Overview

• The lawsuit, filed Aug. 14 in Contra Costa County Superior Court, seeks $87,850 in fines and costs for what the Air District describes as multiple violations of state and local air quality rules.
• Inspectors found in August 2023 that four surface leaks and a compromised gas collection system released methane and organic compounds at levels 20 to 31 times above allowable thresholds.
• The district issued two violation notices in January 2024 and a third in May 2024 related to gas collection rules before a 2024 inspection reportedly confirmed compliance.
• Air District Executive Director Philip Fine emphasized methane’s role in climate change and public health harm and pledged to hold polluters accountable through legal action.
• Acme Fill Corp. did not respond to media requests, and the case could set a precedent for regional enforcement of greenhouse gas and air pollution standards.