Citing careless record-keeping and inadequate oversight, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency yesterday ordered the city of San Jose, Calif., to correct serious deficiencies in the way it regulates water pollution flowing from industrial sources into San Francisco Bay.
The action requires San Jose's Environmental Services Department to tighten oversight of 349 industrial facilities or face fines of up to $32,500 a day. This is the second such order since 1991.
In one instance of sampling in late January, San Jose's wastewater treatment plant discharged treated sewage containing cyanide at levels 30 times higher than state water quality standards. Officials have not yet determined the source of the cyanide.
San Jose officials insist they are working with inspectors to correct the problems.
Source: The Mercury News
