Driver dumped 150 of gallons of contaminated waste into local creek, investigators say

A driver for a local industrial services business illegally dumped 150 gallons of petroleum-contaminated wastewater into a creek in Fillmore, an investigation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found.

According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the spill happened in November 2022 and was discovered by an employee of an oil company with a land lease in the area.

That worker noticed the unmistakable sign of petroleum byproduct in the dry bed of Grimes Canyon Creek.

After reporting the spill, investigators went through great lengths to find the person responsible, using logbook records, photos from the scene, witness statements and even tire tread analysis to track down the source of the spill.

It was determined that a temporary driver for Advanced Industrial Services Inc., a company that specializes in industrial coatings, had driven a vacuum truck into a ravine leading to the creek and dumped about 150 gallons of contaminated wastewater.

The driver left the scene and did not report the spill, the D.A.’s Office says, a violation of environmental laws.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, Advanced Industrial Services agreed to pay nearly $30,000 to settle the case with the District Attorney’s Office and was ordered to follow strict rules against illegal dumping moving forward.

“This case underscores the importance of thorough environmental investigations and the critical role of state and local partnerships to protect Ventura County’s natural resources,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko in a news release.

Officials urge the public to report any suspected environmental violations to protect local waterways and ecosystems.

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