A valley tomato grower and packer has been hit with a $1.5 million fine over unpermitted construction and allegations that it damaged area groundwater.
Woodland-based Morning Star was accused of nearly doubling the size of a wastewater treatment pond without permission at its Williams facility in Colusa County.
According to the State Water Quality Control Board, enlarging the pond to 100 acres meant fewer crops were available to filter the waste. As a result, the board alleges, more nitrogen, salt and organic waste percolated into the groundwater than allowed.
The expanded pond also subjected neighbors to foul odors, the board said. The board estimated that 266 million gallons of wastewater was discharged into the aquifer.
The civil liability was issued by the board Thursday. The move was announced Monday.