A former executive at a wastewater disposal facility in Ventura County which was the scene of an explosion received a jail sentence, and was ordered to pay millions in restitution. Marlene Faltemier was Human Resources Manager at the Santa Clara Waste Water Company’s facility outside of Santa Paula.
In November of 2014, the facility was rocked by an explosion which released hazardous chemicals, sending dozens of people to hospitals. Investigators determined the blast was triggered by the improper handling and storage of some hazardous materials.
Prosecutors say Faltemier conspired with other company officials to hide the presence of some chemicals from inspectors, and failed to report their presence to regulators. They say she pled guilty to four charges stemming from the incident.
Faltemier was sentenced to two years in jail, but the sentence was stayed. She was also ordered to pay $2.6 million dollars in restitution to the accident’s victims.
