Investigation Uncovers Illegal Petroleum Discharge into Grimes Canyon Creek
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office began an investigation in November 2022 into Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. (AIS), and evidence collected during the investigation determined they had discharged approximately 150 gallons of petroleum-contaminated wastewater into a ravine which leads to the creek. They have reached a $29,736 settlement with AIS. Photo credit Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office began an investigation in November 2022 into Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. (AIS), and evidence collected during the investigation determined they had discharged approximately 150 gallons of petroleum-contaminated wastewater into a ravine which leads to the creek. They have reached a $29,736 settlement with AIS. Photo credit Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 6th, 2025

VENTURA, Calif. – An investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has determined that a petroleum-contaminated wastewater discharge into Grimes Canyon Creek originated from a vacuum truck operated by a temporary employee of Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. (AIS).

The case began on November 1, 2022, when an employee of California Natural Resources Group discovered petroleum byproduct in a dry creek bed at the Dryden oil lease facility in Fillmore. Environmental authorities launched an investigation to determine the source of the contamination.
Investigators used a combination of physical evidence, logbook records, photographs, tire tread analysis, and witness statements to track the discharge back to an AIS-operated vacuum truck. Evidence showed that between 4:00a.m. and 4:49 a.m., the driver loaded petroleum-contaminated wastewater, backed the truck up to Grimes Canyon Creek, and discharged approximately 150 gallons into a ravine leading to the creek bed. The driver then left without reporting the spill, as required by law.

“This case underscores the importance of thorough environmental investigations and the critical role of state and local partnerships to protect Ventura County’s natural resources,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The objective of this settlement is to ensure that harmful discharges into our environment do not reoccur.”

Following the inve-stigation, AIS reached a $29,736 settlement with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The company was also ordered to comply with permanent injunctive terms prohibiting the unlawful disposal of petroleum products.
Authorities urge the public to report any suspected environmental violations to ensure the protection of local waterways and ecosystems.

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Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@ventura.org
Approved: SW
Date: February 28, 2025
Release No.: 25-026