Multiple Notices of Violation
(NOVs) were recently issued
by South Coast AQMD to
several businesses following separate
investigations into odor impacts
affecting nearby communities in
Compton and East Los Angeles.
In Compton, nine NOVs were issued
this year in connection with operations
at Demenno–Kerdoon, doing business
as World Oil Recycling. Eight were
issued to the facility, while one was
issued to a contractor for equipment related
deficiencies.
Since January 1, 2026, South Coast
AQMD has received more than 70
public complaints reporting gas-like
odors in the area, including complaints
from Jefferson Elementary School.
Inspectors responded to the complaints
and conducted more than a dozen
on-site inspections as part of their
investigation.
Following a small fire at the facility
on May 21, inspectors continued
investigating odor reports and
confirmed public nuisance violations
on multiple occasions including
violations involving odors detected
at Jefferson Elementary School that
were traced back to the facility. Using
a handheld Forward-Looking Infrared
(FLIR) optical gas imaging camera,
inspectors identified emissions
from a wastewater storage tank and
a centrifuge pump that may have
contributed to the reported odors. As a
result, NOVs were issued on May 28,
June 1, and June 2.
Additional NOVs were issued on
June 12 and 16 after inspectors
determined that equipment was not
being maintained in proper operating
condition, including a wastewater
storage tank that was not vapor-tight
and a centrifuge pump operated by a
contractor. The facility began working
on repairs while the investigation
remained ongoing.
In a separate enforcement action,
South Coast AQMD issued three
NOVs following the May 22 crude oil
spill in East Los Angeles. The incident
occurred when drilling operations
for a fiber optic installation damaged
an underground crude oil pipeline,
releasing approximately 25,000
gallons of crude oil into nearby storm
drains.
South Coast AQMD inspectors
responded after receiving complaints
of strong petroleum odors, including
one from Esteban E. Torres High
School. Inspectors confirmed the odors
at the school and traced them to the
spill site.
Following its investigation, South
Coast AQMD issued one NOV each
to Camarillo Drilling, Arcadian
Infracom, and HP Communications for
public nuisance violations.
South Coast AQMD investigates
all air quality complaints and takes
enforcement action when violations of
air quality regulations are identified.
Members of the public are encouraged
to report odors, dust, smoke, and other
air quality concerns by:
• Calling 1-800-CUT-SMOG
(288-7664)
• Filing a report via the online
complaint portal at aqmd.gov
• Using the South Coast AQMD
mobile app