Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-00208/USCOURTS-cand-5_15-cv-00208-1/pdf.json

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

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CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 1 

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ERICA A. MAHARG (Bar No. 279396) 

GEORGE TORGUN (Bar No. 222085) 

SAN FRANCISCO BAYKEEPER 

785 Market Street, Suite 850 

San Francisco, California 94103 

Telephone: (415) 856-0444 

Facsimile: (415) 856-0443 

Email: erica@baykeeper.org 

Email: george@baykeeper.org 

Attorneys for Plaintiff 

SAN FRANCISCO BAYKEEPER 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

SAN JOSE DIVISION 

SAN FRANCISCO BAYKEEPER, a California 

non-profit corporation, 

 Plaintiff, 

 v. 

MUOI PHAN dba B2 AUTO DISMANTLER, 

 Defendant. 

 Case No.: 5:15-cv-00208 

[PROPOSED] CONSENT DECREE 

(Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 

33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq.) 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 1 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 2 

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CONSENT DECREE 

 WHEREAS, San Francisco Baykeeper, Inc. (“Baykeeper”) is a non-profit public benefit 

corporation dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of the environment, wildlife, and 

natural resources of the San Francisco Bay and other area waters; 

 WHEREAS, Muoi Phan doing business as B2 Auto Dismantler (“B2 Auto”) operates an 

automobile dismantling facility located at 245 and 275 Leo Avenue, San Jose, California 95112, 

WDID #2 43IO12880 (the “Facility”) (Baykeeper and B2 Auto are collectively referred to as the 

“Parties” to this Consent Decree (“Decree”)); 

 WHEREAS, stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity at the Facility are 

regulated pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) General Permit 

No. CAS000001 [State Water Resources Control Board], Water Quality Order No. 92-12-DWQ (as 

amended by Water Quality Order 97-03-DWQ), issued pursuant to Section 402 of the Federal Water 

Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. §1342 (hereinafter “Industrial Stormwater Permit”). These industrial 

activities include, inter alia, the dismantling and wrecking of used motor vehicles to recycle and resell 

parts; 

 WHEREAS, effective July 15, 2015, stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity 

will be regulated pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”), 

General Permit No. CAS000001 [State Water Resources Control Board], Water Quality Order 

No. 2014-0057-DWQ, issued pursuant to Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1342 

(hereinafter “New General Permit”); 

 WHEREAS, the Industrial Stormwater Permit includes the following requirements for all 

permittees, including B2 Auto: (1) develop and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan 

(“SWPPP”); (2) control pollutant discharges using, as appropriate, best available technology 

economically achievable (“BAT”) or best conventional pollutant control technology (“BCT”) to 

prevent or reduce pollutants; (3) implement BAT and BCT through the development and application 

of structural and non-structural Best Management Practices (“BMPs”), which must be included and 

updated in the SWPPP; and (4) when necessary, implement additional BMPs to prevent or reduce any 

pollutants that are causing or contributing to any exceedance of water quality standards; 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 2 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 3 

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 WHEREAS, on October 22, 2014, Baykeeper served B2 Auto, the Administrator of the United 

States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) Region IX, the Executive Director of the State 

Water Resources Control Board (“State Water Board”), the Executive Officer of the Regional Water 

Quality Control Board (“Regional Water Board”), the U.S. Attorney General, and the Administrator of 

the EPA with a notice of intent to file suit (“60-Day Notice”) under Section 505(b)(1)(A) of the 

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (“Clean Water Act” or “the Act”), 33 U.S.C. § 1365(b)(1)(A), 

alleging violations of the Act and the Industrial Stormwater Permit at the Facility; 

 WHEREAS, on December 19, 2014, B2 Auto implemented a revised storm water pollution 

prevention plan (“SWPPP”) at the Facility that included new and modified BMPs for controlling and 

reducing the levels of potential pollutants in the Facility’s storm water discharges; 

 WHEREAS, on January 14, 2015, Baykeeper filed a complaint (“Complaint”) alleging certain 

violations of the Act and the Industrial Stormwater Permit at the Facility; 

 WHEREAS, B2 Auto denies all allegations and claims contained in the Complaint and reserves 

all rights and defenses with respect to such allegations and claims; 

 WHEREAS, B2 Auto denies the occurrence of the violations alleged in the Notice Letter and 

maintains that B2 Auto has complied at all times with the provisions of the Industrial Stormwater 

Permit and the Clean Water Act; 

 WHEREAS, the Parties believe it is in their mutual interest and choose to resolve in full 

Baykeeper’s allegations in the 60-Day Notice and Complaint through settlement and avoid the cost and 

uncertainties of further litigation; 

 WHEREAS, this Decree shall be submitted to the United States Department of Justice for the 45-

day statutory review period, pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1365(c); and shall thereafter be submitted for entry 

as an Order of the Court, the date of which Order shall be referred to herein as the “Court Approval 

Date”; 

 NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED BETWEEN THE SETTLING 

PARTIES, AND ORDERED AND DECREED BY THE COURT, AS FOLLOWS: 

/ / / 

/ / / 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 3 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 4 

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I. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 

1. In order to further reduce or further prevent pollutants associated with industrial activity from 

discharging via stormwater to the waters of the United States, B2 Auto shall implement additional 

appropriate structural and non-structural BMPs, as described more fully below, in compliance with the 

requirements of the Industrial Stormwater Permit, the New General Permit, and the Clean Water Act. 

2. Site Map: No later than April 1, 2015, B2 Auto shall update the Site Map included in the 

Facility SWPPP. The Site Map shall identify property boundaries, ground type (pervious or 

impervious), berms and the materials they are composed of, any permanent structures and features, 

known or suspected storm drain inlets, discharge point(s), sampling point(s) identified in the Facility 

SWPPP (hereinafter “Designated Sampling Point(s)”), and all other physical structures or items 

relevant under the Industrial Stormwater Permit and pursuant to this Decree. While the Decree is in 

effect, if B2 Auto makes any changes to the Designated Sampling Points or discharge points at the 

Facility, B2 Auto shall update the SWPPP within forty-five (45) days and submit the revised SWPPP 

to Baykeeper within ten (10) business days thereafter, in accordance with Paragraph 6. 

3. Non-Structural Best Management Practices. Beginning on March 9, 2015 (unless otherwise 

noted), B2 Auto shall implement the following non-structural BMPs:

a. Storm Drain Inlet/Catch Basin Best Management Practices: 

i. Storm Drain Inlet/Designated Sampling Point Inspections: Between March 9 

and March 16, 2015, and between September 1 and October 1 of each year, B2 Auto shall inspect any 

storm drain inlets, catch basins, Designated Sampling Point, discharge points, filtration/treatment 

devices, and other BMPs in place at the Facility. B2 Auto shall promptly clean, as needed, each drain 

inlet, catch basin, Designated Sampling Point, discharge point, filtration/treatment device, and other 

BMPs in order to remove any accumulated dust, sediment, solids, or debris. During the dry season 

(June 1-September 30), B2 Auto shall continue the practice of covering inlets with an impervious 

device. 

ii. Storm Drain Inlet/Designated Sampling Point Maintenance and Cleaning: On a 

weekly basis between October 1 and May 31 of each year (“Wet Season”), B2 Auto shall inspect all 

storm drain inlets, catch basins, Designated Sampling Points, discharge points, filtration/treatment 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 4 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 5 

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devices, and other BMPs in place at the Facility to ensure that they are not in a condition that would 

materially impair their efficacy, and clean out accessible deposited sediment or debris. B2 Auto shall 

properly dispose of any dust, sediment, debris, or other removed pollutants. 

iii. Log of Storm Drain Inlet/Designated Sampling Point Inspections, Maintenance 

and Cleaning: B2 Auto shall prepare and maintain a log of the Storm Drain Inlet/Designated 

Sampling Point Inspections, Maintenance and Cleaning described herein (“Maintenance Log”). The 

Maintenance Log shall indicate the employee or contractor who completed the maintenance activity 

and when it was completed. The Maintenance Log shall be made available for inspection by 

Baykeeper at any site inspection or otherwise within three (3) business days advance request by 

Baykeeper. 

b. Site Sweeping: B2 Auto shall sweep the accessible paved areas of the Facility by hand 

or vacuum at least two (2) times per week during the Wet Season and in advance of each forecasted 

rain event. B2 Auto shall keep a log or checklist, as appropriate, of the on-site sweeping activity 

performed (“Sweeping Log”), and shall direct employees and/or contractors to accurately complete the 

Sweeping Log. The Sweeping Log shall indicate the employee or contractor who conducted the 

sweeping, the location of the sweeping, and the dates the sweeping activities occurred. The Sweeping 

Log shall be made available for inspection by Baykeeper at any site inspection or within three (3) 

business days of a request by Baykeeper. 

c. Vehicle Dismantling: All vehicles shall be dismantled under cover; dismantling shall 

include, at a minimum, disconnecting all hoses and wires; draining all oil and all other fluids from the 

vehicle to the extent feasible; and removing the engine and all other mechanical parts in the vehicle 

that may contribute to oil and grease or heavy metals in the Facility’s stormwater discharges. 

d. Abandoned or Inutile Equipment Storage and Removal: B2 Auto shall either store 

under cover or, as soon as feasible, remove from the Facility all abandoned or broken equipment or 

materials no longer considered for future use that have the potential to serve as the source for pollutant 

loading. 

e. Vehicle and Equipment Management: B2 Auto shall implement BMPs to reduce or 

minimize pollutant release from equipment such as dismantled and non-dismantled vehicles, forklifts, 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 5 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 6 

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trucks, and other heavy equipment that are parked or stored in industrial areas of the Facility from 

which stormwater discharges. Such BMPs shall include placing drip pans under equipment stored or 

parked for a week or longer; weekly inspections for evidence of leaks from such equipment; and 

prompt clean-up of spills, drips, or leaks from such equipment. Any spilled substances and absorbent 

materials used in cleaning up spills shall be disposed of in accordance with all local, state, and federal 

laws and regulations. 

f. Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance: B2 Auto shall not conduct routine (i.e., nonemergency) vehicle or movable equipment maintenance or repair at the Facility in outdoor, uncovered 

areas from which stormwater discharges during rainfall events. 

g. Training: By April 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, and within thirty (30) days of 

hiring of new employees, B2 Auto shall conduct training for all employees to explain the requirements 

of the Facility’s SWPPP to the extent applicable to such employee. Training shall focus on the 

employee’s role in implementing various stormwater control measures including, for example, 

implementation of BMPs, sweeping, vehicle maintenance, or facility inspections. Training shall be 

conducted in the relevant language to the extent that such employee is not reasonably able to 

comprehend training in English. If and when appropriate, B2 Auto shall integrate any new training 

requirements resulting from this Decree into the Facility SWPPP. B2 Auto shall also update the 

SWPPP, if and when appropriate, to identify the positions responsible for carrying out stormwater 

management, monitoring, sampling, and SWPPP implementation. 

4. Structural Best Management Practices: By March 9, 2015, B2 Auto shall implement the 

following structural BMPs at each storm drain inlet at the Facility: 

a. Sock Filters: During the Wet Season, B2 Auto shall place weighted sock filters 

designed to treat heavy metals and/or oil and grease, specifically Filtrexx FilterSoxx with MetaLoxx, 

around each storm drain inlet. If B2 Auto proposes to change the type of sock filters, the proposed 

sock filter shall be as effective or more effective than the Filtrexx filters at reducing the specific 

pollutants discharged from the Facility, and B2 Auto shall amend the SWPPP in accordance with 

Paragraph 6. 

b. In-Situ Storm Drain Inlet Filters: B2 Auto shall install storm drain inlet filters, 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 6 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 7 

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specifically inlet filters designed and fabricated by Revel Environmental Manufacturing (REM), at 

each storm drain inlet at the Facility. If B2 Auto proposes to change the type of storm drain inlet 

filter, the proposed storm drain inlet filter shall be as effective or more effective than the REM filters 

at reducing the specific pollutants discharged from the Facility, and B2 Auto shall amend the SWPPP 

in accordance with Paragraph 6.

5. Maintenance of BMP Structural Controls: During the Term of the Decree, B2 Auto shall 

maintain all structural BMPs at the Facility in good operating condition and shall promptly repair any 

damaged or degraded structural BMPs. At a minimum, B2 Auto shall replace all structural BMPs in 

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

6. Amendment of SWPPP: No later than April 1, 2015, B2 Auto shall amend the Facility 

SWPPP to incorporate the requirements and BMPs set forth in this Section I. During the Term of the 

Decree, B2 Auto shall amend the SWPPP within forty-five (45) days to reflect any changes to the 

discharge points or Designated Sampling Points at the Facility, changes in personnel responsible for 

stormwater management, or additions or modifications to the BMPs. Whenever B2 Auto amends the 

SWPPP during the Term of this Decree, other than in accordance with an Action Plan prepared and 

submitted to Baykeeper pursuant to Paragraphs 12-16, B2 Auto shall submit the updated SWPPP to 

Baykeeper within ten (10) business days of the update. Baykeeper shall have thirty (30) days from 

receipt of the amended SWPPP to propose any changes to the amended portions of the SWPPP. B2 

Auto shall consider each of Baykeeper’s proposed changes to the Action Plan and accept them or 

timely request, in accordance with Paragraph 25, a meet and confer to discuss. Compliance with the 

SWPPP, as amended in accordance with this Paragraph provision, shall at all times be a requirement 

of this Decree.

7. Additional BMPs: The BMPs included in this Section constitute a preliminary approach to 

stormwater management at the Facility for the first year of the Decree. If, after implementing these 

BMPs, the sampling conducted in accordance with Section II indicates that the Facility’s stormwater 

discharges continue to exceed the Target Levels in Exhibit 1, or otherwise do not meet water quality 

standards, B2 Auto shall propose additional BMPs in an Action Plan prepared in accordance with 

Paragraph 12. 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 7 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 8 

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II. SAMPLING, MONITORING, INSPECTION & REPORTING 

8. Sampling Program - Stormwater: During the 2014-15 Wet Season and throughout the Term 

of this Decree, B2 Auto shall collect and analyze stormwater samples from all of its Designated 

Sampling Points, indicated on the Site Map prepared pursuant to Paragraph 2, according to the 

following sampling schedule: 

a. B2 Auto shall collect and analyze samples from all Designated Sampling Points during 

the first three (3) storm events of the Wet Season that meet the conditions of Section B.5.b under the 

Industrial Stormwater Permit or, after the 2014-15 Wet Season, that meet the requirements for a 

“Qualifying Storm Event,” as defined in Section XI.B.1 of the New General Permit. Each stormwater 

sample must represent post-filtration conditions (i.e. collected after flowing through the drop-inlet 

filter) and be analyzed for the presence of each of the parameters listed on the Sampling Chart attached 

hereto as Exhibit 1, except B2 Auto is not required to analyze samples for mercury if mercury is not 

detected in the first sample analyzed under this Decree. 

b. If B2 Auto is unable to take a sample from any of the Designated Sampling Points 

during any of the first three storm events of the Wet Season, B2 Auto shall continue to sample from 

any subsequent storm events until three samples have been collected from each Designated Sampling 

Point in that Wet Season. 

c. In the event that B2 Auto is unable to collect three samples from each Designated 

Sampling Point in a Wet Season, B2 Auto shall explain in writing in the End-of-Season Summary 

under Paragraph 11 why it was unable to collect the required sample(s). 

d. Should industrial processes materially change at the Facility, B2 Auto shall conduct 

sampling for any additional toxic priority pollutants listed in 40 C.F.R. § 131.38 likely to be present in 

the Facility’s stormwater discharges in significant quantities as a result of the changed industrial 

processes. B2 Auto shall notify Baykeeper of any such changes within thirty (30) days of such a 

change. 

9. Certified Lab: Except for pH samples, which will be measured with an on-site calibrated pH 

meter in order to meet the 15 minute holding time requirement, B2 Auto shall have all stormwater 

samples collected pursuant to this Decree delivered to a California state certified environmental 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 8 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 9 

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laboratory for analysis within the time needed for analysis according to laboratory method allowable 

hold times. The laboratory shall thereafter conduct analysis sufficient to detect individual constituents 

at or below the levels set forth in the attached Exhibit 1. 

10. Sample Result Reporting: During the Term of this Decree, B2 Auto shall provide complete 

results from sampling and analysis to Baykeeper within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the 

laboratory report from each sampling event. 

11. End-of-Season Summary: By July 15 following each Wet Season that occurs during the 

Term of this Decree, B2 Auto shall prepare and send to Baykeeper an End-of-Season Summary that 

includes: (1) a summary chart with all of the sample results from the previous Wet Season, including 

the constituent concentration(s) from Designated Sampling Point sample(s) collected at the Facility 

exceeding the Target Levels in Exhibit 1 (“Exceedance(s)”); and (2) identification of any new BMP(s) 

that B2 Auto has implemented or will implement. 

12. Action Plan: If any stormwater sample result during a Wet Season exceeds any Target Level 

set forth in Exhibit 1 (“Exceedance(s)”), B2 Auto shall submit an Action Plan in addition to an Endof-Season Summary by July 15 following each Wet Season that occurs during the Term of the Decree. 

13. Contents of Action Plan: If an Action Plan is required, it shall include the following: 

a. The possible sources of the Exceedance(s) during the applicable Wet Season; 

b. A proposal for and evaluation of new site-specific BMPs designed to reduce pollutants 

in future stormwater discharges to the Target Levels in Exhibit 1 or to achieve BAT and BCT; and 

c. A schedule to implement any revised and/or additional BMPs by the earliest practicable 

time, and no later than October 1 of the next Wet Season. In any Action Plan, B2 Auto shall consider 

appropriate structural BMPs as necessary to adequately address its Exceedances. 

14. Baykeeper Review of Action Plan: Baykeeper shall have thirty (30) days from receipt to 

propose revisions to the Action Plan. Within thirty (30) days of receiving Baykeeper’s proposed 

revisions, B2 Auto shall consider each of Baykeeper’s recommended revisions to the Action Plan and 

accept them or timely request, in accordance with Paragraph 25, a meet and confer to discuss. 

15. Implementation of Action Plan: B2 Auto shall implement the Action Plan(s) adopted 

pursuant to this Decree as an obligation of this Decree. 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 9 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 10 

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16. Amendment of Facility SWPPP: Within forty-five (45) days after BMPs set forth in an 

Action Plan pursuant to this Decree are implemented, B2 Auto shall amend the Facility SWPPP to 

include all BMP revisions or additions not otherwise already implemented and included in the 

SWPPP. Within ten (10) business days thereafter, B2 Auto shall provide Baykeeper with a copy of 

such revised SWPPP. 

17. Evaluation of BMPs: During each Wet Season during the Term of the Decree, B2 Auto shall 

evaluate the Facility BMPs included in this Decree and any current or previous Action Plans, and, if 

B2 Auto has exceeded Target Levels, make reasonable efforts to reduce the concentrations to Target 

Levels or otherwise meet BAT or BCT, as appropriate, for the remainder of the Wet Season. B2 Auto 

shall use the results from subsequent stormwater samples as they become available to assist with its 

ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of BMPs. 

18. Stipulated Payments: B2 Auto shall pay the following stipulated payments during the Term 

of this Decree, unless B2 Auto invokes dispute resolution under Paragraph 25, and Baykeeper or the 

Court determines that B2 Auto’s failure to comply was reasonably excusable and timely cured. 

a. $500 for each failure to collect a sample required under this Decree; 

b. $100 per business day (Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays) 

after the report due date for each failure to timely submit any document, report or other 

communication required under this Decree; and 

c. $500 per business day past the due date that B2 Auto fails to submit any payments due 

under Paragraphs 21-23 of this Decree. 

d. Any stipulated payments described above shall be paid to Baykeeper within thirty (30) 

days of notification of the failure to comply, or, if B2 Auto has invoked dispute resolution under 

Paragraph 25, within thirty (30) days of the dispute resolution process terminating in favor of 

Baykeeper. Stipulated payments calculated on a daily basis shall not accrue during the pendency of a 

dispute resolution process under Paragraph 25. 

19. Site Access: During the Term of this Decree, B2 Auto shall permit representatives of 

Baykeeper to perform one (1) physical inspection per year of the Facility during operating hours (“Site 

Inspection”). Baykeeper shall provide B2 Auto three (3) business days notice in advance of such Site 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 10 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 11 

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Inspections, except that B2 Auto shall have the right to deny access if circumstances would make the 

inspection unduly burdensome and pose significant interference with business operations or any 

party/attorney, or the safety of individuals. In such case, B2 Auto shall specify at least two (2) dates 

within the two (2) weeks thereafter upon which a physical inspection by Baykeeper may proceed. 

Baykeeper shall comply with all safety instructions provided to Baykeeper by B2 Auto staff during all 

Site Inspections. During Site Inspections, Baykeeper shall be allowed to inspect and sample any 

stormwater discharges, logs, and take photos and/or videos. All sampling shall be conducted by 

Baykeeper staff trained to take water quality samples, with a split sample provided to both Baykeeper 

and B2 Auto at the time of sampling. Baykeeper shall provide B2 Auto with a copy of all sampling 

reports, photographs and/or video within a reasonable time after the site inspection, not to exceed 

fourteen (14) days after Baykeeper’s receipt of any sampling reports from split samples, and seven (7) 

days after the site inspection, for photographs and/or video. 

20. Reports: During the Term of this Decree, B2 Auto shall provide Baykeeper with a copy of all 

documents required to be submitted to the Regional Water Board or the State Water Board concerning 

the Facility’s compliance with the Industrial Stormwater Permit or, when it comes into effect, with the 

New General Permit. Such documents and reports shall be transmitted to Baykeeper via electronic 

mail at the time the documents are submitted to the Regional Water Board or State Water Board. 

III. MITIGATION, FEES AND COSTS 

21. Environmental Mitigation Funding: As mitigation for the alleged violations set forth in 

Baykeeper’s Notice and Complaint, within thirty (30) days of the Court Approval Date, B2 Auto shall 

pay the sum of eight thousand dollars ($8,000) to the Rose Foundation for the Environment, an 

environmental non-profit organization, for projects that will benefit the San Francisco Bay watershed. 

The Rose Foundation for the Environment reports the grant funding made with the tendered funds to 

the Court, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Parties, setting forth the recipient and purpose of the 

funds. Payment shall be made to the Rose Foundation for the Environment, 1970 Broadway, Suite 

600, Oakland, CA 94612, Attn: Tim Little, with concurrent notice to Baykeeper. 

22. Reimbursement of Fees and Costs: B2 Auto shall reimburse Baykeeper in the amount of 

twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) to help cover Baykeeper’s reasonable investigation, expert, and 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 11 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 12 

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attorneys’ fees and costs, and all other reasonable costs incurred as a result of investigating the 

activities at the Facility related to this Decree, bringing these matters to B2 Auto’s attention, and 

negotiating a resolution of this action. B2 Auto shall tender said payment, payable to Baykeeper, in 

two installments: one installment of $12,000 by June 1, 2015, and a second installment of $8,000 by 

August 1, 2015. 

23. Compliance Monitoring Funds: B2 Auto shall provide to Baykeeper a total of six thousand 

dollars ($6,000) for costs and fees associated with monitoring B2 Auto’s compliance with this Decree 

through the termination date of this agreement. The total compliance monitoring fund payment, made 

payable to Baykeeper, shall be made by August 1, 2015. 

24. Interest on Late Payments: B2 Auto shall pay interest on any payments, fee or costs owed to 

Baykeeper under this Decree that Baykeeper has not received by the date due. The interest shall 

accrue starting the first day after the payment is due and shall be computed at 1.5% per month (18% 

per year). 

25. Dispute Resolution: If a dispute under this Decree arises, or a Party believes that a violation of 

this Decree has occurred, the Party asserting the dispute or violation shall notify in writing the other 

Party promptly. Any violation under this Decree capable of being cured shall be deemed cured if, 

within five (5) business days of first receiving notice of the alleged violation, or within such other 

period approved in writing by the Party making such allegation, which approval shall not be 

unreasonably withheld, the party allegedly in violation has completed such cure or, if the breach or 

default can be cured but is not capable of being cured within such five (5) business day period, has 

commenced and is diligently pursuing to completion such cure. Otherwise, the Parties shall meet and 

confer within ten (10) business days of issuance of the notice of dispute or violation, to determine 

whether a violation of this Decree has occurred and/or to develop a mutually agreed upon plan, 

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

meet and confer does not resolve the issue, after at least seven (7) business 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 United States District Court for the 

Northern District of California for the limited purpose of enforcing the terms of this Decree. The 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 12 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 13 

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Parties shall be entitled to seek fees and costs incurred in any such action pursuant to the provisions set 

forth in Section 505(d) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1365(d), and applicable case law 

interpreting such provisions. 

IV. JURISDICTION OVER PARTIES AND SUBJECT MATTER OF CONSENT DECREE

26. Jurisdiction. For the purposes of this Decree, the Parties stipulate that the United States 

District Court of California, Northern District of California, has jurisdiction over the Parties and 

subject matter of this Decree. The Parties stipulate that venue is appropriate in the Northern District of 

California and that Baykeeper has standing to bring the Complaint. B2 Auto reserves all other rights 

and defenses in any such proceeding. 

27. Jurisdiction to Enforce Consent Decree. The Court referenced above shall retain jurisdiction 

over the Parties and subject matter of this Decree for the purpose of adjudicating all disputes among 

the Parties that may arise under the provisions of this Decree. The Court shall have the power to 

enforce this Decree with all available legal and equitable remedies. 

28. Submission of Consent Decree to DOJ. Within three (3) business days of receiving all of 

the Parties’ signatures to this Decree, Baykeeper shall submit this Decree to the U.S. Department of 

Justice (“DOJ”) and EPA for agency review consistent with 40 C.F.R. §135.5. The agency review 

period expires forty-five (45) calendar days after receipt by the DOJ, evidenced by correspondence 

from DOJ establishing the review period. In the event DOJ comments negatively on the provisions of 

this Decree, the Parties agree to meet and confer to attempt to resolve the issues raised by DOJ. 

29. Dismissal of Complaint. If there is no objection by DOJ to this Decree, the Parties shall: (a) 

request the approval and entry of this Decree in the exact form presented to DOJ; and (b) concurrently 

stipulate to and request dismissal of this action with prejudice. Such dismissal shall not affect the 

rights and obligations of the Parties under this Decree, nor shall it affect the power of the Court to 

enforce this Decree. 

V. WAIVER AND RELEASES

30. Baykeeper Waiver and Release of Noticed Parties: Baykeeper, on its own behalf and on 

behalf of its officers, directors, employees, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and each of their successors 

and assigns, releases B2 Auto, its officers, directors, employees, members, shareholders, owners, 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 13 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 14 

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parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns, agents, attorneys and other representatives from 

and waives all claims raised in the 60-Day Notice and/or the Complaint, 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 included in the 60-Day Notice and/or the 

Complaint (“Baykeeper Released Claims”). During the term of the Decree, Baykeeper agrees that 

neither Baykeeper, its officers, executive staff, or members of its governing board, nor any 

organization under the control of Baykeeper, will file or support any lawsuit against B2 Auto seeking 

relief for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, the Industrial Stormwater Permit, or the New 

General Permit. Enforcement of this Decree is Baykeeper’s exclusive remedy for any violation of the 

terms contained herein. 

31. B2 Auto’s Waiver and Release of Baykeeper: B2 Auto, on its own behalf and on behalf of 

its officers, directors, employees, members, shareholders, owners, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, or 

their successors or assigns release Baykeeper and its officers, directors, employees, members, parents, 

subsidiaries, and affiliates, and each of their successors and assigns from, and waive all claims which 

arise from or pertain to, the 60-Day Notice and/or the Complaint, 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 included in the 60-Day Notice and/or the Complaint 

(“B2 Released Claims”). 

32. Scope of Mutual Releases. It is understood and agreed by the Parties that the claims released 

in Paragraphs 30-31 include all claims of every nature and kind with respect to the Baykeeper 

Released Claims and the B2 Released Claims, whether known or unknown, suspected, or unsuspected. 

All rights with respect to the Baykeeper Released Claims and the B2 Released Claims under section 

1542 of the California Civil Code are hereby expressly waived. Section 1542 provides as follows: 

A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does 

not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing 

the Release, which if known by him or her must have materially 

affected his or her settlement with the debtor. 

The Parties acknowledge that they may hereafter discover facts different from, or in addition to, those 

which they now know or believe to be true with respect to the Baykeeper Released Claims and the B2 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 14 of 22
CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 15 

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Released Claims, and the Parties agree that this Agreement, including, without limitation, the releases 

contained herein, shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or 

additional facts or the discovery thereof. 

VI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

33. Effective Date: The Agreement shall be effective upon mutual execution by all Parties 

(“Effective Date”), but shall not be enforceable until the Court Approval Date. 

34. Term of Consent Decree: This Decree shall continue in effect between the Effective Date and 

September 30, 2017, or, if a Party has invoked dispute resolution pursuant to Paragraph 25 before 

September 30, 2017, the date when the dispute is resolved (the “Term”), at which time the Decree, and 

all obligations under it, shall automatically terminate. 

35. Early Termination: If B2 Auto should cease industrial operations at the site and file a Notice 

of Termination (“NOT”) under the Industrial Stormwater Permit or the New General Permit prior to 

the termination date of this Decree, B2 Auto shall send Baykeeper a copy of the proposed NOT 

concurrent with its submittal to the Regional Water Board. Within ten (10) days of the Regional 

Water Board’s approval of the NOT, B2 Auto shall notify Baykeeper in writing of the approval and 

remit all outstanding payments, including stipulated payments, to Baykeeper. In the event a new 

successor or assign continues industrial operations at the site and assumes responsibility for 

implementation of this Decree pursuant to Paragraph 47, B2 Auto shall notify Baykeeper within ten 

(10) days of the transition. 

36. Execution in Counterparts: The Decree may be executed in one or more counterparts which, 

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

37. Signatures: The Parties’ signatures to this Decree transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail 

transmission shall be deemed binding. 

38. Construction: The language in all parts of this Decree, unless otherwise stated, shall be 

construed according to its plain and ordinary meaning. The captions and paragraph headings used in 

this Decree are for reference only and shall not affect the construction of this Decree. 

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CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 16 

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39. Authority to Sign: The undersigned are authorized to execute this Decree on behalf of their 

respective Party and have read, understood and agreed to all of the terms and conditions of this 

Decree. 

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

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

contained herein. This Decree supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous agreements, 

negotiations, correspondence, understandings, and communications of the Parties, whether oral or 

written, respecting the matters covered by this Decree. 

41. Severability: In the event that any of the provisions of this Decree are held by a court to be 

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

42. Choice of Law: This Decree shall be governed by the laws of the United States or, where 

applicable, the laws of the State of California, without regard to choice-of-law principles. 

43. Full Settlement: This Decree constitutes a full and final settlement of this matter. 

44. No Admission: The Parties enter into this Decree for the purpose of avoiding prolonged 

and costly litigation. Nothing in this Decree shall be construed as, and B2 Auto expressly does not 

intend to imply, any admission as to any fact, finding, conclusion, issue of law, or violation of law, nor 

shall compliance with this Agreement constitute or be construed as an admission by B2 Auto of any 

fact, finding, conclusion, issue of law, or violation of law. However, this paragraph shall not diminish 

or otherwise affect the obligation, responsibilities, and duties of the Parties under this Agreement. 

45. Negotiated Agreement: The Parties have negotiated this Decree, and agree that it shall not be 

construed against the party preparing it, but shall be construed as if the Parties jointly prepared this 

Decree, and any uncertainty and ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any one party. 

46. Modification of the Agreement: This Decree, and any provisions herein, may not be 

changed, waived, or discharged unless by a written instrument signed by each of the Parties. 

47. Assignment: Subject only to the express restrictions contained in this Decree, all of the rights, 

duties and obligations contained in this Decree shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the 

Parties, and their successors and assigns. 

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CONSENT DECREE, CASE NO. 5:15-CV-00208 17 

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48. Mailing of Documents to Baykeeper/Notices/Correspondence: Any notices or documents 

required or provided for by this Decree or related thereto that are to be provided to Baykeeper pursuant 

to this Decree shall be, to the extent feasible, sent via electronic mail transmission to the e-mail 

address listed below or, if electronic mail transmission is not feasible, via certified U.S. Mail with 

return receipt, or by hand delivery to the following address: 

San Francisco Baykeeper 

Attention: Nicole Sasaki 

1736 Franklin St., Suite 800 

Oakland, CA 94612 

E-mail: nicole@baykeeper.org 

 Unless requested otherwise by B2 Auto, any notices or documents required or provided for by 

this Decree or related thereto that are to be provided to B2 Auto pursuant to this Decree shall, to the 

extent feasible, be provided by electronic mail transmission to the e-mail addresses listed below, or, if 

electronic mail transmission is not feasible, by certified U.S. Mail with return receipt, or by hand 

delivery to the addresses below: 

B2 Auto Dismantler 

Attention: Tan Duy 

245 Leo Ave. 

San Jose, CA 95112 

Email: b2auto408@gmail.com 

With copies sent to: 

Donald E. Sobelman, Esq. 

Barg Coffin Lewis & Trapp, LLP 

350 California Street, 22nd Floor 

San Francisco, CA 94104 

Email: des@bcltlaw.com 

Jeanne Eber 

Bloom Investment Company, LP 

7 Mann Drive 

Kentfield, CA 94904 

Email: jeber@biclp.com 

Notifications or communications shall be deemed submitted on the date that they are emailed, or 

postmarked and sent by first-class mail, or deposited with an overnight mail/delivery service. Any 

changes of address or addressees shall be communicated in the manner described above for giving 

notices. 

49. No Third-Party Beneficiaries: This Decree is made for the sole benefit of the Parties, and no 

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other person or entity shall have any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Decree, unless 

otherwise expressly provided for therein. 

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

obligations under this Decree when performance becomes impossible due to circumstances beyond the 

Party’s control, including without limitation any act of God, act of war or terrorism, fire, earthquake, 

and flood. “Circumstances beyond the Party’s control” shall not include normal inclement weather, 

economic hardship, 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 overcome, the impossibility of performance. 

51. Impossibility of Performance: Where implementation of the actions set forth in this Decree 

becomes impossible within the deadlines set forth in those paragraphs, despite the timely good faith 

efforts of the Parties, the party who is unable to comply shall notify the other in writing within seven 

(7) business days of the date that the failure becomes apparent, but in any case before the deadline for 

the obligation, and shall describe the reason for the nonperformance. The Parties agree to meet and 

confer in good faith concerning the non-performance pursuant to Paragraph 25, above. If the Parties 

concur that the non-performance was or is impossible, despite the timely good faith efforts of one of 

the Parties, new performance deadlines shall be established. In the event that the Parties cannot timely 

agree upon the terms of such a stipulation, either Party shall have the right to seek enforcement of this 

agreement as provided in Paragraph 25, above. 

52. If for any reason the Court should decline to approve this Decree in the form presented, the 

Parties shall use their best efforts to work together to modify the Decree within thirty (30) days so that 

it is acceptable to the Court. If the Parties are unable to modify this Decree in a mutually acceptable 

manner, this Decree shall become null and void. 

The settling Parties hereto enter into this Consent Decree, Order and Final Judgment and 

respectfully submit it to the Court for its approval and entry as a final judgment. 

[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE] 

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 18 of 22

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 20 of 22
EXHIBIT 1

Case 5:15-cv-00208-PSG Document 12 Filed 03/13/15 Page 21 of 22
EXHIBIT 1 

Target Levels for Stormwater Sampling

Constituent Target 

Levels Source

pH 6.5– 8.5 SU San Francisco Bay Basin Water Quality Control Plan, Water 

Quality Objective

Total 

Suspended 

Solids

100 mg/L Multi-Sector General Permit 2008 Sector-Specific 

Benchmark 

Oil and Grease 15 mg/L Multi-Sector General Permit 2000 Benchmark 

Total 

Aluminum 0.75 mg/L Multi-Sector General Permit 2008 Sector-Specific

Benchmark 

Total Copper 0.013 mg/L San Francisco Bay Basin Water Quality Control Plan, Water 

Quality Objective

Total Iron 1.0 mg/L Multi-Sector General Permit 2008 Sector-Specific 

Benchmark 

Total Zinc 0.12 mg/L San Francisco Bay Basin Water Quality Control Plan, Water 

Quality Objective

Total Mercury .0024 mg/L San Francisco Bay Basin Water Quality Control Plan, Water 

Quality Objective

 

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