Valley Co. Charged with Dumping Hazardous Waste

A Panorama City plating facility has been charged with dumping hazardous materials into city sewers. ADJ Finishing Inc. and company President Alexander Orantes were each charged with 16 counts for illegally disposing pollutants in the sewer system adjacent to the company’s Lanark Street facility in Panorama City, according to the city attorney’s office. The Department of Sanitations officials found high levels of nickel, zinc, chromium and copper, the office said. If found guilty, Orantes faces up to a year in jail and $250,000 in fines per count. Orantes denies any wrongdoing. “That’s not what’s going on,” he said. “I live in San Fernando Valley. That’s not me. It’s scary.” Orantes said he purchased the business two years ago and was told the former owners had some issues with the city. He said he has been following regulations. “I’m still learning the business and I’m trying to comply with what the city says,” he said. “This is a family-owned business. I understand the concerns of the city.” Arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 15.