a)(1)(B).
20 2. Venue is appropriate in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of
21 California pursuant to Section 505(c)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365(c)(1),
22 ||and Section 7002(a) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6972(a), because the Facility is located within
23 District.
24 3. The Complaint states claims upon which relief may be granted pursuant to
25 ||Section 505 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365, and Section 7002(a)(1)(B) of
26 ||RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6972(a)(1)(B).
27 4. Coastkeeper has standing to bring the Clean Water Act and RCRA claims
2g || Consent Decree 4 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||raised in the Notice Letter and Complaint.
2 5. The Court shall retain jurisdiction over this matter for purposes of enforcing
3 terms of this Consent Decree for the Term of the Consent Decree, or as long thereafter
4 ||as is necessary for the Court to resolve any motion to enforce this Consent Decree.
5 | I. AGENCY REVIEW AND TERM OF CONSENT DECREE
6 6. Coastkeeper shall submit this Consent Decree to the United States Department
7 || of Justice and EPA (collectively, the “Federal Agencies’’) within three (3) business days of
8 final signature of the Settling Parties for agency review consistent with 40 C.F.R. §
9 || 135.5. The Federal Agencies’ review period expires forty-five (45) days after receipt of
10 Consent Decree by the Federal Agencies, as evidenced by certified mail return receipts
11 |/or other tracking information, copies of which shall be provided to Cla-Val. If the Federal
12 || Agencies comment negatively on or object to entry of this Consent Decree, the Settling
13 ||Parties agree to meet and confer to attempt to resolve the issue(s) raised by the Federal
14 || Agencies within a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days.
15 7. Following expiration of the Federal Agencies’ 45-day review period,
16 || Coastkeeper shall submit the Consent Decree to the Court for entry.
17 8. The term “Effective Date” as used in this Consent Decree shall be the date of
18 |/entry of this Consent Decree by the Court.
19 9. This Consent Decree shall terminate three (3) years after the completion of
20 ||installation of the BMPs defined in Paragraph 12 below, unless (i) an Action Plan (as
21 ||hereinafter defined in Paragraph 20 below) is required per Paragraph 19 below, in which
22 ||case the Consent Decree will terminate one year after complete implementation of the
23 ||measures described in the Action Plan and/or (ii) if there is an ongoing, unresolved formal
24 ||dispute regarding Cla-Val's compliance with this Consent Decree, in which case the
25 ||Consent Decree will terminate within fifteen (15) days’ notice by Coastkeeper that the
26 || dispute has been fully resolved (the occurrence of any of the above hereinafter being the
27 ||“Termination Date,” as applicable). The length of time between the Effective Date and the
7g || Consent Decree 5 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 || Termination Date shall be the “Term.”
2 10. Notwithstanding Paragraph 9 above, if Cla-Val should cease operations or not
3 || otherwise maintain activities regulated by the Permit at all or a portion of the Facility, and
4 || file a Notice of Termination (“NOT”) for the Facility under the Storm Water Permit before
5 ||the Termination Date, Cla-Val shall send Coastkeeper a copy of the proposed NOT form
6 ||concurrent with submittal of the same to the Regional Board. In the event of an NOT, the
7 ||Consent Decree will terminate, except with respect to the monetary provisions of this
8 ||Consent Decree, upon the Regional Water Board’s approval of the NOT; provided.
9 however, that within ten (10) days of the Regional Water Board’s approval of the NOT.
10 |/Cla-Val shall notify Coastkeeper in writing of the approval and promptly pay any
11 |}remaining amounts hereunder as provided herein.
12 || COMMITMENTS OF THE SETTLING PARTIES
13 A. Storm Water Pollution Control Best Management Practices
14 11. addition to maintaining the current BMPs at the Facility, Cla-Val shall
15 ||develop and implement the BMPs identified herein, as well as any other BMPs necessary
16 |/to comply with the provisions of this Consent Decree and the Storm Water Permit.
17 || Specifically, Cla-Val shall develop and implement BMPs to prevent and/or to reduce
18 |}contamination in storm water discharged from the Facility consistent with BAT and BCT
19 and/or when necessary to support attainment of water quality standards (“WQS”).
20 12. | Cla-Val shall develop and fully implement the following BMPs at the Facility:
21 12.1. Investigate and document the ultimate receiving waters for stormwate1
22 discharges from all portions of the Facility, and clearly incorporate Cla-
23 Val’s findings into the Facility Site Map within thirty (30) days of the
24 Effective Date.
25 12.2. Cla-Val shall implement the following source controls within thirty (30)
26 days of the Effective Date:
27
4g || Consent Decree 6 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 12.2.1. Ensure that all exposed dumpsters and bins have lids and/o1
2 covers. These lids/covers will cover the dumpsters and bins when
3 material is not being actively added or removed. In the 24 hours
4 preceding a QSE and throughout a QSE, dumpsters/bins are
5 considered to be actively in use if material is being added o1
6 removed at least once per hour. During dry periods outside of QSEs.
7 a dumpster/bin is considered to be actively in use if material is being
8 added or removed at least once per 24-hour period.
9 12.2.2. Repair damaged and rusted building siding on the cut of!
10 saw area of Building 2, that will be delineated on the Facility’s Site
11 Map, that allows materials to become exposed to stormwatet
12 outdoors;
13 12.2.3. Place all outdoor and exposed liquid-containing drums.
14 barrels, and totes as listed in the SWPPP and exposed to storm wate1
15 on or within secondary containment;
16 12.2.4. Implement a policy that requires the cleanup of any outdoot
17 spills as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the work shift
18 during which the spill occurred;
19 12.2.5. Implement a sweeping program to sweep the entire
20 accessible outdoor yard surface at least (1) once every other week
21 during the dry season (May-September) (“Dry Season’’), (2) once
22 per week during the wet season (October-April) (“Wet Season’).
23 and (3) within 24 hours of any forecasted rain event as reported by
24 Weather Underground (https:/wunderground.com) with a 50% o1
25 greater probability of delivering at least 0.1 inch of rain. Areas of
26 the yard that are inaccessible by a sweeper must be hand swept on
27 the same schedule;
yg || Consent Decree 7 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 12.2.6. Make good faith efforts to timely repair cracked o1
2 otherwise damaged pavement that is interfering with sweeper
3 effectiveness annually in advance of the Wet Season, as defined
4 above.
5
6 12.3. Cla-Val must implement the following by July 1, 2025:
7 12.3.1. Cla-Val must verify that the Aquip treatment system that is
8 currently present at the Facility has sufficient hydraulic capacity to
9 meet the advanced treatment design standard defined in the Storm
10 Water Permit to treat the additional stormwater runoff generated in
1] the catchments currently discharging via Outfalls 1 and 8-10
12 without negative effect on performance;
13 12.3.2. If the capacity of the current Aquip treatment system is
14 sufficient and Cla-Val elects to convey runoff from Outfalls 8, 9
15 and/or 10 to the existing Aquip treatment system, Cla-Val must
16 collect that additional runoff and deliver it for treatment. If capacity
17 of the current Aquip treatment system is not sufficient, Cla-Val must
18 determine suitable treatment for the additional runoff that results in
19 discharges to meet the limits in Table 1.
20 12.3.3. For Outfall 11, Cla-Val must review its NEC Checklist in
21 its SWPPP to confirm that none of the Industrial Materials o1
22 Activities listed in its NEC Checklist are, or will be in the
23 foreseeable future, exposed to precipitation, or comply with
24 paragraphs 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 for outfall 11.
25 12.4. Cla-Val must implement the following prior to a storm event with a 50%
26 or greater probability of delivering at least 0.1 inch of rain at the Facility
27
4g || Consent Decree 8 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 areas that discharge through Outfalls 2, 4, 5, and 12, as defined on the
2 Facility’s Site Map by October 1, 2024:
3 12.4.1. Cla-Val must install linear media filters (“socks”) in the
4 drainage pathways to the sampling points. The media in these
5 socks should be selected to provide the greatest potential to meet
6 NALs (and NELs for any of the outfalls (Outfalls 2, 4, 5, and 12)
7 that Cla-Val has not proven are not discharging to Newport Bay).
8 This selection should be achieved by bench-scale testing of actual
9 runoff at the Facility.
10 12.4.2. Cla-Val must develop detailed instructions to employ the
1] filter socks properly, including processes for placement in
12 preparation for storms, installation to avoid bypass underneath o1
13 between sections, avoidance of damage while deployed, inspection
14 after use, and criteria for replacement and must include such
15 instructions in its employee training under Paragraph 18.
16 13. Confirmation of Completion. Cla-Val shall provide Coastkeeper with written
17 ||documentation, including photographs, demonstrating that the required BMPs have been
18 |}implemented in compliance with Paragraphs 12.1 through 12.4 above within thirty (30)
19 of completion in each case.
20 B. Storm Water Sampling
21 14. Sampling. The following storm water monitoring procedures shall be
22 ||implemented at the Facility:
23 14.1. Frequency. During the Term of this Consent Decree and thereafter in
24 compliance with the Storm Water Permit, Cla-Val shall collect samples
25 from at least four (4) Qualifying Storm Events, as defined in the Storm
26
27
2g || Consent Decree 9 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 Water Permit (“QSEs”) per Reporting Year! from the analytical
2 monitoring locations described in the Facility SWPPP provided that at
3 least four (4) QSEs occur during the applicable reporting year. Cla-Val
4 shall sample at least two (2) QSEs during each half of the Reporting
5 Year.
6 14.2. Documentation. To document the storm water discharge and discharge
7 location, an employee shall take photographs of the storm □□□□
8 discharge and discharge location when samples are collected (the
9 “Sampling Photographs”).
10 14.3, Parameters. Subject to the provisions of Section XI.C.7 of the Permit.
11 all samples collected pursuant to this section shall be analyzed for the
12 parameters listed in Table | herein.
13 14.4. Lab. Except for pH samples, a laboratory accredited by the State of
14 California shall analyze all samples collected pursuant to this Consent
15 Decree. Unless otherwise required by the Storm Water Permit, analysis
16 of pH shall be completed onsite using a calibrated instrument for pH in
17 accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
18 14.5. Detection Limits. Cla-Val shall require that the laboratory use
19 analytical methods adequate to detect the individual parameters at o1
20 below the values specified in Table 1 or the Storm Water Permit.
21 whichever is lower.
22 14.6. Holding Time. All samples collected from the Facility shall be
23 delivered to the laboratory and analyzed within the holding times
24 required in 40 C.F.R. Part 136.
25 14.7. Results. Cla-Val shall request that sample-analysis results and
26
27 ||! Reporting Year is defined as between July 1 = June 30
2g || Consent Decree 10 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 associated chain of custody forms be reported to them within thirty (30)
2 business days of laboratory receipt of the sample.
3 14.8. Reporting. No later than thirty (30) days from receipt of the complete
4 laboratory report, Cla-Val shall (1) submit sampling results to the State
5 Board’s Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System
6 website (“SMARTS”) and (i1) provide the complete lab results to
7 Coastkeeper. Cla-Val shall also submit the Sampling Photographs to
8 Coastkeeper when it submits the sampling results.
9 C. Visual Observations
10 15. Storm Water Discharge Observations. During the Term of this Consent
11 |}Decree, Cla-Val shall conduct visual observations during each QSE that is sampled.
12 16. Non-Storm Water Discharge Observations. During the Term of this Consent
13 Decree, Cla-Val shall conduct monthly non-storm water visual observations pursuant to
14 Storm Water Permit.
15 17. Visual Observation Records. Cla-Val shall maintain observation records to
16 ||document compliance with Paragraphs 15 and 16 above and shall provide Coastkeeper with
17 ||copies of such records within fourteen (14) days of receipt of Coastkeeper’s written
18 || request.
19 D. Employee Training
20 18. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Cla-Val shall develop and
21 ||implement an employee training program that meets the following requirements and
22 ensures (1) there are a sufficient number of employees at the Facility designated to achieve
23 ||compliance with the Storm Water Permit and this Consent Decree (hereinafter referenced
24 “Designated Employees” or “DE”’); (2) such Designated Employees are properly trained
25 ||to perform the required activities to maintain compliance with the Storm Water Permit, the
26 ||Facility’s SWPPP, and this Consent Decree; and (3) all full-time regular (non-temporary)
27 ||non-clerical Cla-Val employees at the Facility (hereinafter referenced as “ALL
4g || Consent Decree 1] Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||Employees”) receive basic information regarding storm water housekeeping and best
2 || practices (the “Training Program’’). At a minimum, the Training Program shall include the
3 || following:
4 18.1. Non-Storm Water Discharges. Designated Employees shall be trained
5 on the Storm Water Permit’s prohibition of non-storm water discharges
6 so that Designated Employees know what non-storm water discharges
7 are, that non-storm water discharges can result from improper surface
8 washing or the release of any substance from the property, and how to
9 detect and prevent non-storm water discharges.
10 18.2. The SWPPP and BMPs. Cla-Val shall train all Designated Employees
1] on the SWPPP and, specifically, BMP implementation and/o1
12 maintenance, as applicable, to ensure BMPs are implemented
13 effectively to prevent the exposure of pollutants to storm water, prevent
14 the discharge of contaminated storm water, and ensure the proper
15 treatment of storm water at the Facility. Designated Employees shall be
16 trained on proper operational procedures and control measures as well
17 as appropriate hazardous materials use and hazardous waste control and
18 disposal procedures. All training of Designated Employees must
19 include the requirements of the Storm Water Permit and this Consent
20 Decree including the additional BMPs outlined in Paragraph 12 above.
21 18.3. Visual Observation. Cla-Val shall designate and train an adequate
22 number of Designated Employees necessary to collect storm water
23 samples from each discharge location at the Facility and conduct visual
24 monitoring, as required by this Consent Decree. Such training shall
25 include the proper sampling protocols, including chain of custody
26 requirements, to ensure storm water samples are properly collected.
27 stored, and submitted to a certified laboratory.
|| Consent Decree 12 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 18.4. Storm Water Sampling. Cla-Val shall designate an adequate number of
2 Designated Employees necessary to collect storm water samples as
3 required by this Consent Decree and the Storm Water Permit. The
4 Training Program shall include training of Designated Employees
5 sufficient to ensure (i) proper sampling protocols, including chain of
6 custody requirements, are followed at all times and (11) storm wate1
7 samples are properly collected, stored, and submitted to a certified
8 laboratory.
9 18.5. Training Implementation. Training of at least two Designated
10 Employees (hereinafter referenced as “Designated Trainers” or “DT,”
1] as identified in the Facility SWPPP) shall be provided by a Qualified
12 Industrial Storm Water Practitioner (a “QISP,” as defined in Section
13 IX.A of the Permit) familiar with the requirements of this Consent
14 Decree and the Storm Water Permit. The Designated Trainers and/o1
15 the QISP shall provide the training set forth in this Paragraph 18.
16 18.6. Language. The Training Program shall be conducted, and all training
17 materials shall be made available in the language in which the
18 employee(s) participating in the Training Program are fluent. □□
19 necessary to accomplish the foregoing or where translation would
20 otherwise contribute to (i) staff comprehension of the Training Program
21 and/or (ii) compliance with this Consent Decree and the Storm □□□□
22 Permit, Cla-Val shall provide translation services at all training sessions
23 and of all training materials.
24 18.7. Training Program Frequency — DE Employees. The Training Program
25 shall be repeated annually or more frequently as necessary to ensure all
26 Designated Employees are familiar with the requirements of this
27 Consent Decree and the Storm Water Permit. Designated Employees
|| Consent Decree 13 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 should, in any event, receive training prior to assuming responsibilities
2 under the Storm Water Permit or this Consent Decree.
3 18.8. Training Program Frequency — ALL Employees. ALL Employees who
4 have not received training shall receive initial training to ensure they
5 receive enough information regarding storm water housekeeping and
6 best practices to comply with this Consent Decree and the Storm Water
7 Permit. ALL Employees who are new shall receive this training within
8 one year of hiring or sooner if necessary. The past training for ALL
9 Employees does not need to be documented. Any future training of
10 ALL Employees must be documented.
11 18.9. Training Records. Cla-Val shall maintain training records to document
12 compliance with this section and shall provide Coastkeeper with a copy
13 of such records within fourteen (14) days of receipt of Coastkeeper’s
14 written request.
15 E. Reduction of Pollutants in Discharges
16 19. Storm Water Contaminant Reduction. Cla-Val shall develop and implement
17 ||BMPs such that contaminants in storm water discharges from the Facility maintain
18 ||concentrations that are equal to or less than the values set forth in Table | below (the
19 ||“Table 1 Values’). Failure to achieve Table 1 Values shall not be deemed a violation of
20 ||the Permit or this Consent Decree so long as Cla-Val continues to make timely and
21 diligent efforts as required by the Permit and herein to further reduce the level of
22 ||pollutants in the discharges. Starting in the first half of the 2025-2026 Reporting Year
23 any two Permit NEL exceedances and/or, separately, (ii) any two exceedances of the
24 ||same parameter of any Table 1 Value at any one Discharge Location, or (iii) three
25 ||exceedances of the same Table 1 Value from any combination of discharge locations in
26 ||the annual Reporting Year shall trigger the Action Plan requirements set forth in
27 ||Paragraph 20 below. Because for discharges to Newport Bay there are both NELs and
4g || Consent Decree 14 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 || NALs for lead, copper, and zinc, an exceedance of both an NEL and NAL for the same
2 ||parameter, shall be considered a single exceedance. In the event that Cla-Val is in the
3 || process of implementing additional structural BMPs not already required by this Consent
4 ||Decree prior to the 2025-2026 Reporting Year and the Action Plan requirements are
5 triggered, the Parties may agree that an Action Plan and Action Plan payment are not
6 ||required at the sole discretion of Coastkeeper. The Permit NELs noted below only apply
7 ||to discharges to Newport Bay.
8
9 Table 1. Numeric Values for Storm Water Discharges!
:
6.5 ~ 8.5 $.U.
Total Suspended Solids 100 mg/L Permit NAL
12 Oil and Grease 15 mg/L Permit NAL
Total Recoverable Zinc 0.095 mg/L Permit NEL
13 Total Recoverable Copper 0.00578 mg/L Permit NEL
14 Total Recoverable Aluminum | 0.75 mg/L Permit NAL
15 Total Recoverable Cadmium | 0.0053 mg/L Permit NAL
Total Recoverable Nickel Permit NAL
16 Total Recoverable Iron 1.0 mg/L Permit NAL
7 Total Recoverable Lead 0.221 mg/L Permit NEL
Nitrate + Nitrite (as Nitrogen) | 0.68 mg/L Permit NAL
18 Dissolved Chromium (VI) 0.016 mg/L California Toxics Rule
19 0.26 mg/L Permit NAL
Copper, Total 0.0332 mg/L Permit NAL
20 Lead, Total 0.262 mg/L Permit NAL
21
7 || Coastkeeper agrees if any Table | parameter is not detected, from any discharge location
93 ||in three consecutive QSEs, then that parameter will be removed from Table | in this
4 Consent Decree for the remainder of its Term for that specific discharge location.”
25 20. Action Plan. In the event the requirement to prepare an Action Plan is
6 ||ttiggered at the Facility pursuant to Paragraph 19 above, Cla-Val shall prepare and
27 Not detected shall be identified as either non-detect (“ND”) or a value less than the laboratory detection limit.
4g || Consent Decree 15 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||submit to Coastkeeper a plan for reducing and/or eliminating the discharge of the
2 || parameter in question during the next Reporting Year at the Facility (an “Action □□□□□□□
3 ||In any year that an Action Plan is required, such Action Plan shall be submitted by July
4 || 1 following the sample results that triggered the Action Plan. No more than one Action
5 will be required in any given year.
6 20.1. Requirements. Each Action Plan submitted shall include, at a
7 minimum: (1) the identification of the contaminant(s) discharged in
8 excess of the Table 1 Value(s), (2) an assessment of the source of each
9 contaminant exceedance, (3) the identification of additional BMPs.
10 including but not limited to: pavement repair for areas with significant
1] degradation, improved storm water treatment or other appropriate
12 measures, that shall be implemented to achieve compliance with the
13 Table 1 Value(s), and (4) time schedules for implementation of the
14 proposed BMPs. The time schedule(s) for implementation shall ensure
15 all BMPs are implemented as soon as possible, but in no event □□□□
16 than October | following the submittal of the Action Plan, unless a later
17 implementation date is mutually agreed upon by the Settling Parties.
18 Coastkeeper shall have discretion to waive the Action Plan
19 Requirements of this paragraph.
20 20.2. Action Plan Review. Coastkeeper shall have thirty (30) days upon
21 receipt of Cla-Val’s Action Plan to provide Cla-Val with comments.
22 Within thirty (30) days of receiving Coastkeeper’s comments on an
23 Action Plan, Cla-Val shall accept and incorporate Coastkeeper’s
24 comments into the Action Plan, or, alternatively, justify in writing why
25 any comment is not being incorporated. Any disputes regarding the
26 adequacy of a particular BMP shall not impact the schedule □□
27 implementing any other BMP set forth in the Action Plan. Any disputes
|| Consent Decree 16 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 as to the adequacy of the Action Plan and/or Cla-Val’s failure to
2 incorporate Coastkeeper’s comments shall be resolved pursuant to the
3 dispute resolution provisions of this Consent Decree, set out in Section
4 III below.
5 21. | When an Action Plan is completed, Cla-Val shall revise the Facility’s SWPPP
6 || within thirty (30) days of completion of the Action Plan to reflect the changes required by
7 Action Plan. Cla-Val shall notify Coastkeeper in writing when the Action Plan has been
8 ||implemented and shall submit the revised SWPPP to Coastkeeper for review and comment
9 set out in Paragraphs 24 and 25 below.
10 22. Action Plan Payments. If Cla-Val is required to submit an Action Plan to
11 ||Coastkeeper in accordance with Paragraphs 19 and 20 above, Cla-Val shall make a one-
12 |/time payment of four thousand four hundred forty-four dollars and forty-four cents
13 || ($4,444.44) per Action Plan concurrently with each Action Plan submittal. Such payment
14 ||shall be delivered via certified mail or overnight delivery to: Orange County Coastkeeper.
15 |}3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F-110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, unless made via wire transfer.
16 F. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
17 23. SWPPP. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Cla-Val shall amend
18 ||the Facility’s SWPPP to incorporate the requirements of the Storm Water Permit and this
19 Consent Decree, which include but are not limited to the following:
20 23.1. Sign and certify the Facility’s SWPPP;
21 23.2. Update the individual(s) responsible for compliance with the Storm
22 Water Permit and this Consent Decree, including the name of the
23 person heading the program and positions responsible for specific areas
24 of compliance (e.g., Safety Coordinator, collecting storm □□□□□
25 samples) and the procedures to identify alternate team members to
26 implement the SWPPP and to conduct required monitoring when the
27 regularly assigned team members are temporarily unavailable;
|| Consent Decree 17 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 23.3. Update Facility BMPs as set forth in this Consent Decree within the
2 time periods indicated above in Paragraph 12;
3 23.4. Revise the pollutant source assessment to include all pollutants likely
4 to be present at the Facility including, but not limited to, each of the
5 pollutants identified in Table 1 of this Consent Decree;
6 23.5. Revise the monitoring plan to address all pollutants identified in the
7 pollutant source assessment, including, but not limited to, each of the
8 pollutants identified in the pollutant source assessment, including, but
9 not limited to, each of the pollutants identified in Table 1 of this
10 Consent Decree;
1] 23.6. If applicable, include a list of materials that have spilled or leaked from
12 the Facility, including their location(s), characteristics, and
13 approximate quantities, and preventative measures taken to ensure
14 spills or leaks of the material(s) do not reoccur; and
15 24. Revising the SWPPP. Cla-Val shall revise the Facility’s SWPPP if there are
16 || any significant changes in the Facility’s operations, including but not limited to changes to
17 ||storm water discharge point(s) or significant changes/additions to the BMPs at the Facility,
18 || whether made pursuant to an Action Plan or not, within thirty (30) days of the occurrence
19 any of the above-listed events.
20 25. Commenting on Revised SWPPPs, Cla-Val shall submit each revised SWPPP
21 ||to Coastkeeper for review and comment within thirty (30) days of its completion.
22 || Coastkeeper shall provide comments, if any, to Cla-Val within thirty (30) days of receipt
23 the SWPPP. Within thirty (30) days of receiving Coastkeeper’s comments on the
24 ||SWPPP, Cla-Val shall accept and incorporate Coastkeeper’s comments into the SWPPP
25 |lor, alternatively, justify in writing why any comment is not being incorporated. Any
26 ||disputes as to the adequacy of a SWPPP and/or Cla-Val’s failure to incorporate
27 || Coastkeeper’s comments shall be resolved pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions 01
4g || Consent Decree 18 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||this Consent Decree, set out in Section III below.
2 G. Compliance Monitoring and Reporting
3 26. Annual Site Inspections. Coastkeeper and its representatives may conduct one
4 ||(1) wet weather site inspections and one (1) dry weather site inspections per year at the
5 Facility during the Term of this Consent Decree. In the event of a dispute between the
6 || Settling Parties regarding Cla-Val’s compliance with this Consent Decree and provided 2
7 ||site inspection would be relevant to resolving such dispute, the Settling Parties agree to
8 ||meet and confer regarding an additional site inspection. Plaintiff shall not unreasonably
9 ||request, and Defendant shall not unreasonably deny the additional site inspection.
10 26.1. The site inspections shall occur Monday through Friday, excluding
1] Federal and religious holidays, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
12 Coastkeeper shall provide Cla-Val with no less than seventy-two (72)
13 hours’ notice before any site inspection. Notice will be provided via
14 electronic mail to the notice recipient(s) designated in Paragraph 42
15 below. For any site inspection requested to occur in wet weather.
16 Coastkeeper shall be entitled to adjust timing during normal business
17 hours or reschedule the inspection for an alternative date during normal
18 business hours if the forecast changes and anticipated precipitation
19 appears unlikely, and thus frustrates the purpose of visiting the Facility
20 in wet weather. As used throughout this Paragraph 26.1, “normal
21 business hours” shall mean and refer to the Facility operating hours as
22 identified in the Facility’s SWPPP. For any site inspection requested to
23 occur during dry weather, either party shall have the option to
24 reschedule within a reasonable time-period, not to exceed thirty (30)
25 days from the requested date. The Parties agree to meet in good faith to
26 accommodate the needs and schedules of both Parties and thei1
27 representatives to facilitate any dry weather inspection.
|| Consent Decree 19 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 26.2. During the site inspections, Coastkeeper shall be allowed access to the
2 Facility’s SWPPP, storm water visual observation records, storm watet
3 employee training records, and other storm water monitoring records,
4 reports, Sampling Photographs (as defined above), and storm water
5 sampling data for the Facility.
6 26.3. Coastkeeper shall limit inspection participants to three individuals, all
7 of whom agree to execute the attached Release and Waiver (Exhibit A)
8 prior to entering the Facility. During the site inspections, Coastkeeper
9 may inspect and collect samples of storm water discharges from the
10 Facility and take photos and/or videos related to Storm Water Permit
1] and/or Consent Decree compliance. Plaintiff shall not disclose any
12 information (e.g., photos, videos, sample data) obtained as a result of 2
13 Site Inspection to any third party, except that such information may be
14 disclosed to: (a) a consultant for the limited purpose of assessing the
15 Facility’s storm water pollution control program; and/or (b) the District
16 Court as part of enforcing compliance with this Consent Decree. A
17 certified California laboratory shall analyze samples collected by
18 Coastkeeper and copies of the lab reports shall be provided to Cla-Val
19 within five (5) business days of Coastkeeper’s receipt. Within ten (10)
20 business days after a site inspection, Coastkeeper shall provide Cla-Val
21 with a duplicate set of any photographs and videos that were taken.
22 27. Reporting and Document Provision. During the Term of this Consent Decree,
23 Cla-Val shall provide Coastkeeper with a copy of all documents, monitoring and/or
24 sampling data, written communications, and/or correspondence related to Permit
25 compliance at the Facility that are submitted to the Regional Water Board, State Water
26 Board, and/or any Federal, State, or local agency, county, or municipality. Such reports
27
2g || Consent Decree 20 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 |}and documents shall be provided to Coastkeeper concurrently as they are sent to the
2 ||agencies, counties, and/or municipalities. Any documents, written communications, and/or
3 correspondence related to Cla-Val’s compliance with the Storm Water Permit received by
4 ||Cla-Val from any Federal, State, or local agency, county or municipality shall be provided
5 ||to Coastkeeper within ten (10) business days of receipt by Cla-Val.
6 H. Environmental Mitigation Project, Litigation Fees and Costs,
7 Stipulated Penalties and Interest.
8 28. Compliance Monitoring and Oversight. Cla-Val agrees to partially defray
9 || costs associated with Coastkeeper’s monitoring of Cla-Val’s compliance with this Consent
10 ||Decree in the amount of forty thousand dollars ($40,000). Such payment shall be made
11 |} within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date. Payment shall be delivered via certified mail
12 overnight delivery to: Orange County Coastkeeper, 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F-110.
13 || Costa Mesa, CA 92626, unless made via wire transfer.
14 29. Environmentally Beneficial Project. To remediate the environmental harms
15 alleged to have resulted from the allegations in the Notice Letter and Complaint, Cla-Val
16 agrees to make a payment of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to the Environmental Nature
V7 Center, 1601 E. 16" Street, Newport Beach, California 92663. Cla-Val shall make such a
18 payment within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date. Cla-Val shall provide Coastkeepet
19 a copy of such payment and copy Coastkeeper and its attorneys on any related
20 correspondence.
30. | Coastkeeper’s Fees and Costs. To partially reimburse Coastkeeper for its
33 investigation fees and costs, expert/consultant fees and costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees.
34 and other costs incurred as a result of investigating and filing the lawsuit and negotiating
resolution of this matter, Cla-Val shall pay a total of one hundred sixty thousand dollars.
> ($160,000) within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, delivered via certified mail o1
overnight delivery to: Orange County Coastkeeper, 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F-110.
ag ||ConsentDecree = Cil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||Costa Mesa, CA 92626, unless made via wire transfer.
2 31. Stipulated Payment. For any missed deadline, Coastkeeper shall promptly
3 notify Cla-Val in writing of the missed deadline and provide Cla-Val no fewer than five
4 (5) business days to cure. Cla-Val shall make a stipulated remediation payment of $1,000
5 (One Thousand Dollars) for any and each missed deadline specified in this Consent Decree
6 not previously extended in writing by the Settling Parties or cured upon notice by
7 Coastkeeper. Payments for a missed deadline shall be made for the restoration and/o1
8 improvement of the watershed in the area affected by Cla-Val’s discharges and shall be
9 made to the Environmental Nature Center identified above and delivered via check or wire
10 transfer. Cla-Val agrees to make the stipulated payment within thirty (30) days of the
1] || missed deadline. Cla-Val shall provide Coastkeeper with a copy of each such payment at
12 || the time it is made.
13 | 11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
14 32. Court Enforcement Authority. This Court shall retain jurisdiction over this
15 matter for the Term of this Consent Decree for the purposes of enforcing the terms and
16 || conditions and adjudicating all disputes among the Settling Parties that may arise under the
7 provisions of this Consent Decree. The Court shall have the power to enforce this Consent
18 || Decree with all available legal and equitable remedies, including contempt.
19 33. Meet and Confer. The Settling Parties shall at all times work informally in
20 good faith to address any issues that might arise concerning Cla-Val's compliance with the
21 Storm Water Permit, the Clean Water Act, and/or RCRA occurring or arising after the
22 Effective Date of the Consent Decree, however; a Settling Party shall be able to invoke the
23 dispute resolution procedures of this Section III by notifying all other Settling Parties in
24 writing of the matter(s) in dispute and the disputing party’s proposal for resolution. The
25 Settling Parties shall then meet and confer in good faith (either telephonically or in person)
26 || within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notice in an attempt to fully resolve
27
2g || Consent Decree 22 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 || the dispute within thirty (30) days. The Settling Parties may, but are not required to, elect
2 ||to extend these time periods in an effort to resolve the dispute without court intervention.
3 34. Formal Resolution. If the Settling Parties cannot resolve a dispute through the
4 ||meet and confer process discussed above, the Settling Party initiating the dispute resolution
5 || provision may invoke formal dispute resolution by filing a motion before the United States
6 || District Court for the Central District of California. The Settling Parties agree to request an
7 expedited hearing schedule on the motion.
8 35. Fees and Costs. If intervention by the District Court is required, civil penalties
9 ||and litigation costs and fees incurred in conducting the meet and confer or otherwise
10 ||}addressing and/or resolving any dispute, including an alleged breach of this Consent
11 Decree, shall be awarded to the prevailing or substantially prevailing party in accordance
12 || with the standard established by Section 505 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1365(d)
13 |fand 1319(d), Section 7002(e) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6972(e), applicable case law
14 ||interpreting such provisions, or as otherwise provided for by statute and/or case law.
15 || MUTUAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE
16 36. | Coastkeeper’s Release. Upon the Effective Date of this Consent Decree.
17 || Coastkeeper, on its own behalf and on behalf of its current and former officers, directors.
18 |}employees, and each of their successors and assigns, and its agents, attorneys, and other
19 representatives, hereby releases Cla-Val and each of their current and former officers.
20 directors, managers, members, employees, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates,
21 ||insurers, landlords, lenders, shareholders and each of their predecessors, successors and
22 ||assigns, and each of their agents, attorneys, consultants, and other representatives of and
23 || from, from and waives all claims which were or could have been asserted in Coastkeeper’ s
24 || Notice Letter and Complaint up to and including the Termination Date of this Consent
25 || Decree.
26 37. Cla-Val’s Release. Upon the Effective Date of this Consent Decree, Cla-Val.
27 || on their own behalf and on behalf of their current and former officers, directors, employees.
7g || Consent Decree 23 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||members, and each of their successors and assigns, and their agents, attorneys, and other
2 ||representatives, hereby release Coastkeeper (and its current and former officers, directors,
3 ||employees, members, parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and each of their successors and
4 ||assigns, and its agents, attorneys, and other representatives) of and from, and waives all
5 ||claims which arise from or pertain to this action, including all claims for fees (including
6 || fees of attorneys, experts, and others), costs, expenses or any other sum incurred or claimed
7 ||for matters related to, or which could have been asserted in response to, Coastkeeper’s
8 ||Complaint up to and including the Termination Date of this Consent Decree, except for
9 || fees, costs, expenses or any other sum incurred or claimed pursuant to Paragraph 34 of this
10 ||Consent Decree.
11 || IV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
12 38. | No Admission of Liability. The Parties enter into this Consent Decree for the
13 ||purpose of avoiding prolonged and costly litigation on disputed claims. Neither this
14 || Consent Decree, the implementation of additional BMPs, nor any payment made pursuant
15 |/to this Consent Decree shall constitute or be construed as a finding, adjudication.
16 |}admission, or acknowledgment of any fact, law, or liability, nor as an admission of
17 || violation of any law, rule, or regulation. The Defendant maintains and reserves all defenses
18 |/it may have to any alleged violations that may be raised in the future.
19 39. Force Majeure. No Settling Party shall be considered to be in default in the
20 ||performance of any of its respective obligations under this Consent Decree when
21 || performance becomes impossible due to an event of Force Majeure. Force Majeure is any
22 ||event arising from: war; fire; earthquake; windstorm; flood or natural catastrophe; civil
23 || disturbance; vandalism; pandemic or public health threat; sabotage or terrorism; restraint
24 court order or public authority or agency; or action or non-action by, or inability to
25 || obtain the necessary authorizations or approvals from, any governmental agency. A Force
26 || Majeure shall not include normal inclement weather, economic hardship, inability to pay.
27 ||or employee negligence. Any Settling Party seeking to rely upon this paragraph to excuse
4g || Consent Decree 24 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 || or postpone performance shall have the burden of establishing that it could not reasonably
2 been expected to avoid the Force Majeure event and that despite exercise of due
3 || diligence has been unable to overcome the failure of performance. The Settling Parties
4 ||shall exercise due diligence to resolve and remove any Force Majeure event. Delay in
5 ||compliance with a specific obligation under this Consent Decree due to Force Majeure as
6 ||defined in this paragraph shall not excuse or delay compliance with any or all other
7 || obligations required under this Consent Decree.
8 40. Construction. The language in all parts of this Consent Decree shall be
9 || construed according to its plain and ordinary meaning, except as to those terms defined in
10 ||the Storm Water Permit, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, or specifically herein. The captions
11 paragraph headings used in this Consent Decree are for reference only and shall not
12 || affect the construction of this Consent Decree.
13 41. Choice of Law. The laws of the United States shall govern this Consent
14 || Decree.
15 42. Severability. If any provision, paragraph, section, or sentence of this Consent
16 Decree is held by a court to be unenforceable, the validity of the enforceable provisions
17 || shall not be adversely affected.
18 43. Correspondence. All documents and/or notices required herein or any other
19 || correspondence pertaining to this Consent Decree shall be sent by electronic mail or, if
20 ||electronic mail transmission is not feasible, via certified U.S. Mail with return receipt, o1
21 || courier, as follows:
22
23 If to Plaintiff:
24 Orange County Coastkeeper
5 Attn: Legal Department
Email: Sarah@coastkeeper.org
26 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F-110
Costa Mesa, California 92626
4g ||ConsentDecree 25. Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162—
1
If to Cla-Val:
2
3 Ruben Castellon
Email: rcastellon@raflawgroup.com
4 RAF Law Group
5 133 Vista Lane
Watsonville, CA 95076
6
7
With a copy to:
8
9 Griswold Industries dba Cla-Val Co.
Attention: Martin Pickett and Ryan Pickett
10 Email: mpickett@cla-val.com, rpickett@cla-val.com
11 1701 Placentia Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
12
13
Any change of address or addresses shall be communicated in the manner described
above for giving notices. Notifications of communications shall be deemed submitted
16 immediately after receipt via email or the next business day after having been deposited
V7 with U.S. mail or courier service.
12 44. Effect of Consent Decree. Nothing in this Consent Decree shall be construed
19 to affect or limit in any way Cla-Val’s obligation to comply with all Federal, State, and
local laws and regulations governing any activity required by this Consent Decree.
Compliance with this Consent Decree shall not be deemed to constitute compliance with
the Storm Water Permit, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, or any other law, rule, or regulation.
45. Cla-Val Assignment or Sale of Property. Subject only to the express
conditions contained in this Consent Decree, all the rights, duties, and obligations
95 contained in this Consent Decree shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Settling Parties, and their successors and assigns. In the event a Cla-Val transferee or assign
(“Cla-Val Assignee”) will continue industrial operations at the Facility, Cla-Val shall
4g || Consent Decree 26 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||notify Coastkeeper ten (10) days in advance of the proposed transfer or assignment (“the
2 || Assignment Notice’) and within ten (10) days following the Assignment Notice, Cla-Val
3 || will provide Coastkeeper with a written assignment and assumption duly executed by Cla-
4 || Val and the Cla-Val Assignee assigning Cla-Val’s obligations under this Consent Decree
5 ||to the Cla-Val Assignee. In the event Cla-Val transfers, sells, or otherwise disposes of the
6 Facility and underlying real property, Cla-Val shall notify Coastkeeper ten (10) days in
7 advance of the proposed transfer, sale, or disposition (the “Property Transfer Notice’) and
8 within ten (10) days following the Property Transfer Notice, Cla-Val will provide
9 || Coastkeeper with a written assignment duly executed and acknowledged by Cla-Val and
10 Facility transferee (“Facility Transferee’”) assigning Cla-Val’s obligations under this
11 ||Consent Decree to the Property Transferee.
12 46. Counterparts. This Consent Decree may be executed in any number of
13 |}counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one original document. Telecopy, email
14 a .pdf signature, and/or facsimile copies of original signature shall be deemed to be
15 originally executed counterparts of this Consent Decree.
16 47. Modification of the Consent Decree. This Consent Decree, and any provisions
17 ||herein, may not be changed, waived, discharged, extended, or terminated unless by a
18 || written instrument, signed by the Settling Parties.
19 48. Full Settlement. This Consent Decree constitutes a full and final settlement of
20 matter.
21 49. Negotiated Settlement. The Settling Parties have negotiated this Consent
22 Decree and agree that it shall not be construed against the party preparing it but shall be
23 ||construed as if the Settling Parties jointly prepared this Consent Decree, and any
24 || uncertainty and/or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any one party.
25 50. Integration Clause. This is an integrated Consent Decree. This Consent
26 Decree is intended to be a full and complete statement of the terms of the agreement
27 ||between the Settling Parties and expressly supersedes any and all prior oral or written
2g || Consent Decree 27 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
1 ||agreements covenants, representations, and warranties (express or implied) concerning the
2 subject matter of this Consent Decree.
3 51. Authority. The undersigned representatives for each Settling Party each
4 certify s/he is fully authorized by the Settling Party whom s/he represents to enter into the
5 ||terms and conditions of this Consent Decree. The Settling Parties certify that their
6 ||undersigned representatives are fully authorized to enter into this Consent Decree, to
7 ||execute it on behalf of the Settling Parties, and to legally bind the Settling Parties to its
8 terms.
9 52. Validity. The Settling Parties agree to be bound by this Consent Decree and
10 |/not to contest its validity in any subsequent proceeding to implement or enforce its terms.
1]
12 [Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]
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9g || Consent Decree 28 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
l IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Consent Decree as
2 ||of the date first set forth below.
3
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT
4
5 <—
Dated: October 8 , 2024 By: Lowy Broun
6 Garry Brown
7 Orange County Coastkeeper
8
9 Dated: October 7 , 2024 By:
Name: Ryan Pickett
10 Title: __ Vice President of Operations
11
12 APPROVED AS TO FORM
13
14 ORANGE COUNTY COASTKEEPER
15 f p. D
Dated: _ October 8 , 2024 By:
16 Sarah Spinuzzi
17 Attorney for Plaintiff
18
19 5 Ja
Dated: _ October 8 , 2024 By:
20 Ruben A. Castellon
1 Attorney for Defendant
22
93 IS SO ORDERED. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
24
25 Ly
Dated: November 27 _, 2024 ol L/ /—
26 Honorable Fred W. Slaughter
27
28 Consent Decree 29 Civil Case No. 8:24-cv-02162
i U.S. Department of Justice
4 Ss
ee Environment and Natural Resources Division
90-1-24-06700
Law and Policy Section Telephone (202) 514-1442
P.O. Box 7415 Facsimile (202) 514-4231
Washington, DC 20044-7415
November 19, 2024
PROVIDED TO COUNSEL OF RECORD
TO SUBMIT TO THE COURT VIA ECF
Clerk’s Office
United States District Court
Central District of California
First Street Courthouse
350 West Ist Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
Re: | Orange County Coastkeeper v. Griswold Industries (C.D. Cal.), Case No. 8:24-
cv-2162
Dear Clerk of Court:
I am writing to notify you that the United States has reviewed the proposed consent
judgment in this action and does not object to its entry by this Court.
On October 8, 2024, the Citizen Suit Coordinator for the Department of Justice received a
copy of the proposed consent judgment in the above-referenced case for review pursuant to the
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365(c)(3).' This provision provides, in relevant part:
No consent judgment shall be entered in an action in which the United States is not
a party prior to 45 days following the receipt of a copy of the proposed consent
judgment by the Attorney General and the Administrator.
' The term “consent judgment” in the Clean Water Act citizen suit provisions has a broad
meaning and encompasses all instruments entered with the consent of the parties that have the
effect of resolving any portion of the case. For example, a document stipulating to dismissal of a
case of any part thereof is within the scope of this language. Such documents and any associated
instruments must be submitted to the United States and the court for review, notwithstanding any
provisions purporting to maintain the confidentiality of such materials. The Department
monitors citizen suit litigation to review compliance with this requirement.
See also 40 C.F.R. § 135.5 (service on Citizen Suit Coordinator in the U.S. Department of
Justice). A settlement that does not undergo this federal review process is at risk of being void.
In its review, the United States seeks to ensure that the proposed consent judgment
complies with the requirements of the relevant statute and is consistent with its purposes. See
Local 93, Int’l Ass’n of Firefighters v. City of Cleveland, 478 U.S. 501, 525-26 (1986) (a consent
decree should conform with and further the objectives of the law upon which the complaint was
based). For example, if the defendant has been out of compliance with statutory or permit
requirements, the proposed consent judgment should require the defendant to come into prompt
compliance and should include a civil penalty, enforceable remedies, injunctive relief, and/or an
environmentally beneficial project payment sufficient to deter future violations, or combinations
of the above.
In this case, the proposed consent decree requires, inter alia, that Cla-Val submit a
payment to a non-party organization to fund environmental project activities that will remediate
the environmental harm alleged to have resulted from the allegations in the Notice Letter and
Complaint. Where a consent judgment provides for the payment of sums to a third party that is to
undertake an environmentally beneficial project and/or acquire a property interest that will have
environmental benefits, the United States typically requests that the third party provide a letter to
the Court and to the United States representing that it is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt entity and that it:
(1) has read the proposed consent judgment; (2) will spend any monies it receives under the
proposed judgment for the purposes specified in the judgment; (3) will not use any money
received under the proposed consent judgment for political lobbying activities; and (4) will
submit to the Court, the United States, and the parties a letter describing how the funds were
spent. In a letter attached as Exhibit A, the intended recipient of the funds, the Environmental
Nature Center, confirmed that any funds received as a result of the proposed consent decree
would be used solely for the purpose outlined in the consent decree and no portion of the funds
would be used for political lobbying activities. The United States believes that this letter will
help to ensure that any monies expended under the consent judgment will be used in a manner
that furthers the purposes of the Clean Water Act and that is consistent with the law and the
public interest.
Given the facts of this case, the United States has no objection to the proposed consent
judgment. The fact that we do not have a basis to object to this consent judgment does not imply
approval of this instrument.
The United States affirms for the record that it is not bound by this settlement. See, e.g.,
Hathorn v. Lovorn, 457 U.S. 255, 268 n.23 (1982) (Attorney General is not bound by cases to
which he was not a party); Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd. v. Chesapeake Bay Found. Inc., 484 U.S.
49, 60 (1987) (explaining that citizen suits are intended to “supplement rather than supplant
governmental action”); Sierra Club v. Electronic Controls Design, 909 F.2d 1350, 1356 n.8 (9th
Cir. 1990) (explaining that the United States is not bound by citizen suit settlements, and may
“bring its own enforcement action at any time”); 131 Cong. Rec. S15,633 (June 13, 1985)
(statement of Senator Chafee, on Clean Water Act section 505(c)(3), confirming that the United
States is not bound by settlements when it is not a party). The United States also notes that, if
the parties subsequently propose to modify any final consent judgment entered in this case, the
parties should so notify the United States, and provide a copy of the proposed modifications,
forty-five days before the Court enters any such modifications. See 33 U.S.C. §1365(c)(3).
We appreciate the attention of the Court. Please contact the undersigned at 202-304-2636
if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
/s/ Joseph Manning
Joseph Manning, Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
Law and Policy Section
P.O. Box 7415
Washington, D.C. 20044-4390
cc: Counsel of Record via ECF
EXHIBIT A
Sl Qi ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER
Bryn Bowen
United States Department of Justice
Bryn.Bowen@usdoj.gov
Subject: Representation by the Environmental Nature Center Regarding Griswold Industries’
Environmentally Beneficial Project
Dear Mr. Bowen,
1. On behalf of the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), | am writing to provide the information
requested by the Department of Justice concerning the consent judgment between Orange
County Coastkeeper and Griswold Industries (Civil Case No 8:24-cv-02162). As the ENCis a
beneficiary of Griswold Industries’ Environmentally Beneficial Project (as outlined in Section
H.29 of the consent decree), we offer the following representations:
2, The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, Our tax ID
number ‘i
3. We have read the proposed consent judgment in Civil Case No 8:24-cv-02162
4. Wewill ensure that any funds received under the proposed consent judgment will be used
solely for the purposes specified within the consent judgment.
5. No funds received under this judgment will be used for political lobbying activities.
6. Upon completion of the expenditure of the funds provided by this settlement, we will submit a
letter to the Court, the United States, and the parties, detailing how the funds were used.
7. The attached project description provides a detailed outline of how the ENC plans to allocate
the funds to enhance watershed education and foster environmental stewardship in our
community.
Project Description:
The Environmental Nature Center (ENC) will utilize the funds to create interactive tools and
demonstrations focused on watershed education. These resources will enable students and the broader
community to better understand the relationship between land use and ocean health, emphasizing the
impact of human activities on watersheds and local ecosystems. The project includes the following
components:
¢ Interactive Educational Displays and Demonstrations: Development of exhibits that highlight
watershed management and water conservation practices.
¢ Models and Materials: Acquisition of tools that allow students to visualize water’s journey from
land to ocean, enhancing their understanding of water systems.
¢ Instructional Programs and Resources: Creation of educational activities aimed at deepening
students' knowledge of watersheds and fostering environmental stewardship.
¢ Instructional Materials: Purchase of essential supplies such as salinity gauges, nitrate and pH
test strips, microscopes, and water quality testing kits for hands-on learning experiences.
e Staffing: Support for ENC’s educators who lead engaging activities that promote water-use
efficiency and conservation through field trips and outreach events.
encenter.org | I601E. 16th Street. Newport Beach,CA 92663 | (949) 645-8489
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¢ Professional Development: Funding for workshops that train K-12 teachers in innovative water
conservation techniques, equipping them to integrate these lessons into their classrooms.
e Traveling Naturalist Program: Expansion of outreach efforts to provide environmental
education programs to schools throughout Orange County, ensuring equitable access for all
students.
« Community Engagement: Support for ENC’s Community Engagement Coordinator, who partners
with underserved schools to offer free access to environmental programs.
e Scout Program Materials: Provision of supplies for water education activities in programs like
"Brownies Wonders of Water," promoting early conservation ethics in young students.
These funds will help the ENC continue offering transformative educational experiences that inspire a
commitment to environmental stewardship in our community. We appreciate this opportunity to
enhance our programs and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on students
throughout Orange County.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require any additional information. We will be pleased to
provide further details or clarification as needed.
Sincerely,
o Glover
President & CEO
Environmental Nature Center
1601 E. 16" Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-645-8489 ext. 101
bo@encenter.org