The independent SCAQMD Hearing Board has issued a Stipulated Order of Abatement to Carlton Forge Works in Paramount requiring them to pursue actions to further reduce the potential for odors from the facility.
“We are pleased that Carlton Forge Works has worked cooperatively with us to reduce the potential for odors from its operation,” said Wayne Nastri, SCAQMD’s executive officer. “We believe the steps they’ve already taken along with agreed future actions will benefit residents’ health and welfare.”
Earlier this month, Carlton Forge Works agreed to the terms of a draft administrative order, known as a Stipulated Order for Abatement, requiring implementation of specific measures to control its odors. On Thursday, the Hearing Board voted unanimously to approve the final Stipulated Order for Abatement. Some of its key requirements include:
- Curtailing of all grinding activities from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to minimize the potential for odors. SCAQMD has received numerous odor complaints during that time period from individuals at nearby Lincoln Elementary School. This requirement will expire if the company can demonstrate that additional air pollution controls have addressed odor issues;
- Installing permanent carbon controls or another system equally effective at reducing odors in the grinding building exhaust; and
- Hiring an independent consultant to monitor odors at the facility and at Lincoln Elementary School to assess whether the controls are effectively minimizing them.
“The City welcomes Carlton Forge’s decision to accept the stipulated order for abatement, and values the swift action of SCAQMD to pursue this matter,” said Mayor of Paramount Peggy Lemons. “Carlton Forge’s cooperation on this matter will hopefully expedite a resolution to the odor issue.”
Since early December 2016, SCAQMD has received more than 200 odor complaints — including many from individuals at nearby Lincoln Elementary School — alleging Carlton Forge Works as the source of odors. Since December 2016 SCAQMD has issued 17 Notices of Violation to the company for nuisance odors, in violation of the agency’s Rule 402.
Follow-up status hearings on the order are scheduled before the Hearing Board on Aug. 31 and Sept. 26.
Carlton Forge Works, located at 7743 E. Adams St. in Paramount, manufactures metal alloy rings for the aerospace, industrial and nuclear industries.
The SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
To view and download a copy of the Stipulated (Proposed on July 17, 2017) Order for Abatement, please visit AQMD’s website.
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