South Coast AQMD conducts inspections and other compliance activities at industrial facilities in Paramount to determine whether operations comply with applicable air quality rules, permit conditions, and other regulatory requirements.
Activities may include facility inspections, review of equipment and operating records, source testing, permit review, technical evaluations, and enforcement action when violations are identified.
2026
South Coast AQMD is conducting on-site inspections, reviewing compliance and permitting activities and conducting emissions source testing at metalworking facilities in Paramount. This is an active and ongoing investigation.
2025
In September 2025, a monitoring location (15701 Minnesota Avenue) operated by the City of Paramount detected elevated levels of hexavalent chromium, triggering inspections at two metal casting facilities—Pro Cast Industries (15555 Minnesota Ave.) and Fenico LLC (7805 Madison St.). Notices of Violation (NOVs) were issued to both facilities for multiple air quality violations including:
- Use of chromium-containing materials exceeding permit or rule limits (Pro Cast)
- Improper storage of scrap containing chromium alloys (Pro Cast)
- Failure to obtain required permits for metal processing equipment (both facilities)
- Failure to conduct required source tests to verify compliance with hexavalent chromium emission limits (both facilities)
- Inadequate cleaning of areas within 20 feet of chromium alloy melting operations (both facilities)
2016–2021 Investigation
The following Notices of Violation were issued after the start of the special monitoring efforts in the fall of 2016 to investigate sources of odors and hexavalent chromium in the Paramount area.
All items are listed in reverse chronological order by issue date.
Aerocraft Heat Treating Company, Inc.
Notices of Violation issued to Aerocraft Heat Treating Company, Inc.
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P68658 (PDF) |
11/7/2019 |
7/1/2018 |
Failure of Facility Permit holder to submit QCERS with accurate emissions |
| P69805 (PDF) |
6/12/2019 |
6/6/2019 |
Using Equipment (Heat treating furnaces associated with heat treating building no. 2) connected to air pollution control equipment (enclosure C73 and baghouses C75 and C79) which was not in full use (facility has not currently determined which baghouse is C75 or C70 - Baghouse West on Bldg #2 stopped working on 6/6/2019); Failure to report breakdowns as required by Rule 430, specifically the breakdown of Baghouse West on Bldg #2 within one hour of occurence. |
| P69804 (PDF) |
5/28/2019 |
5/9/2019 |
Failure to discharge material collected in a permitted PM control device for disposal to prevent fugitive emissions; Failure to handle the dust collected in the baghouse in a manner that does not result in the re-release of collected materials to the atmosphere. |
| P66904 (PDF) |
12/8/2017 |
10/1/2016 |
Failure to submit quarter 2 QCER with accurate emissions. |
| P64525 (PDF) |
11/16/2017 |
10/19/2017 |
Failure to operate permitted pm control device in accordance with the manufacturer supplied written materials to ensure proper operating condition. Failure to maintain the pressure drop across the HEPA filters between 6.0 and 8.0 inches of water column. |
| P63160 (PDF) |
1/6/2017 |
11/3/2014 |
1) Operating A Cooling Tower With Circulation Water Exceeding 0.15 mg/L Hexavalent Chromium And Not Testing Every Six Months; 2) Operating A Cooling Tower Used For Evaporative Cooling Of Process Water Containing Chromium Without A SCAQMD Permit. |
| P64520 (PDF) |
12/1/2016 |
10/27/2016 |
Discharging from Aerocraft Heat Treating Co Inc air contaminants, specifically hexavalent chromium, a known human carcinogen, which endanger the health of the public. |
Anaplex Corp
Notices of Violation issued to Anaplex Corp
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P66484 (PDF) |
10/11/2019 |
2/26/2019 |
3 violations of CH&SC 42401, Order for Abatement #6066-1 condition no. 8 |
| P66473 (PDF) |
11/9/2018 |
10/1/2018 |
Failure to comply with Housekeeping, Maintenance and Roof Cleaning Plan, Section 3.2 and 7.3, failure to clean all roof surfaces on a monthly basis |
| P66471 (PDF) |
10/26/2018 |
10/1/2018 |
(1) Failure to conduct source test within time period of initial startup as granted by Executive Officer. (2) Failure to comply with Housekeeping, Maintenance and Roof Cleaning Plan, section 4.1.3.2, use of compressed air outside of permanent total enclosure or booth vented to HEPA. (3) Failure to comply with Housekeeping, Maintenance and Roof Cleaning Plan, section 4.1.3.3, making compressed air available outside of permanent total enclosure or booth vented to HEPA. |
| P64529 (PDF) |
12/18/2017 |
11/26/2017 |
Failure to thoroughly survey the effected facility components for the presence of asbestos prior to starting renovation of the roof. |
| P64522 (PDF) |
4/28/2017 |
2/2/2017 |
Failure to submit on or before February 1 the 2016 Ongoing Compliance Status & Emissions Report |
| P64521 (PDF) |
12/9/2016 |
12/7/2016 |
Failure to comply with permit conditions. Failure to maintain daily operating records on site. |
| P64519 (PDF) |
11/29/2016 |
7/2/2013 |
Discharging from Anaplex Corp air contaminants, specifically hexavalent chromium, a known human carcinogen, which endanger the health of the public. Operating sparging and pickling tanks contrary to permit conditions. Installing or altering equipment which emits air contaminants without prior written authorization from SCAQMD. Air sparging a chromic acid anodizing tank when electroplating is not occurring. |
Carlton Forge Works
Notices of Violation issued to Carlton Forge Works
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P65223 (PDF) |
10/5/2018 |
10/4/2018 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P60289 (PDF) |
10/18/2017 |
10/13/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P63767 (PDF) |
9/21/2017 |
9/21/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65055 (PDF) |
9/13/2017 |
9/11/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65212 (PDF) |
9/12/2017 |
9/12/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65211 (PDF) |
9/1/2017 |
8/29/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65209 (PDF) |
6/8/2017 |
6/8/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P63764 (PDF) |
5/31/2017 |
5/31/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P63763 (PDF) |
5/25/2017 |
5/25/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P61738 (PDF) |
5/5/2017 |
3/30/2017 |
Failed to monitor all natural gas fuel lines to 39 process unit furnaces |
| P65208 (PDF) |
4/7/2017 |
4/7/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65207 (PDF) |
4/6/2017 |
4/7/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P63760 (PDF) |
4/4/2017 |
4/5/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65206 (PDF) |
3/24/2017 |
3/24/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P60279 (PDF) |
2/24/2017 |
3/3/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P60278 (PDF) |
2/23/2017 |
3/3/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65205 (PDF) |
2/16/2017 |
2/17/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P63759 (PDF) |
2/10/2017 |
2/7/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P63758 (PDF) |
2/9/2017 |
2/9/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65204 (PDF) |
2/3/2017 |
2/2/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65203 (PDF) |
1/27/2017 |
1/26/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65202 (PDF) |
1/27/2017 |
1/24/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P52999 (PDF) |
1/20/2017 |
1/13/2017 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P52998 (PDF) |
12/9/2016 |
12/8/2016 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
Golden State Engineering
Notices of Violation issued to Golden State Engineering
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P63714 (PDF) |
12/12/2016 |
11/21/2016 |
Operating equipment without a valid permit to operate. |
Lubeco Inc.
Notices of Violation issued to Lubeco Inc.
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P65528 (PDF) |
3/1/2019 |
3/15/2019 |
Multiple violations: South Coast AQMD 1449 (h)(4)(c); 1469 (h)(4)(a); 1402 (g)(2)(c); 203(a) |
| P64524 (PDF) |
8/11/2017 |
7/13/2017 |
Failure to conduct cleanup operations in a manner that minimizes fugitive emissions of atomized paint particles, specifically by failing to encapsulate aluminum foil protective coverings contaminated with primers or coatings containing chromium that are intended to be disposed of in a bag or container before removing from spray booths. Failure to operate the spray booth in compliance with R1469.1, specifically cleanup operations per R1469.1(d)(7) |
| P66001 (PDF) |
6/30/2017 |
5/22/2017 |
Discharging air contaminants, specifically, hexavalent chromium, a known human carcinogen, which causes injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause injury or damage to business or property. |
Paramount Petroleum
Notices of Violation issued to Paramount Petroleum
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P61520 |
10/21/2016 |
10/4/2016 |
Inspection found vapor leak greater than 50,000 ppm VOC. |
| P61519 |
10/4/2016 |
8/26/2016 |
1) Emissions greater than 500 ppm VOC found from wastewater system. 2) Inspection found vapor leak greater than 50,000 ppm VOC. 3) Open ended line found in light service. |
| P61518 |
8/17/2016 |
10/4/2016 |
1) Inspection found vapor leak greater than 50,000 ppm VOC. 2) Inspection found vapor leak greater than 500 ppm VOC. 3) Emissions greater than 500 ppm VOC found from wastewater system. |
Press Forge
Notices of Violation issued to Press Forge
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P65229 (PDF) |
1/16/2019 |
1/15/2019 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65225 (PDF) |
10/24/2018 |
10/24/2018 |
Venting the total enclosures for metal grinding operations to an emission control device which does not meet the requirements of R1430(e); Venting the emissions for metal grinding operations to an emission control device which does not meet the requirements of R1430(e) |
| P65859 (PDF) |
10/23/2018 |
10/22/2018 |
Operation of a metal forging facility in a manner that generated fugitive metallic odors that created a public nuisance. |
Pro Cast Industries
Notices of Violation issued to Pro Cast Industries
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P63713 (PDF) |
12/12/2016 |
11/3/2016 |
Operating a wax burnout kiln without a permit to operate. Failure to demonstrate compliance with the applicable emission limit in Table 1 of Rule 1147 by the compliance date. |
| P63712 (PDF) |
11/5/2016 |
11/3/2016 |
Operating crucible without a permit to operate. |
Spray Zone
Notices of Violation issued to Spray Zone
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P65233 (PDF) |
4/11/2019 |
4/11/2019 |
Operating a spray booth without a permit. |
| P65232 (PDF) |
2/27/2019 |
2/22/2019 |
Operating a spray booth without a permit. |
S. T. & I., Inc.
Notices of Violation issued to S. T. & I., Inc.
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P63510 |
1/27/2017 |
5/5/2015 |
Failure to prevent pH value of chemical scrubber from falling below 10. |
Weber Metals, Inc.
Notices of Violation issued to Weber Metals, Inc.
| NOV # |
Issue Date |
Violation Date |
Description of Violation |
| P65230 (PDF) |
1/16/2019 |
1/15/2019 |
Discharging such quantities of air contaminants which caused nuisance to a considerable number of persons or to the public. |
| P65072 (PDF) |
12/21/2018 |
12/21/2018 |
Failure to apply for permits for existing separate grinding operations subject to R1430 and/or associated air pollution control devices. |
| P65226 (PDF) |
12/4/2018 |
12/4/2018 |
Failure to apply for permits for existing separate grinding operations subject to R1430 and/or associated air pollution control devices. |
| P65224 (PDF) |
10/19/2018 |
10/24/2018 |
Failure to apply for permits for 3 existing separate grinding operations subject to R1430 and/or associated air pollution control devices. |