Criminal Action Brought Against Furniture Operation Over Alleged Hazardous Waste Pollution in Yolo County

March 10, 2000
00-061
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(SACRAMENTO) – A criminal complaint has been filed against the owner of a Woodland furniture refinishing business for the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, Attorney General Bill Lockyer reported today.

David D. Hayes, owner and operator of "The Undresser," was arrested Thursday for felony violation of state hazardous waste laws. He is accused of intentionally disposing of the regulated chemical methylene chloride, used to strip paint from furniture, into the sewer, not a hazardous waste disposal site.

Methylene chloride is a listed hazardous waste under the California Hazardous Waste Control Act. The law requires hazardous waste to be disposed at a permitted hazardous waste disposal or treatment facility.

Inspections by theYolo County Health Department and state the state Department of Toxic Substances Control found that Hayes sprayed methyl chloride onto furniture in a dip tank and allowed the chemical to drip into the floor drain.

The criminal action was brought by the Attorney General's Office in coordination with the Yolo County District Attorney.