By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
More than a dozen businesses have been cited following an industrial pollution prevention sweep in West Sacramento.
The June 15 sweep was conducted by the Yolo County District Attorney's Environmental and Consumer Protection Unit, in conjunction with the county Department of Health Hazardous Materials Unit, West Sacramento Police Department, state Bureau of Automotive Repair, Sacramento County Auto Theft Suppression Task Force, state Board of Equalization, state Employment Development Department and the California Labor Commission.
The purpose of the sweep was to identify businesses that illegally produce hazardous materials or waste that pollute the air and soil, according to a District Attorney's Office news release. It also was intended to combat illegal dumping and discharges that cause pollution.
The operation was a response to reports of illegal dumping and unlicensed activities in the area. Further investigation revealed evidence of certain businesses engaging in unfair business competition by trying to gain an advantage over law-abiding businesses. These businesses were failing to pay taxes on goods and services. They also were paying cash to employees and thereby failing to pay tax withholdings, the news release says.
Jonathan Raven, assistant chief deputy district attorney, said the majority of citations were for air emissions and labor code violations.
Citations were issued for illegal storage and disposal of hazardous wastes, wage code violations, being unlicensed, failure to keep proper records and municipal fire code violations.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.









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