Napa County Secures Landmark Environmental Settlement with Local Landfill

Napa County's commitment to environmental stewardship shone brightly today as the District Attorney's Office announced a significant $1.5 million settlement with Napa Recycling and Waste Services, operators of the Devlin Road Landfill. This pivotal agreement brings to a close a comprehensive environmental lawsuit, underscoring the county's unwavering dedication to protecting its precious natural resources and ensuring the safe management of waste within its borders.

The lawsuit, filed by the Napa County District Attorney’s Office, alleged multiple violations of state environmental protection laws.

These infractions included the improper disposal of various hazardous wastes and a series of permit violations that compromised environmental safety standards. The investigation, a meticulous and thorough endeavor, brought to light practices that posed a potential risk to the surrounding environment and the health of the community.

Under the terms of the hard-won settlement, Napa Recycling and Waste Services will pay a total of $1.5 million.

A substantial portion of these funds will be directed towards civil penalties, holding the facility accountable for its past actions. Crucially, a significant amount will also be allocated to funding vital environmental protection and enforcement efforts within Napa County. This ensures that resources are available to prevent future violations and to actively safeguard the region's ecological health.

Beyond the monetary penalties, the settlement imposes stringent injunctive relief, mandating substantial operational changes at the Devlin Road Landfill.

These new requirements are designed to significantly enhance environmental compliance, including improved waste screening procedures, robust employee training programs on hazardous waste identification and handling, and stringent monitoring protocols to prevent unlawful discharges. The goal is to establish a gold standard for landfill operations, ensuring that all waste is managed responsibly and in full adherence to state and federal environmental regulations.

District Attorney Allison Haley emphasized the importance of this resolution, stating, "This settlement sends a clear message: environmental protection is a top priority in Napa County.

We are committed to holding businesses accountable for their environmental practices and will not hesitate to take action when our communities and natural habitats are at risk. This agreement not only secures penalties for past violations but, more importantly, implements crucial changes that will protect our environment for generations to come."

This landmark agreement serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing vigilance required to preserve our environment.

It reflects Napa County's proactive approach to safeguarding its unique landscape and ensuring that all entities, regardless of size, operate with the highest regard for environmental responsibility and public safety.