Code Enforcement prevents potential disaster at unpermitted site

The valuable services provided by County Code Enforcement and the partnerships they build with other agencies were on display during a hazardous materials incident earlier this year.

On March 28, Code Enforcement Officer Timothy Pfalzgraff from the North Desert Team responded to a complaint regarding an unpermitted business operation at a property in the unincorporated community of Phelan. Upon arrival, Officer Pfalzgraff discovered a massive outdoor stockpile of expired ethyl alcohol hand sanitizer on the premises. The approximately 5,000 cases, each containing four gallons of ethanol solution, amounted to over 20,000 gallons of hazardous material, weighing more than 160,000 pounds.

Ethanol is a highly flammable chemical, and when exposed to sunlight or stored improperly, it poses a significant fire risk. Additionally, exposure to airborne ethanol can cause serious health issues, including dizziness, headaches, skin irritation and allergic reactions among residents.

The resident confessed to hoarding the cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, intending to sell them for profit. The cases had been left outside, deteriorating under the sun and leading to leaks which exacerbated fire and health risks.

In addition to the hazardous waste, the tenant admitted to illegally operating a wholesale clothing business and laundromat on the property. Piles of linens stored alongside the deteriorating sanitizer exacerbated the fire risk, threatening not just the property, but also nearby wildlife, communities and the surrounding mountainous areas.

Recognizing the immediate dangers, Officer Pfalzgraff quickly coordinated with the San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team (SBCFD HazMat). A joint investigation with SBCFD HazMat took place on March 29, leading to a Notice of Violation being issued to both the property owner and the tenant. They were given 72 hours to properly dispose of the hazardous waste.

During a follow-up investigation on April 2, Code Officer Pfalzgraff found that the hazardous materials were still present on the property resulting in an administrative citation issued to both property owner and tenant for failing to comply.

Despite the initial noncompliance, continuous contact eventually led to progress and by May 1, all hazardous waste had been removed and properly disposed of through a licensed hazardous waste disposal service. The coordinated response by San Bernardino County Code Enforcement and the San Bernardino County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team averted a potential disaster, protecting the community and environment.

Additional County Update News – August 15, 2024