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AQMD says inspections, public-nuisance violations confirm community odor reports near World Oil
Summary
South Coast AQMD told Compton council it has investigated dozens of complaints, issued Notices of Violation this year and used public-nuisance enforcement tied to confirmed odors; agency described enforcement pathways including legal settlement or independent hearing board action.
South Coast Air Quality Management District officials told the City of Compton that inspections and enforcement steps support residents’ reports of petroleum odors linked to World Oil Recycling.
"This year already since January, we've issued 8 NOVs," Terrence Mann, AQMD chief of enforcement, said, adding AQMD has responded with roughly 37 on-site visits to the facility this year and that more than 130 complaints have been recorded as of the week of the workshop. Mann said about four complaints related specifically to the May 21 fire and the rest were odor reports.
He described public-nuisance violations as a powerful legal tool that can lead to settlement penalties, referral to an independent hearing board, or litigation if necessary. "When we can get these nuisance violations, we can go to court... and take very serious actions to make facilities... follow the rules and get back into compliance," Mann said.
AQMD asked residents to use its complaint portal (1-800-CUT-SMOG and a mobile app) and explained its investigation routine: inspectors visit homes, confirm odors and trace sources. Mann said AQMD is using optical gas imaging cameras and will continue inspections; if a pattern of noncompliance continues, the agency can seek enforcement through its legal division.
Why it matters: AQMD's count of violations and inspections provides an enforcement record that residents can use to press for remedies; the agency described concrete legal options that could materially affect World Oil's operations if noncompliance persists.
