The enforcement of California’s environmental laws is essential to protect human health, the environment, and the state and local economies. Fair and uniform enforcement of rules and regulations governing the environment benefits law abiding businesses, individuals, and improves the quality of life in our community.
Deputy District Attorneys assigned to the Environmental Protection Unit prosecute businesses and individuals who violate environmental laws and workplace safety in Ventura County. We are committed to protecting the environment and work closely with agencies tasked with achieving and enforcing environmental regulatory compliance and protecting aquatic life in our local streambeds as well as the Channel Islands and Ventura Harbors.
The Environmental Protection Unit investigates and prosecutes a variety of cases in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies. These cases range from the illegal transportation and disposal of hazardous waste, oilfield related petroleum releases, illegal disposal of medical waste, underground storage tank leak detection monitoring deficiencies and improper management of pesticides; all of which can negatively impact public safety, human health, wildlife, and our natural resources.
Along with our team of prosecutors and investigators, the Environmental Protection Unit includes an Environmental Specialist with over 25 years of environmental experience whose technical expertise, knowledge of complex regulatory laws and statutes, and industry operations contributes to the success of the unitโs criminal and civil prosecutions.
The District Attorney’s Office Environmental Protection Unit regularly hosts Environmental Crimes Task Force meetings attended by multiple agencies in furtherance of our commitment to protect the environment. These agencies include the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, Ventura County Agricultural Commissionerโs Office, Ventura County Environmental Health, California Department of Toxic Substance Control, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental Protection Agency, California State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together we coordinate local, state and federal efforts to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes in Ventura County.
Regulatory agencies as well as private citizens can refer environmental concerns regarding unlawful conduct by companies and persons to the Environmental Protection Unit for possible investigation and prosecution. The Environmental Protection Unit files criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits to obtain permanent injunctions and civil penalties that stop illegal activity and hold those responsible for harming the environment.
CONTACT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT
NOTABLE CASES: ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES
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Settlement Reached with Anterra in Environmental Enforcement Action
The settlement resolves allegations that the Anterra Companies violated state laws regarding their transportation, handling, and disposal of oilfield waste. The complaint alleges that although the Anterra Companies were allowed by the California Department of Conservation, Department of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources to receive and dispose of non-hazardous “Class II” material produced from other…