Pacific Clay Slapped For Polluting Local Waterways

A Lake Elsinore-based mining operation is being slapped with a $40,000 fine for polluting local waterways, and the amount could go higher if there is further public outcry.

A July 20 complaint drafted by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board alleges numerous violations of the law by Pacific Clay, including discharging sediment-laden runoff into U.S. waterways. (Click on the attached PDF file to view the complaint or click here to download directly from the state.)

Pacific Clay, a mining operation, owns approximately 1,400 acres in the city. The company, which mines clay and aggregates, also has a brick manufacturing plant at its Lake Elsinore site.

Despite repeated warnings and violations spanning decades, as recently as Dec. 24, 2010, a site inspection by Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board staff found that, as a result of Pacific Clay’s mining activities, the company has continued to allow sediment-laden water to flow directly into local water systems, according to the complaint.

Even after the December inspection, the Board found problems still existed at Pacific Clay, according to the complaint.

In February 2011, “Staff noted a lot of evidence of sediment discharges, including a sediment basin that failed, the areas that had been hydromulched/seeded in February 2010 had germinated less than 25%, and check dams in the channel that were still not maintained. … There were indications that the sediment laden discharges … had entered the creek,” according to the complaint.

The complaint follows in which state mining officials blasted Pacific Clay -- and the city of Lake Elsinore -- for lax oversight of mining operations.

Pacific Clay has responded to the July complaint in an August 19 letter to the Board. Subsequently, both the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and Pacific Clay have agreed that the company will be hit with the $40,000 fine. Under the agreement, Pacific Clay has also waived its right to a hearing.

But the matter isn't over.  Through October 24, the public is invited to comment on the complaint. If significant comments are made, a public hearing will be called and a notice will be posted.

Comments on the complaint should be submitted in writing to Michael Roth, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, 3737 Main Street, Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92501. His email is  mroth@waterboards.ca.gov.