LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION
Contaminated Waterway
Gilroy, CA: (Apr-22-08) Santa Clara County and other federal agencies brought charges against Christopher Ranch, a Gilroy-based garlic processor, alleging that contaminated water spilled from the company facility into the Carnadero Creek. The suit claimed that the contaminated water deprived fish of oxygen and at least nine steelhead salmon, which are federally protected, were among several hundred fish killed. Federal officials stated that the spill was the result of the facility's negligence in maintaining its stormwater system. They said that the company failed to inspect the gate regularly in the six months preceding the spill.
As part of a settlement agreement reached by the two sides, documents reveal that Christopher Ranch agreed to pay $60,000 to resolve allegations. Court records indicated that Christopher Ranch was cited in 2001 for leaving the gate open, which is supposed to remain closed unless the area is flooded, according to the district attorney's office. Christopher Ranch officials stated that the company quickly admitted liability for water pollution and has spent more than $250,000 on its storm water system. Of the $60,000 payout, some will go towards civil penalties for damage to wildlife and costs to agencies investigating the spill. The money will be deposited into fish and game preservations funds maintained by Santa Clara County and the California Department of Fish and Game. [KCBA NEWS: GILROY GARLIC PROCESSOR PAYS $60,000 IN SETTLEMENT]
Published on Apr-23-08
As part of a settlement agreement reached by the two sides, documents reveal that Christopher Ranch agreed to pay $60,000 to resolve allegations. Court records indicated that Christopher Ranch was cited in 2001 for leaving the gate open, which is supposed to remain closed unless the area is flooded, according to the district attorney's office. Christopher Ranch officials stated that the company quickly admitted liability for water pollution and has spent more than $250,000 on its storm water system. Of the $60,000 payout, some will go towards civil penalties for damage to wildlife and costs to agencies investigating the spill. The money will be deposited into fish and game preservations funds maintained by Santa Clara County and the California Department of Fish and Game. [
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