Pick-N-Pull To Pay $2.5M For Environmental Violations: DA

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — District attorneys in 14 California counties, including Contra Costa, reached a $2.5 million settlement with a car dismantling company over hazardous waste and stormwater pollution issues.

Pick-N-Pull, a subsidiary of Schnitzner Steel Inc., operates 21 facilities in Northern California, including in Richmond. The company buys end-of-life vehicles, sells the parts, and recycles the remaining steel.

When Contra Costa County joined forces with Santa Clara, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Alameda and Solano counties to do a series of unannounced waste inspections at Pick-N-Pull facilities, the investigation revealed the company routinely and illegally disposed of automobile fluids, aerosols, batteries and electronic devices, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office said.

As a result of the investigation, Pick-N-Pull will pay $1.85 million in civil penalties, $350,000 in enforcement costs and $350,000 to environmental projects, including the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund.

Pick-N-Pull is also required to implement compliance measures.

"It is a priority to protect our environment and especially our water ways from harmful pollutants," Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton said. "When contacted by prosecutors, Pick-N-Pull promptly implemented improved training procedures and practices relating to their hazardous waste disposal."