DTSC Holds Accountable Major Corporations that Sent Hazardous Waste to Now-Shuttered Landfills

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) today announced a landmark victory in environmental protection resulting from its proactive environmental management. The United States District Courts for the Northern District of California and the Eastern District of California have approved four consent decrees that DTSC reached with dozens of major corporations, including Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Intel Corporation and Exxon Mobil Corporation. The payment and other commitments from these corporations to ensure robust environmental management practices continue at the sites is valued at more than $300 million.

Safeguarding the Environment and Public Health and Shifting Costs to Responsible Corporations

In 2021, DTSC initiated legal action against these corporations for their contribution of hazardous substances to four IT landfill sites. These landfills are now closed and no longer accepting waste. The prior owner of the landfills went out of business and the funds available from that company were running out, so DTSC turned to the parties that sent waste to these sites to take over the post-closure care of the sites. Post-closure care of the sites is designed to, among other things, prevent contamination at the sites from spreading in the air and groundwater to surrounding areas that could impact the health of residents in nearby communities and the environment.

After years of litigation and settlement negotiations, the parties reached settlements documented in the consent decrees. The consent decrees, now approved by the courts, require these corporations to ensure robust environmental management practices continue at the sites (consistent with all DTSC regulations now in place or adopted in the future) by obligating the corporations to pay millions of dollars to fund those practices. Collectively, the payment and other commitments from these corporations is valued at more than $300 million.

The decrees represent a substantial commitment-by the settling corporations-to the future, long-term, post-closure care of the IT landfills. By holding these corporations accountable, DTSC continues to set a precedent for environmental stewardship that recognizes the importance of requiring and incentivizing responsible corporate behavior to safeguard the environment and the health of Californians.

A Continued Commitment to a Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment and Continual Progress

For the communities surrounding these landfill sites, the decrees ensure the continuance of necessary environmental management practices, which protect against pollution in our air and water, leading to better health and quality of life. The decrees also ensure these practices are continued without financially burdening the state and its taxpayers, even if unexpected conditions occur in the future.

DTSC's efforts exemplify the state's commitment to proactive environmental management. These consent decrees are not the end but a part of an ongoing journey towards a cleaner, safer California. DTSC will continue to monitor and ensure compliance with the decrees, reinforcing its pledge to protect Californians and their environment.

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