It’s another fine for Greka, but this time it’s big: At a public meeting in San Luis Obispo on May 13, the Central Coast Water Quality Control Board approved a settlement with Greka Oil & Gas, Inc. over allegations that the oil company violated cleanup requirements for numerous oil-impacted soil piles in the Santa Maria area.
According to a press release, the settlement requires Greka to pay the Water Board $400,000, and continue to reuse or dispose of approximately 70,000 cubic yards of oily dirt generated from its petroleum excavation operations. If Greka fails to meet deadlines in the agreement, the company could face additional penalties of up to $800,000.
The board is responsible for protecting and restoring water quality on coastline stretching from southern San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to the northern part of Ventura County.
Greka officials hadn’t returned a request for comment as of press time.
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 3, 2010.