Laserfiche WebLink
GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN, Go� <br /> STATE OF CAUFORNIA- EAUN AND WELFARE `.NCV <br /> DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES <br /> 71A/7N P STREET <br /> SACRAMENTO, CA 95811 <br /> (916) 323-2913 <br /> October 1 , 1987 1,)' <br /> 111111LQQii�(.`_�' OCT 1 3 198 <br /> ENVIROMj�SERV C"EP,STH <br /> EERM <br /> The Honorable Patrick Johnston <br /> Member of the Assembly <br /> 31 East Channel Street, Room 306 <br /> Stockton, California 95202 <br /> Dear Mr. J nston: fa;� <br /> Thank you for the recent telephone inquiry from Paul Rogers of <br /> your office to our Northern California Section regarding Chiron <br /> Corporation, located at 14393 South Airport Way in Manteca. <br /> On June 16, 1987 the Department of Health Services (DHS) <br /> conducted an inspection of Chiron Corporation. The inspection <br /> was conducted at the request of the San Joaquin Local Health <br /> District following complaints received about odors emanating from <br /> ponds which accept discharges from Chiron Corporation and dairy <br /> wastes from the DeGroot Dairy. <br /> Chiron Corporation grows yeast for use in pharmaceutical <br /> products. A copper sulfate solution is used in part of the <br /> fermentation process to inhibit the growth of organisms and <br /> encourage the growth of yeast. After the fermentation process is <br /> complete, the copper sulfate is pumped to a 20, 000 gallon above <br /> ground storage tank for the recovery of copper. After <br /> collection, the spent liquors are cycled through an <br /> electroplating device and the copper binds to an electrode. As <br /> the electrode fills with copper, it is removed to be sent to a <br /> smelter for refining. After removal of copper, the remaining <br /> solution is discharged to ponds shared with the DeGroot Dairy. <br /> The cause of the odors can be attributed to the dairy wastes in <br /> the pond. <br /> As a result of this inspection, the Department has determined the <br /> copper sulfate treatment process is a regulated activity <br /> requiring a permit or variance issued by the Department. Chiron <br /> Corporation has been formally notified of this requirement <br /> through a Report of Violation. The Report of Violation will <br /> require them to submit a completed variance application to the <br /> Department by January 1, 1988 . <br />