Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-02381/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-02381-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 893
Nature of Suit: Environmental Matters
Cause of Action: 33:1319 Clean Water Act

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Christopher Sproul (State Bar No. 126398)

Jodene Isaacs (State Bar No. 226895)

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES

5135 Anza Street

San Francisco, California 94121

Telephone: (415) 533-3376, (510) 847-3467

Facsimile: (415) 358-5695

Email: csproul@enviroadvocates.com

Email: jisaacs@enviroadvocates.com 

Fredric Evenson (State Bar No. 198059)

ECOLOGY LAW CENTER

~Monterey Bay~

P.O. Box 1000

Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Telephone: (831) 454-8216

Email: evenson@ecologylaw.com

Attorneys for Plaintiff 

ECOLOGICAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ECOLOGICAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION,

Plaintiff,

v.

PICK-N-PULL SAN JOSE AUTO 

DISMANTLERS, A CALIFORNIA GENERAL 

PARTNERSHIP, 

Defendant.

 Civil Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 PSG

CONSENT DECREE

 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 1 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 1 Consent Decree 

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WHEREAS, Plaintiff Ecological Rights Foundation (“ERF”) is a non-profit public benefit 

corporation dedicated to the preservation, protection, and restoration of the environment, the 

wildlife and the natural resources of all waters of California, including Elkhorn Slough and 

Monterey Bay;

WHEREAS, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants Pick-n-Pull Auto and Truck Dismantlers and 

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. either are owner and/or operators of the automobile dismantling and 

used auto parts facilities located at 516A & 516B Dolan Road, Moss Landing, California 

(hereinafter "the Facilities”) or have caused pollutants to be discharged to waters of the United 

States from the Facilities;

WHEREAS, Defendants aver that Pick-n-Pull San Jose Auto Dismantlers, a California 

general partnership (hereinafter “Pick-n-Pull” or “PNP”) is the owner and operator of the Facilities, 

and is solely responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act;

WHEREAS, Pick-n-Pull Auto Dismantlers, a California general partnership, and Klauers, 

Inc., a California corporation, are the general partners of Pick-n-Pull San Jose Auto Dismantlers;

WHEREAS, Pick-n-Pull’s operations involve the de-pollution and recycling of end-of-life 

vehicles, thus contributing to protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources;

WHEREAS, storm water flows off-site from the Facilities at four different discharge points 

or outfalls; each outfall discharges onto the ground near the edge of Elkhorn Slough and has the 

potential to runoff into the Slough;

WHEREAS, discharges from the Facilities are regulated by the National Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) General Permit NO. CAS000001 [State Water 

Resources Control Board] (“Storm Water Permit”)1 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 

U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq. (“Clean Water Act” or “CWA”). Pick-n-Pull is a participant in the California 

Auto Dismantlers Compliance Group under the Storm Water Permit;

WHEREAS, on March 21, 2015, ERF provided notice of violations of the CWA by Pick-nPull and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. and of ERF's intention to file suit against these entities. 

 1 The Storm Water Permit was adopted by the State Board through Order No. 2014-0057-DWQ 

which went into effect July 1, 2015. Industrial storm water discharges that occurred prior to that 

date were subject to Order No. 97-03-DWQ.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 2 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 2 Consent Decree 

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Notice was provided to the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency 

("EPA"); the Regional Administrator of EPA Region IX; the Executive Director of the California 

State Water Resources Control Board ("State Board"); the Executive Officer of the California 

Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 3 ("Regional Board"); the U.S. Attorney General, 

and the Defendants ("Notice Letter") as required by the CWA, 33 U.S.C. § 1365(b)(1)(A); 

WHEREAS, on May 4, 2015, Pick-n-Pull submitted a detailed response to the Notice 

Letter to Plaintiff, setting forth defenses to many of the alleged violations and describing the steps it 

had undertaken to correct other alleged violations. Among other things, PNP’s response described 

the structural and non-structural Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) employed by the Facilities 

as part of its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (“SWPPP”) to reduce or prevent pollutants in 

storm water discharges; 

WHEREAS, on May 28, 2015, Plaintiff filed a complaint against Pick-n-Pull Auto and 

Truck Dismantlers and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., in the United States District Court, Northern 

District of California (Case No. 15-02381 PSG) alleging ongoing violations of the CWA

(hereinafter “Complaint”);

WHEREAS, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. specifically denies it is the owner or operator 

of the Facilities or that it is responsible for compliance with the Storm Water Permit or the CWA at 

the Facilities;

WHEREAS, Pick-n-Pull and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. deny all allegations in the 

Notice Letter and Complaint, and maintain that the operations at the Facilities are in compliance 

with the requirements of the CWA and the Storm Water Permit;

WHEREAS, this Consent Decree shall be submitted to the EPA and United States 

Department of Justice ("DOJ") for the statutory review period pursuant to 33 U.S.C. §1365(c) and 

40 C.F.R. § 135.5;

WHEREAS, Plaintiff and Pick-n-Pull agree that it is in the Parties’ mutual interest to enter 

into a Consent Decree setting forth terms and conditions appropriate to resolving the allegations set 

forth in the Complaint without further proceedings and without any admission of liability on the 

part of the Defendants; 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 3 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 3 Consent Decree 

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WHEREAS, Plaintiff agrees that Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. is not a party to this 

Consent Decree and will be dismissed from the complaint; and

WHEREAS, all actions taken by Pick-n-Pull pursuant to this Consent Decree shall be made 

in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and local rules and regulations.

NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND 

ORDERED AND DECREED BY THE COURT AS FOLLOWS:

I. GENERAL OBJECTIVES

1. The objectives of this Consent Decree are:

a. To ensure that Pick-n-Pull continues to improve storm water quality as necessary to 

comply with the Storm Water Permit;

b. To ensure that Pick-n-Pull continues to use, implement, and improve ways, means, 

and methods to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants in storm water runoff 

from the Facilities; and 

c. To further the goals and objectives of the CWA.

2. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, terms used in this Consent Decree which are 

defined in the CWA or in regulations or rules promulgated under the CWA have the meaning 

assigned to them in the statutes or regulations or rules. Whenever terms listed below are used in this 

Consent Decree, the following definitions apply:

“Consent Decree” means this Consent Decree and any attachments or documents 

incorporated by reference. 

“Day” means a calendar day. In computing any period of time under this Consent Decree, 

where the last day of such period is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State Holiday, the period runs 

until the close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State Holiday. 

"Design Storm" means the volume of runoff produced from an 85th percentile 24-hour 

storm event, as determined from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Castroville 

rainfall records from 1995 to through 2015.

"Dry Season" means the five-month period beginning May 1st of any given year and ending 

September 30th of the same year.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 4 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 4 Consent Decree 

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“Effective Date” means the effective date of this Consent Decree, which shall be the last 

day for EPA and DOJ to comment on the Consent Decree, i.e., the 45th day following these agencies’ 

receipt of the Consent Decree, or the date on which these agencies provide notice that they require no 

further review, whichever occurs earlier.

“Wet Season” means the seven-month period beginning October 1st of any given year and 

ending April 30th of the following year.

II. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

3. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the claims asserted by Plaintiff 

pursuant to CWA section 505(a), 33 U.S.C. § 1365(a), 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1355, and 1367. Venue 

is proper in this judicial district pursuant to section CWA §§ 309(b), 505(c), 33 U.S.C. §§ 1319(b), 

1365(c), and 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and (c). The parties waive any and all objections that they may 

have to the Court’s jurisdiction to enter and enforce this Consent Decree.

4. The Complaint states claims upon which relief may be granted pursuant to Section 505 of 

the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365. 

5. Plaintiff has standing to bring this action.

III. EFFECT OF CONSENT DECREE/RELEASE OF CLAIMS

6. Plaintiff does not, by its consent to this Consent Decree, warrant or aver in any manner that 

Pick-n-Pull’s compliance with this Consent Decree will constitute or result in compliance with any 

federal or state law or regulation. 

7. This Consent Decree is neither a permit nor a modification of existing permits under any 

federal, state, or local law and in no way relieves Pick-n-Pull of its responsibilities to comply with 

all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

8. Compliance with this Consent Decree, including all monetary payments due under this 

Consent Decree (including but not limited to the payment of any stipulated payments) and the 

completion of all storm water quality improvement measures required pursuant to this Consent 

Decree resolves Plaintiff’s civil claims for the violations alleged against Pick-n-Pull in this Action.

9. Plaintiff's Release: Upon the Effective Date of this Consent Decree, Plaintiff hereby releases 

Pick-n-Pull and its partners and its and their officers, directors, employees, successors and assigns, 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 5 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 5 Consent Decree 

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from all CWA violations alleged in the Complaint up to and including the Effective Date of this 

Consent Decree. Except for claims for Pick-n-Pull’s failure to comply with this Consent Decree, 

Plaintiff further releases Pick-n-Pull and its partners and its and their officers, directors, employees, 

successors and assigns, from all claims pertaining to alleged violations of the CWA that may occur 

due to discharges of storm water from the Facilities between the Effective Date and the termination 

of this Consent Decree. 

10. Defendants’ Release: Upon the Effective Date of this Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull and its 

general partners hereby release Plaintiff and its officers, directors, employees, members, attorneys, 

and each of their successors and assigns, from, and waives all claims which arise from or pertain to 

this action, including all claims for fees (including fees of attorneys, experts, and others), costs, 

expenses or any other sum incurred or claimed or which could have been claimed for matters 

associated with or related to Plaintiff’s Notice Letter and Complaint up to the Effective Date.

IV. APPLICABILITY

11. The provisions of this Consent Decree apply to and bind Plaintiff and Pick-n-Pull 

(collectively, “Parties”), including any successors or assigns. The Parties certify that their 

undersigned representatives are fully authorized to enter into this Consent Decree, to execute it on 

behalf of the Parties, and to legally bind the Parties to its terms. 

12. The Parties agree to be bound by this Consent Decree and not to contest its validity in any 

subsequent proceeding to implement or enforce its terms. By entering into this Consent Decree, 

Pick-n-Pull does not admit liability for any purpose as to any allegation or matter arising out of the 

Action. Nothing in this Consent Decree shall constitute an admission of any fact or a waiver of any 

right or defense unless specifically set forth herein.

13. No change in ownership or corporate or other legal status of Pick-n-Pull or any transfer of 

Pick-n-Pull's assets or liabilities shall in any way alter the responsibilities of Pick-n-Pull or any of 

its successors or assigns thereof, under this Consent Decree. In any action to enforce this Consent 

Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall not raise as a defense the failure by any of its agents, servants, contractors, 

employees, successors or assigns to take actions necessary to comply with this Consent Decree, 

unless such actions were prevented by a force majeure.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 6 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 6 Consent Decree 

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14. Except as otherwise provided in this Part, the sale or transfer of ownership or operation of 

any portion of either Facility does not relieve Pick-n-Pull of its obligations under this Consent 

Decree. Not later than thirty (30) days prior to sale or transfer of ownership or operation of any 

portion of either Facility, Pick-n-Pull shall give written notice of this Consent Decree to each 

purchaser or successor in interest. Pick-n-Pull also shall give written notification to Plaintiff, in 

accordance with Part XXII (NOTICES AND SUBMISSIONS), of the anticipated sale or transfer of 

ownership or operation of the Facilities at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of such 

sale or transfer and may seek from the Court a modification of this Decree that would transfer 

responsibility for compliance with some or all of these provisions to its successor. The Court shall 

grant such request if the successor is ready, willing and able to fully implement obligations the 

successor would assume under this Consent Decree.

V. STORM WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MEASURES

A. Storm Water Pollution Control Measures

15. In addition to maintaining the current BMPs at the Facilities, as identified in the Facilities’ 

SWPPPs, Pick-n-Pull shall develop and implement the additional BMPs identified herein, as well as 

any other BMPs necessary to comply with the provisions of this Consent Decree and the Storm 

Water Permit. Specifically, Pick-n-Pull shall develop and implement BMPs with the goal of 

preventing and/or reducing the level of pollutants in storm water discharged from the Facilities 

below the Tier Two Levels in Table 1, attached as Exhibit 1 to this Consent Decree, and to use best 

efforts to reduce the levels of pollutants in storm water discharges below the Tier One Levels in 

Table 1. An exceedance of a Tier One or Tier Two Level, by itself, shall not be considered a 

violation of this Consent Decree.

16. The minimum BMPs to be developed and implemented are set forth below.

a. 516B Dolan Road Facility - Processing Area BMPs

i. Prior to the start of the 2015-2016 Wet Season, Pick-n-Pull shall replace 

all bins used in the production area with bins that have attached covers or that are 

otherwise capable of being covered (tarped) prior to the start of forecasted rain 

events.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 7 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 7 Consent Decree 

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ii. Within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall deploy 

metal sorbing socks (e.g., Filtrexx Metals Sorb http://www.filtrexx.com/metalsremoval/ or similar) at the down-gradient edge of the crush pad in addition to the oil 

sorbing sock already in use and at all storm drain inlets at the Facilities. Within sixty 

(60) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall also deploy polymer floc socks at 

all the storm drain inlets at the Facilities, prior to the media filters.

iii. Throughout the 2015-2016 Wet Season, during each rain event, Pick-nPull shall conduct visual observations of the driveway of the Production Area that 

leads to Dolan Road to determine whether storm water is flowing onto Dolan Road. 

If flow is observed during any rain event, Pick-n-Pull shall evaluate the most 

effective means of preventing storm water from discharging from this location (e.g., 

installation of a berm and/or drain inlet on the driveway) and shall implement the 

selected BMP no later than August 31, 2017.

iv. Prior to August 31, 2016, to the extent that berming does not already exist 

along the northern and eastern borders of the Production Yard, additional berming 

shall be installed to prevent uncontrolled runoff from those locations.

v. Prior to August 31, 2017, Pick-n-Pull shall pave the entire area within the 

fenced areas designated as the Production Yard and Vehicle Receiving/De-garbaging 

Area in Pick-n-Pull’s April 2015 SWPPP and shall concurrently repave the concrete 

crush pad area.

b. Automobile Fluid Draining Operations:

i. Immediately upon the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall continue to drain 

all “bottom fluids” (fuels, motor oils, radiator fluids (antifreeze) and transmission 

fluids) from vehicles in the “Designated Fluid Draining Area” at the 516B Dolan 

Road Facility (the Main Yard) and shall not conduct any vehicle draining operation 

at the 516A Dolan Road Facility (the Premier Yard). Defendant shall include such 

structural BMPs in its Structural BMPs Plan, as required by Paragraph 16.h.ii., as are 

necessary to ensure that the Designated Fluid Draining Area is paved, under cover, 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 8 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 8 Consent Decree 

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with secondary containment for all drained fluids. Pick-n-Pull may continue to 

conduct all hand evacuation of “top fluids” (windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, 

power steering fluid and refrigerants) in the Vehicle Receiving/De-garbaging Area 

using a vacuum pump and sealed containment vessel to avoid accidental discharge of 

top fluids onto the ground. 

ii. Pick-n-Pull shall drain automotive fluids out of non-operational vehicles 

stored at the Facility within five (5) days after receipt of all necessary legal 

clearances from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the County of Monterey or any 

law enforcement agency. In cases where vehicles are not expected to be cleared 

within 45 days of receipt due to an impound directive from law enforcement 

personnel or the DMV, Pick-n-Pull shall place the impounded vehicles in a 

designated area or areas within the Main Yard or the Premier Yard and shall 

implement BMPs to contain and clean up leaks of automotive fluids that are 

observed.

iii. Within forty-five (45) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall post 

adequate signage throughout the Facility in English and Spanish to ensure employees 

know and understand that bottom fluids cannot be drained in areas other than in the 

Designated Fluid Draining Area. 

iv. Within 30 days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall ensure that spill 

kits containing sorbent pads, sorbent socks, granular absorbent, and bags for proper 

disposal are available in the Designated Fluid Draining Area and in the Vehicle 

Receiving/De-garbaging Area where hand evacuation of top fluids is conducted.

c. Impervious Surfaces: 

i. Cleaning: Prior to the onset of the 2015-2016 Wet Season, Pick-n-Pull 

shall thoroughly steam-clean all impervious (paved) ground surfaces at the Facilities. 

Pick-n-Pull shall steam-clean the crushing area first and then schedule the remaining 

impervious ground surfaces so that all such surfaces are steam-cleaned and patched 

(see (ii) below) prior to each subsequent Wet Season. While steam-cleaning, Pick-nCase 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 9 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 9 Consent Decree 

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Pull shall block all discharge points to prevent any wash water from discharging 

from the Facilities and shall dispose of all generated wash water off-site in 

accordance with all applicable laws.

ii. Patching: Within ten (10) days of steam-cleaning an impervious ground 

surface as required by the preceding subparagraph, Pick-n-Pull shall patch all 

significant cracks in that impervious ground surface.

iii. Sweeping: Commencing October 1, 2015, Pick-n-Pull shall contract with 

a third party to sweep all accessible paved areas of the Facilities, and the road 

between the two Facilities, with a regenerative sweeper. Sweeping shall be 

conducted according to the following schedule: (1) twice a month during the Wet 

Season, and (2) once per month during the Dry Season. During the Wet Season, 

Pick-n-Pull shall endeavor to schedule the regenerative sweeper so that the twicemonthly sweeping events are conducted at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to any 

precipitation event where more than 0.1 inches of rain is predicted with a minimum 

likelihood of occurrence of 50% by the nearest National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration rain gauge. Paved areas of the Facilities that cannot be accessed by 

the regenerative sweeper shall be swept using a front loader with a broom attachment 

or manually, as appropriate, in accordance with the Site Housekeeping Plan required 

by Paragraph 16.e.i.

d. Customer Access and Use of Facilities:

i. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall post 

adequate signage in the customer parking lot at both Facilities in English and 

Spanish, and take other measures as necessary, to ensure that customers and other 

individuals do not use any portion of the customer parking lot for the Facility for any 

automobile repair or dismantling activities.

ii. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall post 

adequate signage in English and Spanish in the customer yard of both Facilities to 

require customers to close hoods of vehicles when finishing part(s) removal.

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Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 10 Consent Decree 

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iii. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall require 

Facility employees to close all vehicle hoods at each Facility at least one (1) hour 

prior to the start of forecast precipitation with a likelihood of occurrence of 50% or 

greater by the nearest NOAA rain gauge. So long as Pick-n-Pull uses best efforts to 

ensure that all vehicles are closed as described, the presence of open vehicle hoods in 

the Customer Yard, during rain events or otherwise, shall not be considered a 

violation of this Consent Decree.

iv. Pick-n-Pull shall require Facility employees to close bins in the 

Production Area of the 516B Dolan Road Facility at least one (1) hour prior to the 

start of forecast precipitation with a likelihood of occurrence of 50% or greater by 

the nearest NOAA rain gauge.

e. Site Housekeeping Plan: 

i. Within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall modify the 

BMPs currently contained in the Facilities’ SWPPPs as necessary to ensure that the 

sweeping and cleaning actions deployed at the Facilities, in conjunction with other 

appropriate BMPs, are sufficient to reduce the potential for pollutants to become 

entrained in storm water flows, to prevent pollutants from being blown off the 

Facility, to keep all paved areas of the Facility as clean as practicable, and to prevent 

pollutants from being tracked off the Facility onto surface streets. Pick-n-Pull’s 

sweeping and cleaning BMPs shall be specified in detail in the Facilities’ 

Housekeeping Plan and shall specifically include at least the following measures: (a) 

identification of areas where mechanical sweeping is feasible by regenerative 

sweeper or mechanical broom, areas where manual sweeping only, as needed, is 

feasible, and areas where sweeping is not feasible (such as unpaved areas, or under 

piles of materials that are not reasonably movable), (b) Wet Season and Dry Season 

schedules for mechanical and manual sweeping of areas identified as appropriate for 

daily sweeping, except during periods of rain, (c) Wet Season and Dry Season 

schedules for sweeping of the public streets and curbs, where accessible, with a 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 11 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 11 Consent Decree 

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regenerative sweeper for approximately two hundred (200) feet from the Facility 

entrances, which sweeping may be coordinated with the sweeping of impervious 

areas described in paragraph c.iii. above, (d) triggers for more frequent ad hoc 

sweeping or cleaning such as visual accumulation of dust or debris, (e) a schedule for 

the annual inspection and comprehensive site cleaning, (f) hand sweeping of curbs 

downstream of the Facility and small berms in driveways as needed based on 

observations during Facility inspections to keep materials from lodging in these areas 

where they can be picked up by storm water and deposited into area storm drains, 

and (g) specification that Pick-n-Pull will collect and dispose of all wastes generated 

during Facility cleaning and sweeping in a manner that complies with all local, state, 

and federal laws.

ii. Site Housekeeping Log: Pick-n-Pull shall keep a log or checklist, as 

appropriate, of the sweeping and any other site cleaning activity performed which 

identifies the employee and/or contractor who conducted the sweeping or cleaning, 

the location of the sweeping or cleaning, and the date of the sweeping or cleaning 

activities. The form for this log or checklist shall be adopted by Pick-n-Pull as part of 

the Site Housekeeping Plan referred to in the preceding paragraph. Pick-n-Pull shall 

direct employees and/or contractors to accurately complete this form for those 

sweeping and cleaning actions specified in such log in accordance with the Site 

Housekeeping Plan. Pick-n-Pull shall make the sweeping and cleaning log or 

checklist available for inspection by Plaintiff at the site inspection authorized herein 

or otherwise with five (5) business days advance request by Plaintiff. 

iii. Plaintiff shall have twenty-one (21) days from receipt of the 

Housekeeping Plan to propose any changes or modification to be added to meet the 

intended goal of preventing contaminants from being moved around and offsite from 

the Facility, reducing pollutants in storm water flows, keeping all paved areas of the 

Facility clean and visible, and preventing pollutants from being tracked off the 

Facility onto surface streets. Within 30 days of receiving Plaintiff’s comments on 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 12 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 12 Consent Decree 

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the Housekeeping Plan, Pick-n-Pull shall make all requested changes or provide 

Plaintiffs with a written explanation if Pick-n-Pull declines to implement or develop 

any of Plaintiff’s recommendations.

f. Facility-Wide BMPs:

i. Consistent with the Facilities’ current SWPPPs, Pick-n-Pull shall limit 

storm water discharges to only the Designated Discharge Locations (outfalls)

designated in the SWPPP for each Facility.

ii. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall inspect the 

perimeter of each Facility and implement such measures as are necessary to prevent 

water from discharging from the Facilities perimeter at any location other than 

Designated Discharge Locations.

iii. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Defendant shall post 

adequate signage in English and Spanish at each Facility requiring employees to 

report to the Facility Manager any vehicle that has not been drained of fluid(s) before 

being placed in the customer use area. This provision shall not apply to minor leaks 

or drips of residual automotive fluids that may occur from vehicles after they have 

been properly drained as set forth in Paragraph 16(b)(i-ii) above.

iv. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Defendant shall post 

adequate signage in English and Spanish in the Production Area at the 516-B Dolan 

Road Facility requiring that fuels, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, engine coolant, 

batteries, mercury switches and refrigerant gases be removed from each vehicle prior 

to crushing. 

v. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Data, Pick-n-Pull shall install a rain 

gauge and data logger so that accurate on-site precipitation data is available for use 

in determining whether any bypass events have occurred as set forth in paragraph 28 

below.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 13 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 13 Consent Decree 

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g. Storm Water System:

i. Prior to the onset of the 2015-2016 Wet Season, Pick-n-Pull shall clean 

all components of the storm water conveyance system at each Facility. 

ii. For each successive year that this Consent Decree is in effect, Pick-n-Pull 

shall clean the Jensen pre-cast units at each Facility prior to the beginning of the Wet 

Season and again by the end of January.

iii. Pick-n-Pull shall regularly monitor and maintain the storm water

conveyance system and treatment or retention structures at each Facility in a manner 

that ensures they are kept free of debris and materials not related to the control and 

treatment of storm water (e.g., wood, metal, concrete and other debris). 

iv. From June 1 to September 30 of each year that this Consent Decree is in 

effect, Pick-n-Pull shall cover each storm water drop inlet with a solid material that 

will prevent dust and solids from collecting in the inlet. These covers may be 

removed prior to the start of any forecasted precipitation with a likelihood of 

occurrence of 50% or greater as determined by the NOAA forecast for the Moss 

Landing area available at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/.

h. Structural BMPs: 

i. Temporary Storage: Prior to the onset of the 2015-2016 Wet Season, 

Pick-n-Pull shall install temporary storm water storage facilities of no less than 

twenty thousand (20,000) gallons capacity for the Production Area at 516B Dolan 

Road. The temporary storage facilities shall be utilized to allow for additional water 

retention/settling prior to storm water reaching the StormwateRx system and reduce 

the potential for storm water discharges to bypass the treatment system during storm 

events that do not exceed the Design Storm.

ii. Structural BMPs Plan: Prior to July 1, 2016, Pick-n-Pull shall prepare and 

provide to Plaintiff a plan for evaluating structural BMPs at both Facilities capable of 

providing treatment to all storm water discharges to a level commensurate with Best

Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT) and the Best Conventional 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 14 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 14 Consent Decree 

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Pollutant Control Technology (BCT) and any other measures necessary to prevent 

storm water discharges from causing or contributing to an exceedance of applicable 

water quality standards for Elkhorn Slough. The storm water sampling results 

collected during the first year of the Consent Decree shall be considered during the 

evaluation of the structural BMP improvements. The objective of the Structural 

BMPs shall be to obtain sufficient storm water storage and/or treatment capacity so 

that all storm water is effectively treated to eliminate or reduce pollutants prior to 

discharge in any storm that does not exceed the Design Storm (i.e., storm water 

discharges should only bypass the treatment system during storm events that exceed 

the Design Storm). 

iii. Pick-n-Pull shall consider the following options for improving storm 

water treatment capability at the Facilities and prepare a Structural BMP Plan that 

includes some or all of the following components, or a combination thereof, as 

determined through an engineering evaluation of site hydrology, lithology and other 

relevant factors: 

1. Installing additional holding tanks or other forms of storm water

storage at Outfall 2B to allow for additional water retention/treatment prior to 

storm water reaching the StormwateRx system.

2. Upgrading the current system to the StormwateRx Purus treatment 

unit or equivalent alternative systems by other manufacturers. 

3. Diverting all storm water from the customer yard that is currently 

directed to the inlet at Outfall 2B to instead flow to outfall 1B, or ensuring 

sufficient treatment capacity at Outfall 2B to accommodate the additional 

flow from the customer yard.

4. Installing infiltration basins around outfall 1B at the 516B Dolan 

Road Facility, and around outfalls 1A and 2A at the 516A Dolan Road 

Facility.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 15 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 15 Consent Decree 

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The Structural BMP Plan shall also include engineer approved calculations of the 

design storm standards for the volume of water generated in the 516B Dolan Road 

Facility Production Area and the Dolan Road 516A and 516B Customer Yards that 

are based on historical rain data from the NOAA weather station in Castroville. 

iv. Structural BMP Plan Review: Plaintiff shall have thirty (30) days upon 

receipt of Pick-n-Pull’s Structural BMP Plan to provide Pick-n-Pull with comments. 

Within thirty (30) days of Pick-n-Pull’s receipt of Plaintiff’s comments on the 

Structural BMP Plan, Pick-n-Pull shall accept and incorporate Plaintiff’s comments 

into the Plan, or shall provide Plaintiff with a written explanation if Pick-n-Pull 

declines to develop and/or implement any of Plaintiff’s recommendations. Any 

disputes as to the adequacy of the Structural BMP Plan shall be resolved pursuant to 

the Dispute Resolution provisions of Part XI (DISPUTE RESOLUTION).

v. Structural BMP Plan Implementation: Pick-n-Pull shall implement the 

Structural BMP Plan, as revised, no later than August 31, 2017. Pick-n-Pull shall 

thereafter properly operate and maintain the treatment and/or storm water retention 

system for the life of the Consent Decree.

i. Good Housekeeping: 

i. Pick-n-Pull shall operate the Facilities such that activities that generate 

dust, fine particulate matter, or other materials that can be tracked or entrained in 

storm water discharging from the Facilities are principally conducted within 

designated Industrial Activity Areas shown on the Site Map prepared pursuant to 

paragraph 22. 

ii. Pick-n-Pull shall maintain and operate the Facilities to minimize to the 

extent practicable the generation or accumulation of pollutants that may become 

entrained in storm water discharges.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 16 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 16 Consent Decree 

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B. Reduction of Pollutants in Discharges

17. Action Plan for Table 1 Exceedances: Pick-n-Pull shall submit an Action Plan for reducing 

the level of pollutants in storm water discharges from the Facilities in any of the following 

circumstances:

a. If the average of all storm water analytical results in a given wet season for 

individual pollutant(s) exceeds the applicable Tier Two Level as set forth in 

Table 1;

b. If any storm water sample contains a single pollutant at a concentration that 

exceeds a Tier Two level for any particular pollutant(s) by a factor of 3 or more; 

or

c. If the average of all storm water analytical results for copper or lead exceeds the 

applicable Tier One Level by a factor of 5 or more. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Action Plan shall not be required if the triggering discharge(s) are 

attributable to a legitimate bypass event, i.e., where the volume of storm water exceeds the Design 

Storm for a treatment BMP. In calculating the average of storm water sampling results for a 

particular pollutant, Pick-n-Pull shall average only those results collected from a single outfall (i.e., 

all storm water outfalls will be evaluated separately). An exceedance of a Tier One or Tier Two 

level, by itself, shall not be considered a violation of this Consent Decree, the Storm Water Permit or 

the CWA. 

18. Action Plan Requirements: Each Action Plan submitted shall include at a minimum: (1) the 

identification of the contaminant(s) discharged in excess of the Tier One or Two Level(s), (2) an 

assessment of the source of each contaminant exceedance, (3) the identification of additional BMPs, 

including treating storm water prior to discharge from the Facilities, that will be implemented to 

reduce pollutant concentrations in the discharge, and (4) time schedules for implementation of the 

proposed BMPs. The time schedule(s) for implementation shall ensure that all BMPs are implemented 

as soon as possible, but in no case later than October 1 (prior to the next Wet Season). The following 

BMPs should generally be evaluated as a means of reducing pollutant concentrations:

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 17 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 17 Consent Decree 

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a. Hydraulic Controls: installation of additional berms or equivalent structural 

controls (if necessary to reduce or prevent storm water from flowing into or, 

other than through the engineered storm water conveyance system or storm water 

retention or treatment facilities). 

b. Detention: additional on-site retention or infiltration of storm water to minimize 

storm water discharges (overall or from specific areas) or to detain storm water 

runoff for sufficient detention time so as to reduce pollutants in the discharge. 

c. Visual “Track Off” To Public Streets: additional BMPs necessary to reduce or 

prevent visual “track off” of material from the Facilities onto public streets. 

d. Paving Additional Unpaved Areas: to the extent not already implemented by 

other sections of this Consent Decree, paving appropriate portions of unpaved

portions of the Facilities where significant vehicle traffic occurs. 

e. Treatment Systems: installing or improving treatment systems that would provide 

more effective treatment of storm water prior to discharge than currently installed 

systems, such as a fixed bed filter system or other improved filter system.

f. Evaluation of BMPs: replacing, rehabilitating, or eliminating existing BMPs, 

taking into account the age of the BMPs involved or employed, the engineering 

aspect of the application of various BMPs, and any adverse environmental 

impact of the BMPs.

g. Such other additional BMPs as Pick-n-Pull deems appropriate for evaluation.

19. Action Plan Submittal: In any year that an Action Plan is required, Pick-n-Pull shall provide 

the Action Plan to Plaintiff by June 30 following the Wet Season for which exceedance was reported; 

provided, however, that for the Wet Season ending May 30, 2016, Pick-n-Pull may satisfy the 

requirement to submit an Action Plan through submittal of the Structural BMP Plan required by 

Paragraph 16.h.ii.

20. Action Plan Review: Plaintiff shall have thirty (30) days upon receipt of Pick-n-Pull’s 

Action Plan to provide Pick-n-Pull with comments. Within thirty (30) days of Pick-n-Pull’s receipt of 

Plaintiff’s comments on the Action Plan, Pick-n-Pull shall incorporate Plaintiff’s comments of 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 18 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 18 Consent Decree 

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recommended additional BMPs into the Action Plan, or shall provide Plaintiff with a written 

explanation if Pick-n-Pull refuses to develop and/or implement any of Plaintiff’s recommended 

additional BMPs. Disputes regarding the adequacy of a particular BMP shall not impact the schedule 

for implementing any other BMP set forth in the Action Plan. Any disputes as to the adequacy of the 

Action Plan shall be resolved pursuant to the Dispute Resolution provisions of Part XI (DISPUTE 

RESOLUTION). 

21. Pick-n-Pull shall contact Plaintiff to request an extension of the deadline, if necessary, to 

implement any structural BMPs requiring agency approval. Plaintiff’s consent to Pick-n-Pull’s 

requested extension shall not be unreasonably withheld. 

22. When an Action Plan is completed and approved by Plaintiff or finalized pursuant to dispute 

resolution, Pick-n-Pull shall revise its SWPPP and Monitoring & Reporting Plan (“M&RP”) as 

applicable within thirty (30) days to reflect the changes required by the Action Plan. Pick-n-Pull shall 

notify Plaintiff in writing when the Action Plan has been completely implemented, which shall be no 

later than two (2) months after the approval by Plaintiff or dispute resolution finalizing the Action 

Plan, or after all necessary construction permit approvals have been obtained, whichever is later, 

unless Plaintiff and Pick-n-Pull agree in writing upon an alternate implementation schedule due to the 

nature of the changes that are required. Defendant shall implement any Action Plan approved 

pursuant to this paragraph as a requirement of the Consent Decree. 

B. Site Mapping

23. Site Mapping: Within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall update as 

necessary the Site Maps for the 516B Dolan Road and 516A Dolan Road Facility SWPPPs. The Site 

Maps shall clearly identify the property boundaries, ground type (pervious or impervious) on all 

portions of the Facility; berms, dikes, walls and all other structures controlling the flow of surface 

water, all components of the Facility storm water conveyance system, including but not limited to all 

storm water pipes, drop inlets, any storm water storage or treatment infrastructure (as well is the 

capacity of such infrastructure) and all other physical structures or items relevant under this Consent 

Decree. The Site Map shall further indicate the direction and pattern of storm water flows at and off 

the Facility. 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 19 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 19 Consent Decree 

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24. Designated Discharge Points: Within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date, to the extent not 

already implemented, Pick-n-Pull shall identify on the Site Maps every location at which storm water 

and non-storm water is known to be discharged or which may potentially be discharged including all 

driveways (“Designated Discharge Points or Designated Discharge Locations”). Each Designated 

Discharge Point or Discharge Location shall be numbered and clearly labeled on the Site Maps. 

25. Designation of Storage Areas: The outdoor storage areas at the Facility where materials 

used at the Facility are stored (“Material Storage Areas”) shall be designated on the Facility’s Site 

Map. 

26. Pollutant Generating Activities: The Site Map for each Facility shall fully describe all 

industrial activities that generate dust, particulates or other pollutants that may be deposited within the 

Facility's boundaries and identify their discharge locations and the characteristics of such dust, 

particulate and other pollutants; and a description of the primary areas of the Facility where dust, 

particulate and other pollutants would settle. 

27. Designation of All Sampling Locations: The Site Map shall set identify precisely where 

storm water samples are to be collected. 

VI. SAMPLING, MONITORING, INSPECTION & REPORTING

A. Sampling Program

28. Pick-n-Pull shall collect storm water discharge samples from each Discharge Point at the 

Facilities according to the following sampling schedule: 

a. During the first and second year of this Consent Decree, and except as set forth 

below in this paragraph, Pick-n-Pull shall collect five storm water samples per 

year from each Discharge Point at the Facilities. If four consecutive samples 

from each of the Discharge Points result in pollutant levels below the Tier Two

levels set forth in Table 1 for any parameter sampled, Pick-n-Pull need not 

conduct additional sampling for such parameter unless otherwise required by the 

Storm Water Permit. 

b. During the third year of this Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall collect four storm 

water samples from each Discharge Point at each Facility.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 20 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 20 Consent Decree 

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c. Pick-n-Pull shall analyze each storm water sample collected for each of the 

parameters listed on the Table 1. Should operations change at the Facility, Pickn-Pull shall conduct sampling for any additional toxic priority pollutants listed in 

40 C.F.R. § 131.38 likely to be present in Pick-n-Pull's storm water discharges as 

a result of the changed operations. 

d. Where Pick-n-Pull discharges storm water into a storm drain inlet or catch basin, 

Pick-n-Pull may choose to collect a sample below any insert or treatment system. 

If Pick-n-Pull chooses not to collect a post-filtration or post-treatment sample, 

the quality of storm water samples entering a storm drain inlet or catch basin 

containing a fabric insert shall be considered the same as a sample collected 

below the insert. 

e. During the term of the Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall monitor Outfall 2B at 

the 516B Dolan Facility and document instances where storm water has bypassed

the Stormwater Rx unit due to exceedance of Design Storm capacity as discussed 

below or other mechanical circumstances documented by Pick-n-Pull. Each Wet 

Season that the Consent Decree is in effect, Pick-n-Pull shall sample at least one

bypass discharge which occurs during normal business hours and provide the 

results according to Paragraph 32 below; if a second bypass occurs during the 

same Wet Season, a sample from that event shall also be collected. Pick-n-Pull 

shall not be required to sample any bypass event which occurs outside normal 

business hours.

f. Exceedance of Design Storm capacity shall be determined by referencing the onsite rain data and comparing the number of inches from the onset of precipitation 

in a given day over the following 24 hours to the number of inches generated by 

the 85th percentile 24-hour storm event. 

29. Sampling events shall occur at least 24 hours apart and be preceded by at least 48 hours 

without storm water discharges.

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 21 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 21 Consent Decree 

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30. If Pick-n-Pull does not collect the required number of samples from the designated sampling 

locations due to lack of discharge, Pick-n-Pull shall explain in its Annual Report or any Action Plan 

required by this Consent Decree that rainfall was insufficient for collection of samples.

31. Pick-n-Pull shall deliver all storm water samples collected pursuant to this Decree to a 

California state certified environmental laboratory for analysis within the time needed for analysis 

within laboratory method allowable hold times. Pick-n-Pull shall direct the laboratory to conduct 

analysis sufficient to detect individual constituents at or below the Tier One and Tier Two Levels set 

forth in the attached Table 1. 

32. Pick-n-Pull shall provide to Plaintiff complete results from Pick-n-Pull's sampling and 

analysis of storm water discharges to Plaintiff within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the laboratory 

report from each sampling event. Each time Pick-n-Pull receives sampling results, Pick-n-Pull shall 

provide Plaintiff with a chart in digital or hardcopy form that summarizes the results of all the 

samples and includes the Tier One and Tier Two Levels for comparison. The summary chart shall 

consistently present the sample summaries in micrograms per liter for all of the parameters for which 

concentration values are provided. 

B. Visual Observations

33. Wet Weather Visual Observations: During the term of this Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall 

conduct visual observations, during normal operating hours, at the point at which each discharge 

crosses the property line, during two rain events per month that produce a discharge. During these 

rain events, Pick-n-Pull shall also observe all potential discharge locations on the perimeter of the 

Facility to determine if discharge of storm water is occurring.

34. During such wet weather visual observations, appropriately trained Pick-n-Pull employees 

shall monitor for the presence of visually observable oil sheens in storm water discharges and/or 

discolored or turbid storm water discharges. 

35. Dry Weather Visual Observations: In accordance with the current SWPPPs, appropriately 

trained Pick-n-Pull employees shall conduct weekly visual BMP inspections of the Facility, including 

during dry weather. Such inspections shall include driveways, outdoor storage areas, and all Industrial 

Activity Areas. All Designated Discharge Locations shall also be inspected for accumulation of dust, 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 22 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 22 Consent Decree 

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sediment, sand, grit, oily substances, oily sheens upon any standing water, and other materials 

associated with operations at the Facility. Such inspections shall further include observations of all 

storm water BMPs at the Facility to ensure that operational BMPs are being implemented, structural 

BMPs are in good condition or working order, and that BMPs have been effective in producing clean 

conditions at the Facility to the extent practicable (e.g., an absence of significant oil stains on paved 

or unpaved surfaces, absence of metal debris or other debris on paved or unpaved surfaces, absence of 

oil, or metal or other debris or grit in storm water conveyance structures).

C. Compliance Monitoring

36. Site Inspections: Plaintiff and its representatives may conduct one site inspection per year at 

the Pick-N-Pull Facility during the life of this Consent Decree. The site inspections shall occur during 

normal business hours and Plaintiff shall provide Pick-n-Pull with forty-eight (48) hours notice. 

Where Plaintiff is unable to provide 48 hours notice due to the unexpected nature of a storm event, 

Plaintiff shall provide Pick-n-Pull with as much advance notice as is possible but in no event less than

twenty-four (24) hours notice.

37. During the site inspections, Plaintiff and/or its representatives shall be allowed access to the 

Facility’s SWPPP, M&RP, and other monitoring records, reports, and sampling data for the Pick-NPull Facility. During the site inspections, Plaintiff and/or its representatives may collect samples of 

discharges from the Facility. A certified California laboratory shall analyze storm water samples 

collected by Plaintiff and copies of the lab reports shall be provided to Pick-n-Pull within five (5) 

business days of receipt. At the request of Pick-n-Pull, the samples shall be split and one half 

provided to Pick-n-Pull so as to allow Pick-n-Pull to have their own certified California laboratory 

analyze the samples, in which case Pick-n-Pull shall provide the laboratory results to Plaintiff within 

five (5) business days of receipt.

D. Cleaning, Maintenance, and Inspection Logs

38. During the life of this Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall keep contemporaneous logs 

documenting the performance of cleaning and maintenance activities performed pursuant to 

paragraph 16 and inspection activity performed pursuant to paragraphs 33-36. The logs shall indicate 

the personnel who completed the cleaning, maintenance, or inspection activity and the date the 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 23 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 23 Consent Decree 

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activity was performed. The logs shall further include notes sufficient to describe the completed 

activity and any pertinent information that the activity yielded (e.g., such as whether BMPs are an 

adequate condition or whether the Facility is free of oil, debris, or other conditions likely to lead to 

pollutant loading in storm water discharges). The logs shall be made available to Plaintiff at the time 

of any site inspection.

E. Reporting

39. During the life of this Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall provide Plaintiff with a copy of all 

documents pertaining to the General Permit submitted to or received from the Regional Board or the 

State Board concerning the Facility, including all documents and reports submitted to the Regional 

Board as required by the General Permit. Pick-n-Pull shall also provide Plaintiff with a copy all 

documents relating to its Coastal Development Permit application submitted to or received from 

County of Monterey Resource Management Agency. Documents and reports sent by Pick-n-Pull to 

the Regional Board, State Board, or the County of Monterey Resource Management Agency shall be 

electronically mailed to Plaintiff contemporaneously with submission to the respective agency. 

Documents received by Pick-n-Pull from the Regional Board, State Board, and/or the County of 

Monterey Resource Management Agency shall be electronically mailed to Plaintiff within three (3) 

business days of receipt. 

40. Pick-n-Pull shall provide Plaintiff with a copy of its Annual Report on July 1 each year 

documenting measures taken by Pick-n-Pull to comply with the Decree and providing Plaintiff with 

summary tables of all storm water sample test results for the Facility, field notes documenting visual 

inspections at the Facility, and cleaning, maintenance, and inspection logs prepared pursuant to 

paragraph 38. Pick-n-Pull shall also provide Plaintiff with the on-site rain gauge data in tabular or 

spreadsheet form for the previous Wet Season as part of the Annual Report.

VII. EMPLOYEE TRAINING

41. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall modify as necessary and 

implement a training program, including any training materials needed for effective implementation 

of the training program, to ensure (1) that there are a sufficient number of employees delegated to 

achieve compliance with the Storm Water Permit and this Consent Decree, and (2) that these 

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Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 24 Consent Decree 

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employees are properly trained to perform the required compliance activities (“Training Program”). 

At a minimum the Training Program shall familiarize all employees at the Facility with the 

requirements of the Storm Water Permit and this Consent Decree. 

42. To the extent necessary, the Training Program shall be revised to require specific training on 

the following topics for all personnel whose jobs include some aspect of responsibility for stormwater 

compliance:

a. Non-Storm Water Discharge Training: Pick-n-Pull shall train all employees on the 

Storm Water Permit’s prohibition of non-storm water discharges, so that employees 

know what non-storm water discharges are, which can result from improper draining 

of automobile fluids, and how to detect them and prevent them;

b. BMP Training: Pick-n-Pull shall train all employees on BMP implementation and 

maintenance to ensure that BMPs are implemented effectively to prevent the 

exposure of pollutants to storm water, to prevent the discharge of contaminated 

storm water, and to ensure the proper treatment of storm water at the Facility; 

c. Sampling Training: Pick-n-Pull shall designate adequate number of employees 

necessary to collect storm water samples from each discharge location as required by

this Consent Decree and/or the Storm Water Permit. The training shall include the 

proper sampling protocols, including chain of custody requirements, to ensure storm 

water samples are properly collected, stored, and submitted to a certified laboratory;

d. Visual Observation Training: Pick-n-Pull shall provide training to all individuals 

performing visual observations at the Facility pursuant to this Consent Decree and/or 

the Storm Water Permit.

43. Training shall be provided on an annual basis, or as otherwise required to ensure compliance 

with the terms of this Consent Decree, by a private consultant or a representative of Pick-n-Pull who 

is familiar with the requirements of this Consent Decree and the Storm Water Permit. The training 

shall be repeated as necessary to ensure that covered employees are familiar with the requirements of 

this Consent Decree, the Storm Water Permit, and the Facility’s SWPPP and M&RP. All new 

Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 25 of 36
Case No. 5:15-cv-02381 Page 25 Consent Decree 

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personnel shall receive this training before assuming responsibilities for implementing the SWPPP 

and/or M&RP. 

44. Pick-n-Pull shall maintain training records to document compliance with this section, and 

shall provide Plaintiff with a copy of these records within fourteen (14) days of receipt of a written 

request. The Training Program shall be specified in the SWPPP.

VIII. STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MONITORING AND 

REPORTING PLAN

45. Within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree, Pick-n-Pull shall 

revise its SWPPP and its M&RP to:

a. Incorporate the requirements of the Storm Water Permit, and this Consent Decree, 

including but not limited to revisions to the SWPPP to specify performance of the 

measures referred to in PART V (STORM WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT 

MEASURES), e.g., the auto fluid draining; cleaning sweeping and patching of 

impervious surfaces, customer use restrictions, facility wide BMPs, cleaning and 

maintenance of the storm conveyance system, structural BMPs, good housekeeping 

measures, and site mapping specified in this Part V.C.;

b. Identify the positions responsible for compliance with each aspect of the Storm 

Water Permit and this Consent Decree;

c. Describe all BMPs and how they will be operated and/or maintained;

d. Denote all actions taken to control the deposition of dust, particulate matter and other 

pollutants at the Facility; 

e. Describe where and when storm samples are to be collected and explain why the 

sample points are representative of off-site discharge and include a checklist that 

must be used by trained Facility personnel when conducting the storm water 

sampling required under the Storm Water Permit and/or under this Consent Decree; 

f. Describe where and when visual inspections of the Facility are to be performed and 

include a visual inspection checklist that must be used by trained Facility personnel 

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when conducting the visual observations required under the Storm Water Permit 

and/or under this Consent Decree; and

g. Describe the type, direction, and volume of vehicle traffic at the Facility.

46. Commenting on the SWPPP and M&RP Revisions: Pick-n-Pull shall submit the revised 

SWPPP and M&RP to Plaintiff for review and comment as soon as it is completed but in any event 

no later than thirty (30) days after the Effective Date. Plaintiff shall provide comments, if any, to 

Pick-n-Pull within thirty (30) days of receipt of the SWPPP and M&RP. Pick-n-Pull shall incorporate 

Plaintiff’s comments into the SWPPP and M&RP or shall justify in writing why any comment is not 

incorporated within thirty (30) days of receiving Plaintiff’s comments.

47. Additional Revisions to SWPPP and M&RP: Pick-n-Pull shall revise the SWPPP and 

M&RP if there are any changes in the Facility’s operations, including but not limited to changes to 

storm water discharge point(s) or changes or additions to the BMPs at the Facility resulting from an 

Action Plan. Pick-n-Pull shall submit any revised SWPPP and M&RP to Plaintiff for review and 

comment within five (5) days of completion. Plaintiff shall provide comments, if any, to Pick-n-Pull 

within thirty (30) days of receipt of any revised SWPPP and M&RP. Pick-n-Pull shall incorporate 

Plaintiff’s comments into any revised SWPPP and M&RP, or shall justify in writing why any 

comment is not incorporated within thirty (30) days of receiving comments. 

IX. MITIGATION, FEES, AND COSTS

48. Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Funding: As mitigation of the violations alleged 

in Plaintiff's Notice and Complaint, Pick-n-Pull shall pay the sum of $72,000 to the Rose Foundation 

for Communities and the Environment (“Rose Foundation”). The SEP funds shall be spent 

exclusively on projects designed to advance environmental restoration (including environmental 

restoration work whose purpose is the improvement of water quality in the Elkhorn Slough and/or 

Monterey Bay) or projects designed to study and/or enhance southern sea otter habitat in Elkhorn 

Slough and/or Monterey Bay. Within 30 days of the Effective Date, Pick-n-Pull shall tender this 

payment to the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment. The Rose Foundation shall 

provide the parties identified in Paragraph 58 below a report that sets forth the organizations receiving 

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funds, a description of the project and its goals, and further itemizing the amounts provided to each 

organization.

49. Reimbursement of Fees and Costs: Pick-n-Pull shall reimburse Plaintiff in the amount of 

one hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($115,000) to help defray Plaintiff's investigation fees and costs, 

expert fees and costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, and all other costs incurred as a result of 

investigating the activities at the Facility, bringing these matters to Pick-n-Pull's attention, and 

negotiating a resolution of this action in the public interest. Such payment shall be made within 

fifteen (15) days of the Effective Date. 

50. Compliance Monitoring Funds: Pick-n-Pull shall reimburse ERF seven thousand dollars 

($7,000) per year for each of the years the Consent Decree is in effect for costs and fees associated 

with monitoring Pick-n-Pull’s compliance with this Consent Decree. Monitoring activities include 

the authorized site inspection, review of water quality sampling reports, review of documents 

submitted pursuant to this Decree (other than Action Plans), discussion or written communication 

with representatives of Pick-n-Pull concerning potential changes to compliance requirements, water 

quality sampling, informal dispute resolution, and other actions necessary to monitor and ensure 

Pick-n-Pull’s compliance with this Decree. The compliance monitoring fund payment shall be made 

payable to Environmental Advocates Attorney Client Trust Account. The first installment shall be 

paid within fifteen (15) days of the Effective Date, and the remaining installments shall be paid on 

October 1st for each of the following years that the Consent Decree is in effect; provided, however, 

that Pick-n-Pull shall not be responsible for more than three Compliance Monitoring Fund payments 

of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) each, plus any Action Plan Review payments or late payments, 

as described below.

X. ACTION PLAN REVIEW AND OTHER PAYMENTS

51. If Pick-n-Pull is required to submit an Action Plan in accordance with Section V(B), it shall 

concurrently pay three thousand dollars ($3,000) for ERF’ review of the Action Plan. Action Plan 

Review payments shall be made payable to Environmental Advocates Attorney Client Trust Account.

52. In the event Pick-n-Pull fails to submit to Plaintiff any document, report or other 

communication required under paragraphs 14 (change in ownership), 16 (requests re implementation 

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of minimum BMPs), 19 (action plan submittal), 22 revision of SWPPP and M&RP), 32 (storm water 

sampling results), 39 (submittal of agency correspondence), 40 (Annual Report), 46 (SWPPP and 

M&RP updates), 47 (SWPPP and M&RP further revisions) of this Agreement, for any report more 

than five (5) days late, Pick-n-Pull shall pay a late payment of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) per day 

commencing on the sixth (6th) day after the report due date.

53. In the event Pick-n-Pull fails to complete a measure of specific performance required by (a) 

the dates specified in paragraphs 16(a), (b), (c), (g), (h) above; (b) the dates specified in 2016 

Structural BMP Plan; or (c) the dates for implementation of BMPs specified in any future Action 

Plans pursuant to paragraphs 18, 21, or 22, Pick-n-Pull shall incur a late payment of Five Hundred 

Dollar ($500) per day commencing on the sixth (6th) day after the date by which the measure was to 

be completed or implemented.

54. If Pick-n-Pull fails to submit to any payments required under paragraphs 48-51 of this 

Consent Decree within five days of the date due, Pick-n-Pull shall incur a Five Hundred Dollar 

($500) per day late payment commencing on the sixth (6th) day after the payment due date.

55. Any stipulated payments are pursuant to this Part shall be paid to the Rose Foundation for 

Communities and the Environment within fourteen (14) days of the event that precipitated the 

Stipulated Payment liability. Stipulated payments shall be used for projects designed to advance 

environmental restoration in Elkhorn Slough and/or Monterrey Bay including environmental 

restoration work whose purpose is the improvement water quality in the Elkhorn Slough and/or 

Monterey Bay) or projects designed to study and/or enhance southern sea otter habitat in Elkhorn 

Slough and/or Monterey Bay. Pick-n-Pull shall send Plaintiff notice of any such stipulated 

payments within seven (7) days of tendering such payments. The Rose Foundation shall provide the 

parties identified in Paragraph 58 below a report that sets forth the organizations receiving funds, a 

description of the project and its goals, and further itemizing the amounts provided to each 

organization.

XI. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF CONSENT DECREE

56. Dispute Resolution Process: If a dispute under this Consent Decree arises, or either Party 

believes that a breach of this Consent Decree has occurred, the Parties shall schedule a meet and 

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confer within ten (10) calendar days of receiving written notification from the other Party of a request 

for a meeting to determine whether a violation has occurred and to develop a mutually agreed upon 

plan, including implementation dates, to resolve the violation. If the Parties fail to meet and confer or 

the meet and confer does not resolve the issue, after at least seven days have passed after the meet and 

confer occurred or should have occurred, either Party shall be entitled to all rights and remedies under 

the law, including bringing a motion before the District Court of California, Northern District, which 

shall retain jurisdiction over the Action for the limited purposes of enforcement of the terms of this 

Consent Decree. The Parties agree not to object to an expedited hearing schedule on any Dispute 

Resolution motion if one of the Parties requests one.

57. Litigation Costs and Fees: Litigation costs and fees incurred in conducting meet and confer 

or otherwise addressing and/or resolving any dispute, including an alleged breach of this Consent 

Decree, shall be awarded in accord with the standard established by Section 505 of the Clean Water 

Act, 33 U.S.C. §1365 and case law interpreting that standard. 

XII. NOTICES AND SUBMISSIONS

58. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Consent Decree, whenever under the terms of 

this Consent Decree notice is required to be given or a report or other document is required to be 

forwarded by one Party to another, it shall, to the extent feasible be sent to the following individuals 

as electronic computer files at the e-mail addresses specified below. If a given document cannot be emailed, it shall be mailed by U.S. Mail to the following addresses. Any change in the individuals 

designated by either Party must be made in writing to the other Parties. 

As to Plaintiff:

Fredric Evenson 

ECOLOGY LAW CENTER

P.O. Box 1000

Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Telephone: (831) 454-8216

Email: evenson@ecologylaw.com

Christopher A. Sproul

Environmental Advocates 

5135 Anza Street 

San Francisco, California 94121 

Email: csproul@enviroadvocates.com

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As to the Defendant:

Scott Sloan

National Environmental Director

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

23711 63rd Avenue SE

Woodinville, WA 98072

Email: ssloan@schn.com

Chris Orsolini

Regional Environmental Manager

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

1101 Embarcadero West

Oakland, CA 94607

Email: corsolini@schn.com

Margaret Rosegay

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Four Embarcadero Center

San Francisco, CA 94111

Email: margaret.rosegay@pillsburylaw.com

XIII. PAYMENTS

59. All payments to Plaintiff (other than payments of Supplemental Environmental Project 

funding pursuant to paragraph 50 and Stipulated Payments pursuant to Part X shall be made by check 

made payable to Environmental Advocates Attorney Client Trust Account. Payments shall be sent via 

certified mail, return receipt requested, to the following address: 

Christopher A. Sproul 

Environmental Advocates 

5135 Anza Street 

San Francisco, California 94121

60. All Supplement Environmental Project funding pursuant to paragraph 50 and Stipulated 

Payments pursuant to Part X shall be made by check payable to the Rose Foundation for 

Communities and the Environment. Such payments shall be sent via certified mail, return receipt 

requested, to the following address (with notice to the Plaintiff that such payments have been sent): 

Tim Little

Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment 

1970 Broadway, Suite 600

Oakland, California 94612-2218

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XIV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

61. Withdrawal of CDP Appeal: After court entry of this agreement and within fourteen days 

after the Parties reach agreement on the contents of Pick-n-Pull’s Structural BMP Plan required under 

Paragraph 16.h.ii. hereof, Plaintiff shall submit a letter to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors 

withdrawing its appeal dated March 26, 2015 of the extension granted by the Monterey County 

Planning Commissions to the Facilities’ Coastal Development Permits on March 11, 2015. If 

necessary, Plaintiff will stipulate to a continuance of the currently scheduled hearing date for its 

appeal (August 19, 2016) to allow the Parties sufficient time to reach agreement on the Structural 

BMP Plan prior to the hearing. Plaintiff’s withdrawal of its appeal shall be with prejudice. Pick-nPull is currently conducting a Biological Study at the request of the County and will complete that 

study. 

62. Execution in Counterparts: The Consent Decree may be executed in one or more 

counterparts which, taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same document.

63. Severability: In the event that any of the provisions of this Consent Decree is held by a 

court to be unenforceable, the validity of the enforceable provisions shall not be adversely affected.

64. Construction: The language in all parts of this Consent Decree, unless otherwise stated, 

shall be construed according to its plain and ordinary meaning.

65. Integrated Consent Decree: All agreements, covenants, representations and warranties, 

express or implied, oral or written, of the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Consent Decree 

are contained herein. 

66. Facsimile Signatures: Signatures of the Parties transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed 

binding.

67. Force Majeure: No Party shall be considered to be in default in the performance of any of 

its obligations when a failure to perform is due to a "Force Majeure." A Force Majeure event is any 

act of God, war, fire, earthquake, flood, natural catastrophe, and restraint by court order or public 

authority. A Force Majeure event does not include normal inclement weather or inability to pay. Any 

Party seeking to rely upon this paragraph shall have the burden of establishing that it could not 

reasonably have been expected to avoid, and which by exercise of due diligence has been unable to 

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overcome, the Force Majeure. The Parties shall exercise due diligence to resolve and remove any 

Force Majeure event.

68. The parties hereto enter into this Consent Decree, Order and Final Judgment and submit it to 

the Court for its approval and entry as a final judgment.

XV. EFFECTIVE AND TERMINATION DATES

69. Within three (3) days of the final signature of the Parties, Plaintiff shall submit this executed 

Consent Decree to EPA and DOJ for a 45-day review and comment period pursuant to CWA section 

505(c)(3) and 40 C.F.R. § 135.5. The Court shall not enter its judgment on consent until the 

expiration of this review and comment period. If EPA or DOJ requests or suggests revisions to this 

Consent Decree or objects to entry of this Consent Decree in the form presented, the Parties shall 

within ten (10) days meet and confer on whether to revise this Consent Decree in accord with the 

requested or suggested revisions provided by EPA or DOJ and/or otherwise to accommodate EPA or 

DOJ’s objections. If the Parties do not mutually agree to any such revisions or modifications, the 

Parties shall so notify the Court and request entry of the Consent Decree in the form drafted. If the 

Court objects to entry of this Consent Decree in the form presented, the Parties will attempt in good 

faith to agree to revisions of this Consent Decree necessary so that it is acceptable to the Court.

70. The Effective Date of this Consent Decree shall be the last day for EPA and DOJ to 

comment on the Consent Decree, i.e., the 45th day following these agencies’ receipt of the Consent 

Decree, or the date on which these agencies provide notice that they require no further review, 

whichever occurs earlier.

71. This Consent Decree shall terminate three years from the Effective Date provided that Pickn-Pull has made all monetary payments owed under the Consent Decree and there is no pending 

Dispute Resolution proceeding pursuant to the provisions of Part XI (DISPUTE RESOLUTION). If 

Pick-n-Pull has not made all monetary payments owed under the Consent Decree or if there is a 

pending Dispute Resolution proceeding, the Consent Decree shall be extended until Pick-n-Pull has 

made all monetary payments owed under the Consent Decree and all pending Dispute Resolution 

proceedings have been resolved. 

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MAGISTRATE 12/18/2015

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Case 5:15-cv-02381-PSG Document 16 Filed 12/18/15 Page 35 of 36
 

Table 1. Tier One and Two Levels2 for Facility Discharges

Contaminant Tier One Limit

Applicable Basin

Plan value (salt or 

freshwater 

dependent) 

Tier Two Limit

Oil and grease -- 15 mg/L

Total Suspended Solids -- 100 mg/L

Chemical Oxygen Demand -- 120 mg/L

Total Recoverable Copper 004.8 mg/L 

(CTR)

0.0636 mg/L

Total Recoverable Lead 0.010 mg/L 

(BP)

0.0816 mg/L

Total Recoverable Zinc 0.020 

mg/L(BP)

0.117 mg/L

Total Recoverable Aluminum -- 0.750 mg/L

Total Cadmium 0.0002 mg/L 

(BP)

0.0159 mg/L

Total Recoverable Iron -- 1.0 mg/L

Total Recoverable Mercury 0.0001 mg/L 

(BP)

0.0024 mg/L

Total Recoverable Nickel 0.0002 mg/L 

(BP)

1.417 mg/L

Total Recoverable Silver 0.0019 mg/L 

(CTR)

0.117 mg/L

pH -- 6-9 units

 2 Several of the Numeric Limits are hardness dependent. The hardness dependent limits are 

in bold. The 2008 EPA Benchmark based limits expressed assume hardness of 101 mg/l 

CaCO3. Defendants shall adjust the limit using the methods provided in Appendix J of the 

2008 EPA Multi-Sector General Permit and/or the California Toxics Rule as applicable. 

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