But to many neighbors near the plant, that is not good enough. Although the mine appears to be in compliance now, that has not always been the case, according to government officials. Pacific Custom Materials ranks among Ventura County's most polluting companies, emitting about 180 tons of smog-forming emissions each year, according to the county Air Pollution Control District. No other plant in Southern California consumes more diesel fuel, according to air quality officials. Studies have linked diesel pollution to asthma attacks, allergies, lung cancer, deaths from heart and respiratory disorders and weakened lungs unable to fend off infections.
Children are especially vulnerable and so are workers exposed to the emissions.
Consequently, state air quality officials declared diesel pollutants a cancer-causing substance last year. Tina Haller-Wade, a physician at Frazier Mountain Community Health Center, said patients from Lockwood Valley come to her clinic complaining of illnesses ranging from rashes to wheezing to fatigue they believe is caused by pollution from the mine. It's not enough to prove the plant caused the illnesses, but it is enough to cause her to report the situation to Ventura County authorities. I've seen probably less than six cases. Despite the pollution from the mine, state and local regulators say the company, for the most part, abides by the rules.