A final judgment and permanent injunction was entered against Alliance Chemical & Environmental, Inc. (Alliance), and its CEO and responsible corporate officer, Mark Edward Hyman. Alliance is a chemical-plating business located in Oxnard.Â
On August 15, 2019, at the Alliance premises, a container with the capacity of 275 gallons held waste nitric acid and ammonium bifluoride. This mix reacted with an unknown metal, causing a chemical emergency. The reaction generated heat and pressure, causing the container to burst open, spill the liquid and emit nitrogen dioxide, a dangerous gas. Employees who lacked appropriate training and personal protective equipment were exposed to these hazardous conditions while attempting to mitigate the chemical emergency. These employees were treated by first responders at the scene. Alliance and its managers failed to report the incident to authorities as required by law.
Under the judgment, Alliance must comply with California environmental laws requiring the safe handling of hazardous waste, and must properly train personnel and provide safety equipment for use in the event of an emergency. The judgment also requires payment of a civil penalty of $72,500, cost recovery of $25,000, and reimbursement of emergency response costs of $6,217 to the Oxnard Fire Department. This case was prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit.
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