Supervisors levy $2.33 million fine against Community Recycling

The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday evening to fine Community Recycling & Resource Recovery Inc. at least $2.33 million for land use and related violations at its Lamont composting facility At one point, the supervisors considered a fine twice that amount, but they didn't want the fine to be construed as "excessive."

The assessment came after a lengthy discussion of what penalties the business should face.

The company declined to comment immediately, while a lawyer for the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment said the penalty was bigger than she expected, even though she had advocated for a heavy fine.

Still tonight the board will consider whether to revoke, suspend or modify Community Recycling's operating permit for the facility where two brothers are believed to have inhaled fatal doses of toxic fumes last month.

Felix Adamo / The Californian

Laura Baker, attorney for the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment, at the Board of Supervisors hearing on what to do about Community Recycling & Resource Recovery Inc

Felix Adamo / The Californian

"Tom Fry of Community Recycling at the Board of Supervisors hearing."

Felix Adamo / The Californian

Protesters against Community Recycling gather in front of the Kern County Administration building on Truxtun Avenue before going inside for the Board of Supervisors' hearing.

Felix Adamo / The Californian

a packed Board of Supervisors meeting including many on hand for the public hearing on Community Recycling.