On December 14, 2016, Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer met with the SCAQMD Hearing Board regarding the investigation and here is a video and transcript of his comments pertaining to the issue:
Transcript:
Good morning, Chairman Camarena and hearing board members. My name is Daryl Hofmeyer and I am the mayor of the city of Paramount.
I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak to your board today regarding this issue.
AQMD monitors recently detected elevated levels of hex chromium at two locations within our city’s industrial area.
Our city manager and his staff have worked closely with AQMD’s executive officer Mr. Nastri to gain a greater understanding of the data being collected, any risks to our residents and the potential avenues to resolving this issue of critical importance to our community.
Paramount, like all of the cities located within AQMD’s jurisdiction, relies on AQMD to monitor and enforce air quality standards.
When we have situations where the experts identify the sources of emissions that are well-beyond acceptable levels, we need AQMD staff, the governing board and your hearing board to all be focused on doing everything in your authority to correct the situation immediately.
The city of Paramount has been and will continue to do everything we can to cooperate with AQMD.
We are being proactive in our efforts.
That said, AQMD has the expertise, resources and jurisdictional authority in this matter.
We are counting on the hearing board to do everything in your power to protect the health and well-being of those who live and work in Paramount.
As the mayor of Paramount, I am hopeful that today’s proceeding will lead to that result.
I urge you to require that the two companies in question verify that they are in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
And if they cannot, they must cease operations.
The residents of Paramount are relying on you to ensure that their health is a priority.
We also continue to urge AQMD staff to increase their efforts to identify any other companies that are exceeding emission levels or operating without a valid AQMD permit.
Thank you for your consideration.
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