Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Joint Contra Costa DA, Air District prosecution secures $10.6M from Martinez Refining Company

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Contra Costa DA Diana Becton is joined by Deputy District Attorney Brian Tierney and Bay Area Air District General Counsel Alexander Crockett during a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Photo courtesy of Supervisor John Gioia, Contra Costa County’s representative on the Air District Board.

For violations between 2020 and 2024, doesn’t include Feb. 2025 fire; will benefit multiple agencies

“We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally.” – from MRC statement

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A joint prosecution by the Contra Costa District Attorney and Bay Area Air District has resulted in a $10 million penalty against Martinez Refining Company (MRC), along with compliance improvements at its Martinez refinery, and $600,000 in mitigation payments for supplemental environmental projects.

Judge Benjamin T. Reyes, II signed the final judgment on February 18th, 2026. The case involved a number of violations that occurred at MRC’s refinery located at 3495 Pacheco Boulevard in the City of Martinez and unincorporated Contra Costa County between early 2020 and late 2024, including offenses under the health and safety code, business and professions code, and fish and game code.

The complaint stemmed from violations over four years, including MRC’s 2022 Thanksgiving Day release of spent catalyst that covered parts of Martinez in a white ash-like substance. Other major violations included illegal flaring, fires, leaking tanks, public nuisance-level odors in downtown Martinez, and releases of “coke dust” — a powdery oil refining byproduct — spreading beyond the refinery’s fence line onto neighboring properties. The violations are described in 163 notices of violation issued by the Air District.

This enforcement action does not include the February 1, 2025, fire at the MRC refinery. The Air District is addressing that incident through a separate enforcement action. (See related articles here and here)

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The residents of Martinez deserve to feel safe in their communities. This civil action holds the Martinez Refining Company accountable for numerous violations, enforces compliance with the law, and reinforces our office’s dedication to protecting public health and safety through all available legal means, including civil action.”

Distribution of $10 Million Penalty

The $10 million penalty will be distributed as follows:

  • $6.35 million to the Air District, most of which will be reinvested in beneficial projects in Martinez and the surrounding areas that were impacted by these violations under the Air District’s Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy
  • $3.5 million to the District Attorney’s Office Environmental Unit for enforcement efforts
  • $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services
  • $50,000 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

In addition to the $10 million penalty, MRC will also pay $600,000 in mitigation payments to fund supplemental environmental projects. These payments include:

  • $450,000 for air filtration systems in public schools near the Martinez Refinery Company
  • $100,000 to the Certified Unified Program Agency for environmental regulator scholarships
  • $50,000 to Contra Costa County Fish and Game’s Community Propagation Fund to enhance the county’s fish and wildlife resources

Moreover, the judgment requires MRC to change how it operates its catalytic cracking unit to keep key emissions control equipment operational during startup and shutdown operations. The company is also required to install enhanced emissions monitoring systems on various other pieces of equipment.

“This enforcement action reflects significant air quality violations and makes clear that compliance with air quality laws is mandatory,” said Alexander Crockett, the Air District’s general counsel. “The penalty the Air District is collecting through this action will support local and regional projects that improve air quality and public health under our Community Benefits Policy. Strong enforcement ensures accountability while directing resources back to the communities most affected by pollution.”

The attorneys prosecuting the case include Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney; Assistant District Attorney Stacey Grassini; and Air District Assistant Counsel Brian Case.

MRC Responds

Asked if MRC had a response, Dominic Aliano, Community & Government Relations Manager for MRC, shared the following: “Martinez Refining Company (MRC) is pleased to announce the settlement of the joint civil enforcement action initiated by the Contra Costa County District Attorney (District Attorney) and the Bay Area Air District (Air District) in November 2023 involving multiple agencies, including the Air District, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Health. The parties agreed to the settlement without trial or adjudication of facts or law, and MRC has made no admission of liability to any of the underlying allegations and/or claims.  The settlement resolves all notices of violations issued by the Air District against MRC from February 1, 2020, to February 1, 2025, including those related to the November 2022 catalyst release, and the July 11 and October 6, 2023, coke dust releases, for total civil penalties of $6.35 million. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here)

“MRC will separately pay civil penalties of $100,000 to Contra Costa Health Services and $50,000 to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for other notices of violations.  The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office will receive $3.5 million for its involvement in the action.

“MRC recognizes that we must earn the right to operate in Martinez and that we have a responsibility to be involved in and to give back to the Martinez community. We are committed to safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations and to being actively engaged locally. In resolving these matters, MRC included provisions directly for the benefit of the Martinez community. As a result:

  • MRC is providing $450,000 to fund high-performance air filtration systems projects at public schools in the vicinity of the refinery.  Allocation of the funds will be prioritized based on proximity of the applicant schools to the refinery.  The District Attorney and MRC will be providing further information on how public schools located in the City of Martinez can apply to receive the funds.
  • MRC is providing $50,000 to fund the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee Propagation Fund to enhance the county’s fish and wildlife resources in the local community.
  • MRC is providing $100,000 to the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Forum Environmental Protection Trust Fund for scholarships to attend and participate in the annual California Unified Program Annual Training Conference and other trainings to benefit Contra Costa County local CUPAs.

“We thank our employees for their hard work and dedication to safe and reliable operations.  We also thank the District Attorney and Air District for working constructively with us to resolve these matters.

“We look forward to continuing to safely manufacture products that fuel the economy and help make modern life possible.”

City of Martinez responds to Martinez Refining Company violations, penalties

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez acknowledges the recent announcement by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the Bay Area Air District of a $10 million civil penalty assessment on the Martinez Refining Company (MRC), owned by PBF Energy and located in unincorporated Contra Costa County, for violations occurring between 2020 and 2024. In total, 163 notices of violation are addressed by this penalty, including the November 2022 spent catalyst release incident.

Mayor Brianne Zorn noted the significance of this development, stating, “This action is a meaningful first step in addressing the impacts our community has experienced. We appreciate that resources will soon begin to reach Martinez and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. We will continue to follow the process closely as grant funds are made available through the District’s Community Benefits Fund to improve the health and safety of Martinez and our neighbors.”

As outlined in the announcement, the Air District will receive $6.35 million and intends to allocate most of this amount toward community-focused grants under its Community Benefits Penalty Funds Policy, with the intention of funding projects beneficial to residents of Martinez and other affected communities. The grant process for these specific funds is not yet available for applications, and more information about the process and eligibility will be provided by the Air District as the grant process is finalized.

In addition to the $10 million penalty, MRC will also pay $600,000 in mitigation payments to fund supplemental environmental projects, including $450,000 towards air filtration improvements in schools located near the refinery. This initial investment will provide a necessary tangible benefit to students and school faculty within our affected community.

Moreover, the judgment requires MRC to change how it operates its catalytic cracking unit, and the company is also required to install enhanced emissions-monitoring systems on various other pieces of equipment.

This enforcement action does not address incidents that occurred in 2025, including the February 1, 2025 fire incident at MRC. Those matters remain under separate review by the appropriate regulatory agencies. The City will continue to monitor those processes and appreciates the ongoing commitment of the District Attorney’s Office and the Air District to advocate for our community’s health, safety, and wellbeing.

Information Resources:

Bay Area Air District Community Investments Office – https://www.baaqmd.gov/en/community-health/community-investments-office

About the Air District

The Bay Area Air District (formerly the Bay Area Air Quality Management District) is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality and the global climate in the nine-county Bay Area. Connect with the Air District via Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and on their website at www.baaqmd.gov.

About Martinez Refinery Company

According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, the Martinez plant was built in 1915 and refines gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. As the first continuously running refinery in the United States, Martinez is considered the ‘birthplace of the modern refining process’. In 2020, Martinez became part of the PBF Energy Family of Refineries has 560 employees, 250 contract partners and is owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy. According to the parent company’s website, it “is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States.” For more information visit https://martinezrefiningcompany.com.

Case No. C-26-00490 | The People of the State of California v. Martinez Refining Company, LLC

Contra Costa County seeks members for Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency Independent Hearing Panel

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Application Deadline: March 6

By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – In 2013, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors established an Independent Hearing Panel for the Contra Costa Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency (LEA).

Contra Costa Health’s Environmental Health Program is certified by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) as the LEA for Solid Waste in the county. The LEA ensures that all solid waste disposal facilities and medical waste generators comply with applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations.

The three-member panel hears matters related to solid waste enforcement, permits and appeals.

County residents who have an interest in public policy and solid waste management are encouraged to apply for this volunteer opportunity.  Panelists receive a stipend of $50 on those days on which the panel meets.  The County Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill three vacancies for a four-year term ending on March 31, 2030.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or by visiting the County webpage at: https://contra-costa.granicus.com/boards/forms/321/apply/

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA  94553 no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.  Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews via video conference on Monday, March 23, 2026.

For more information about the LEA Independent Hearing Panel, contact Tim Kraus, Contra Costa County Environmental Health, at (925) 608-5549 or Tim.Kraus@cchealth.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

13 County DA’s reach multi-million-dollar environmental settlement with pesticide companies

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By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and other California district attorneys have reached a $3.15 million settlement with Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Orkin Services of California, and Crane Pest Control.

The settlement resolves allegations that the companies violated state laws by disposing pesticides and hazardous waste into trash bins destined for landfills not authorized to accept such materials. The settlement also resolves the allegations that the companies discarded customer records containing private information.

“The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to ensuring companies are held accountable for conduct that endangers the environment and our citizens,” said DA Becton.

The investigation, led by Contra Costa and San Mateo County District Attorneys, was initiated in 2021. From March 2021 through February 2022, investigators statewide conducted undercover inspections of 40 dumpsters at 22 separate Clark and Orkin facilities. These inspections uncovered thousands of unlawfully disposed items including pesticide containers with liquids, powders, foams, baits, pellets, and aerosol sprays, plus hazardous batteries, e-waste, hand sanitizers, adhesives, and cleaning solutions. Inspectors also found thousands of privacy law violations: customer records that were not shredded — or rendered unreadable — and dumped in regular trash, including service orders, contracts, invoices, and route reports containing personal information.

After prosecutors notified Clark and Orkin of the violations, the companies cooperated fully and promptly updated their policies and procedures to ensure proper waste management and protect customer privacy in California.

Under the stipulated final judgment, Clark, Orkin, and Crane will pay a total of $3.15 million consisting of:

  • $2,017,000 in civil penalties.
  • $400,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects.
  • $333,000 in investigative costs.
  • $400,000 in credit for Supplemental Environmental Compliance Measures.

The judgment also requires the companies to comply with a permanent injunction mandating significant operational reforms for a period of no less than five years, including:

  • Retention of a third-party auditor to conduct dumpster audits at a minimum of 10% of its facilities each year for five years.
  • Report the findings of the dumpster audits to the prosecutors.
  • Require that all facility employees complete a training program that ensures compliance with applicable pesticide waste and hazardous waste management and maintain proof of the training for three years.
  • Devote a minimum of two thousand hours per year for each year in which the judgment remains in effect to enhanced environmental compliance measures, including compliance reviews of waste accumulation areas, oversight of waste minimization efforts by company technicians, and oversight of enhanced hazardous waste compliance management.

Joining Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe in this lawsuit are the District Attorneys of Alameda, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties.

Case No. C25-03346 | The People of the State of California v. Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Inc., a California corporation, Crane Pest Control, a California corporation, and Orkin Services of California, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Grayson Creek Cleanup in Pleasant Hill Oct. 18

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Help protect Grayson Creek and improve habitat for birds, turtles, otters, and other riparian species!

Please join The Watershed Project, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and volunteers from Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks for a creek cleanup and wildlife observation event.

Grayson Creek is home to more than 100 bird species and also provides habitat for river otters, western pond turtles, and even beavers! Help protect this important community resource by removing trash from the creek banks.

Date: Saturday, October 18 · 9am – 12pm PDT

Event location: Driveway north of 250 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill.

Age Restriction: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

-See sign-up link for details and safety information

Details, Instructions & Directions

Dress appropriately for outdoor work. Wear long sleeves and long pants, sturdy shoes, and wear sun protection (hat and/or sunscreen). All cleanup supplies, water, and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves if you have them.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

Directions to site: Use Google maps to navigate to 250 Cleaveland Road in Pleasant Hill. There is a driveway just north of there. Drive west down the driveway through the opened Flood Control District gate. Park alongside the road.

Contact Paula White paula@thewatershedproject.org for more information.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grayson-creek-cleanup-tickets-1716934951659?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Save Mount Diablo launches Advisory Council

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Wildflowers in the Panoche Valley and Hills, southern Diablo Range. Photo: Scott Hein

10-member, all-volunteer Council will further land conservation mission

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

WALNUT CREEK, CA—Save Mount Diablo has created an Advisory Council to help further our organization’s land conservation mission for Mount Diablo and the mountain range it is a part of and sustained by, the Diablo Range.

Save Mount Diablo’s all-volunteer Advisory Council consists of distinguished individuals who are willing to contribute their expertise, guidance, connections, and support to further the organization’s mission.

The organization’s Board of Directors and staff will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the Advisory Council members. Advisors will also act as ambassadors for Save Mount Diablo helping the organization positively connect with strategic peoples and communities.

There are multiple reasons why Save Mount Diablo created its Advisory Council. It gives the organization a way to honor and recognize individuals for their distinguished service to Save Mount Diablo.

It provides a way to involve people who are willing to give critical assistance but have limited time. It provides a way of involving people who would be good candidates for the Board of Directors, but who are unable, or may not be ready, to serve in that role right now.

It provides a way to keep important supporters closely connected to the organization. It creates a direct link to important professional and technical expertise. It elevates and empowers selected people to serve as ambassadors for the organization.

It is a way to assist in efforts to increase philanthropic support. It enlists various types of needed help from the Advisors and their networks.

The basic structure of Save Mount Diablo’s Advisory Council is as follows. The organization’s Board Governance and Nominating Committee reviews and recommends appropriate Advisory Council candidates to the Board of Directors for approval.

Advisors must be elected by the Board of Directors. Advisory Council members advise and assist the organization largely on an as-needed basis. The Advisory Council will be invited to meet at least once annually, typically as part of a Board of Directors meeting or event.

Organizational communications with the Advisory Council, as a group or individually, will typically come from the Executive Director or Board President. The Advisory Council has no governing function within the organization.

The Board of Directors will determine term lengths, if any, the total number of members for the Advisory Council, and other related details.

After careful consideration, the Board of Directors approved creating an Advisory Council at their January 2025 annual Strategic Plan retreat.

After that, Save Mount Diablo’s Board Governance and Nominating Committee worked on creating a list of talented people to invite to be part of the inaugural class of the Advisory Council.

This inaugural class for our Advisory Council, which was approved by the Board of Directors at their October 1, 2025, meeting, consists of the following people:

Stewart Beatty

Stewart Beatty is the Head Chef at Postino, where he specializes in creating farm-to-table dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A lifelong resident of the Mount Diablo area and current Clayton resident, Stewart has a deep connection to the region and its community. He generously shares his culinary talents by providing meals for Save Mount Diablo’s Four Days Diablo and summit dinners, bringing people together to celebrate and support local land conservation efforts.

Joseph Belli

Joseph Belli has been a dedicated Save Mount Diablo donor since 2021 and is a conservation biologist and author, widely recognized as one of California’s leading experts on the Diablo Range.

His deep knowledge and passion for the region have made him an invaluable contributor to Save Mount Diablo’s mission. Joseph has participated in our BioBlitz events and Mary Bowerman Science and Research program, and served as the opening speaker for our first annual Diablo Range Convening in June 2025. In July 2025, he was also featured as a speaker for Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director Speaker Series, sharing his insights on the unique ecology and conservation challenges of the Diablo Range.

Tom Dowd

Tom has a passion for helping organizations and individuals and transforming people’s lives. He was the founder and CEO of a chemical distribution company (Dowd and Guild, Inc.); he serves on the John Muir Health Foundation Board of Directors as well as on the Advisory Board of Heritage Bank of Commerce. Tom founded Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raised $1 million for more than 100 charities. After selling Dowd and Guild, Inc., Tom has shifted to full-time charitable work.

Robert E. Doyle        

Robert E. Doyle, General Manager Emeritus, East Bay Regional Park District, worked for 47 years as a park professional at the East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland, California. Bob was a founding Board member of Save Mount Diablo, working with California State Parks to expand one of the original “Olmsted State Parks.” He was also a founding Board member of the East Bay Conservation Corps. Bob currently serves as Board member and Advocacy Co-Chair of the Washington, DC–based City Parks Alliance. He has served as a Board member for the National Association of Olmsted Parks and is a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, where he was awarded the prestigious Cornelius Pugsley Medal. In 2024, Bob joined the San Francisco–based Save the Redwoods League Board of Councilors. Bob has received a Save Mount Diablo Mountain Star award for his good work.

Peter Frazier

Peter Frazier, a retired investment professional, has been a Save Mount Diablo supporter for over 40 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to land conservation and environmental education. As a dedicated contributor, Peter helps support programs that inspire and educate future generations about the importance of protecting the Diablo Range and its natural resources. Peter has also helped make possible other important projects for Save Mount Diablo, like the organization’s 50th anniversary oral history project with the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley.

John Kiefer

John Kiefer is a retired systems applications specialist at Pacific Bell, inventor of the Kiefer Sustainable Chicken Coop, and a longtime supporter of Save Mount Diablo since 1975! He has remained deeply involved through leadership, advocacy, and community building. He is especially supportive of Save Mount Diablo’s environmental education programs and efforts to connect more people to nature and each other. Over the years, John has led hikes on Mount Diablo and has supported Save Mount Diablo in many ways, from hosting events at his home to funding community breakfasts and other events. His passion for trails and open space led to his service on the Lafayette Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission (1986–1994), where he worked hands-on to maintain trails, collaborated with landowners to create public access, and later served as the city’s field representative for trails. In recognition of his contributions, the John Kiefer Trail was dedicated in his honor in 2014.

Beverly Lane

Beverly Lane has been a dedicated Save Mount Diablo supporter since 1988 and is a respected local historian, published author, and curator of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. She helped found the Contra Costa History Alliance and the Tri-Valley History Council, fostering the preservation of regional history. Beverly served as Mayor of Danville and represented central Contra Costa County as a Director for the East Bay Regional Park District from 1994 to 2022. She is also an active member of the Anza Trail Foundation, which promotes the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and Friends of San Ramon Creek, reflecting her lifelong commitment to conservation, history, and community.

Doug McConnell

Doug McConnell is a long-time Save Mount Diablo supporter and renowned television host and storyteller with a passion for exploring and protecting the natural world. He hosted NBC Bay Area’s OpenRoad with Doug McConnell beginning in 2009 and served as host and editor of the beloved series Bay Area Backroads from 1993 to 2008. Doug is the founder of Convergence Media Productions, creating content that highlights conservation and outdoor adventure. In addition to his media work, he serves as an Advisory Board member for San Francisco Baykeeper, advocating for the protection and preservation of the Bay Area’s natural resources. Doug has received a Save Mount Diablo Mountain Star Award for this good work.

Jeff Stone

Jeff Stone is the CEO of Diamond Construction and co-founder of Enkasa Homes, bringing extensive expertise in environmentally sensitive building and development to his work. A dedicated supporter of land conservation, Jeff served as a Save Mount Diablo Board member (2016–2025). He continues to contribute his leadership, expertise, and passion to support Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation work.

Jeanne Thomas

Jeanne Thomas has been a Save Mount Diablo donor since 1989 and is a proud member of the Diablo Legacy Circle. A retired employee of Kaiser Industries, Jeanne has been a steadfast supporter of Save Mount Diablo for decades, serving on the Development Committee from 2006 to 2014. She has played a vital role in supporting events, acting as a liaison to the Rossmoor retirement community, and was honored with the Mountain Star Award for her dedication. An avid nature enthusiast, Jeanne has spent countless hours hiking Mount Diablo and photographing its wildflowers, reflecting her deep love for the land she helps protect.

We are very grateful that this talented and special group of people answered the call to serve on Save Mount Diablo’s Advisory Council!

With the creation of our Advisory Council, made up of such terrific people, Save Mount Diablo has successfully and strategically expanded our team to help further our land conservation work for Mount Diablo and its Diablo Range.

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971. We are biologists, conservationists, hikers, bikers, equestrians, bird watchers, and people who just love to look at the mountain. Save Mount Diablo is a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID 94-2681735). For more information visit savemountdiablo.org.

31st Annual Wildcat Creek Cleanup in San Pablo Oct 11

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By City of San Pablo

We hope you can join Saturday! Join Kids for the Bay & the City of San Pablo for the 31st Annual Wildcat Creek Cleanup!

This family-friendly event welcomes all ages to help care for our creek and community. Snacks, water, and cleanup supplies will be provided. Please remember to wear closed-toe shoes and bring your community spirit! We’ll see you there, rain or shine.

Únete a Kids for the Bay y a la Ciudad de San Pablo para la 31ª Limpieza Anual de Wildcat Creek

  • Sábado, 11 de octubre de 2025
  • 10 AM a 12 PM
  • Davis Park, 1667 Folsom Ave.

Este evento familiar da la bienvenida a todas las edades para ayudar a cuidar nuestro arroyo y nuestra comunidad. Se proporcionarán bocadillos, agua y suministros de limpieza. Por favor recuerde usar zapatos cerrados y traer su espíritu comunitario. ¡Nos vemos allí, llueva o truene! #WildcatCreekCleanup #SanPabloShines #SanPabloBrilla

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery announces partnership with Colgate-Palmolive and Glacier robotics for recyclable plastic squeeze tubes

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Effective immediately, MDRR’s residential recycling program will officially accept #2 plastic squeeze tubes in the blue recycling cart.

By Nicole Impagliazzo, Executive Director, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery

Pittsburg, California – Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR), an industry-leading company dedicated to diverting as much material as possible from landfills, is excited to announce a partnership with Colgate-Palmolive and Glacier robotics to gather data on the recovery of recyclable plastic squeeze tubes.

Colgate-Palmolive, an innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet, pioneered the development of a first-of-its-kind recyclable tube made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the same No. 2 plastic used for milk and detergent bottles, which launched in 2019. The company shared its patented technology and approach with tube suppliers, other brands, and interested parties. As of 2025, it is estimated that approximately 95% of toothpaste tubes and 85% of all HDPE tubes are designed for recycling, based on industry data compiled by Stina Inc., which leads the Plastic Squeeze Tube Recycling Project.

Now, using Glacier’s AI-powered cameras, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will be able to collect real-time data on toothpaste tubes and other non-toothpaste tubes—like lotion and shampoo—coming through the facility.

“We are excited to partner with Colgate and Glacier. It represents a significant step forward in our mission to divert as much material as possible from landfills. By leveraging advanced technology, we can improve our recycling and communication practices and contribute to a greener future.” Kish Rajan, MDRR, CEO

Recycle Your Squeeze Tubes – Residential Program Expansion Alert!

Effective immediately, MDRR’s residential recycling program will officially accept #2 plastic squeeze tubes in the blue recycling cart.

#2 Lotion, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, and Cosmetic plastic squeeze tubes now go into the blue!

Before placing them in your cart, please be sure they are:

  • Plastic (no metal tubes)
  • As empty as possible
  • With the cap on

Tubes should be placed loose in your blue recycling cart, not bagged.

This program expansion means that more of the items you use daily can stay out of the landfill and enter a recovery pathway, supporting a cleaner, greener community for everyone.

About Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery:

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery serves our customers, communities, and environment responsibly by optimizing the use of discarded materials.

Today, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery serves over 250,000 residents and thousands of businesses throughout Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Counties. It combines excellence in customer service with competitive rates and operates recycling and recovery programs designed to increase sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery’s Material Resource Facility in Pittsburg, California, contains the area’s largest state-of-the-art recycling processing center and C+D line to keep items out of the landfill.

Our company continues to grow and change to prepare our communities for the future. Consistent with our business values, we invest in programs and technology that maximize diversion and maintain customer convenience and service.

West County: Contra Costa DA reaches settlement with C&H Sugar Company, Inc. for 2022 air emission violations

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Crockett-based company will pay $500K in penalties & costs

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, a settlement with C&H Sugar Company Inc. for odor violations in 2022.

The emissions violations by C&H Sugar occurred on various dates between September 8th and October 14th, 2022, at a wastewater treatment plant the company jointly owns at Dowrelio Drive in the unincorporated community of Crockett.

Operational disruptions at the wastewater treatment plant generated excessive sewage odors that adversely affected Crockett residents. The problem was exacerbated by unusually high temperatures in the area during those periods.

Following an investigation by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for enforcement action.

“Working with BAAQMD during this process produced a compliance framework to help prevent future public nuisances,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “C&H Sugar was cooperative throughout the process and agreed to specific enhanced compliance measures.”

The judgment provides for $400,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in costs and C&H Sugar will implement the following compliance measures: purchase and install a backup generator, replacement of existing diffuser heads in all three reactors, upgrade the “Blowers” including replacement or refurbishment of the motors, complete comprehensive internal audit of operations and establish 24-hour toll-free community hotline.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office works closely with environmental regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health throughout the county.

Case No. C25-02616 | The People of the State of California v. C&H Sugar Company, Inc.

Contra Costa DA, four others reach settlement with telecommunications provider over environmental violations

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Company provides services in Concord

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a $1.275 million settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California – over environmental violations. Concord is the only city in Contra Costa County in which Astound provides internet, television and phone services.

WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services including cable and internet, was jointly investigated by five District Attorneys’ Offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Waste inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.

Hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. For example, splitters and power taps found in the inspections contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline batteries were recovered.

“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance.”

Under the settlement agreement, WaveDivision will pay:
• $875,000 in civil penalties
• $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs
• $100,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects

Additionally, the company is subject to an injunction requiring strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.

The complaint was filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on March 18, 2025, by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.

Case No. C25-00758 | The People of the State of California v. WaveDivision Holdings, LLC

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Air District, Contra Costa DA pursue joint civil enforcement action against refinery owner for recent fire

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For Martinez Refining Company “creating a public nuisance, for failing to operate equipment as permitted, and for excessive smoke and soot fallout.”

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

The Bay Area Air District and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office understand the community’s concerns following the February 1, 2025, fire at the Martinez Refining Company. (See related articles here, here, here and here)

The Air District has been evaluating the fire’s air quality impacts and has issued three notices of violation to MRC for violating Air District regulations. These notices of violation were issued for creating a public nuisance, for failing to operate equipment as permitted, and for excessive smoke and soot fallout. The Air District’s investigations are ongoing, and the agency will issue further notices of violation for any additional violations uncovered.

Additionally, the Air District and the District Attorney’s Office continue the joint civil enforcement action against MRC for previous violations at this refinery. The two agencies are working collaboratively to take a comprehensive approach to ensure MRC’s compliance with all air quality regulations. While we understand the public’s interest, the confidential nature of the process prevents us from commenting on the status of this enforcement action.