Bepex-Hosakawa
River Watch vs. Bepex-Hosakawa
Location: Santa Rosa
Background: Volatile organic compounds entered and contaminated the groundwater in and around the facility, which was designated as a source of drinking water. Groundwater samples showed evidence of benzene, trichloroethane (TCA), dichlorethene (DCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), and petroleum hydrocarbons in significant amounts dating back to at least 1993. Benzene, TCA, DCE, PCE, TCE, and petroleum hydrocarbons are known carcinogens and are known to cause birth defects. This facility has a long history of pollution problems, which have been extensively documented by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and the facility’s consultants.
RW Action and Results: RW sent a Prop 65 Notice Letter and a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Notice Letter. The case was settled without filing suit. In the settlement Bepex-Hosakawa agreed to accelerate its cleanup of the site, to provide all documents concerning site remediation to RW, and allow River Watch the right to enter and inspect the property for the purposes of compliance with the settlement agreement.
Notice Letter
Complaint
Consent Decree