FROM:
Karyn Sinunu, Chief Assistant District Attorney

CONTACT PERSON:
Kenneth Rosenblatt, Deputy District Attorney
Environmental Protection Unit
(408) 792-2572

For release on June 2, 2005

VALLEY OIL COMPANY AGREES TO $15,000 JUDGMENT FOR FUEL SPILL

Today the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office settled a civil lawsuit against Bosco Oil, Inc, doing business as Valley Oil Company. Valley Oil Company delivers fuel to various businesses in Santa Clara County. On February 2, 2004, Valley Oil made a delivery to the depot maintained by Verizon Corporation at 930 University Avenue in Los Gatos to fuel its service vehicles. During that delivery an accident occurred; approximately 350 gallons spilled into the storm drain in back of the depot and entered Los Gatos Creek.

Valley Oil Company has admitted to one violation of California Health and Safety Code section 25189.2(c)  and a violation of Fish and Game Code section 5650. It will pay cleanup and investigative costs of $12,600 and civil penalties of $3,000.

This case was investigated by the County Fire Department and California Department of Fish and Game. The Environmental Protection Unit of the District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.