This never would have happened had people not stood up.. LOS ANGELES - The company that produces "Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water" was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay criminal fines totaling $5 million for illegally storing and transporting hazardous waste created from filtering arsenic out of spring water at its facility in Olancha, California. Overall beneficial to your health. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved. Kyodo News agency, meanwhile, said an estimated 8 million bottles would be recalled. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Legal Statement. Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water comes directly from nature. After October 2014, Crystal Geyser stopped discharging regeneration wastewater into the Arsenic Pond. We, on the other hand, build our bottling plants right at our mountain spring In May 2015, Crystal Geyser again hired United Pumping and United Storm Water, this time to drain and transport the Arsenic Pond. Japan has been hit by several high-profile incidents involving tainted food, including rice and soybeans, and Tokyo is considering creating a new, specialized agency to monitor food and product safety. More harmful than beneficial. The Facility has been in operation since 1990. Sign up for California Today here and read every edition online here. Erik Neumann is JPR's news director. LOS ANGELES A federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment yesterday charging three companies, including the company that produces bottled water under the name Crystal Geyser, with violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA). The EWG also examined how effective a companys treatment methods for each bottled water was. 2018 Is It Bad For You, LLC. Consumer Reports said tests found Penafiel water had arsenic levels at 17 parts per billion.. All rights reserved. We will also get rid of ads forever! Legal Statement. The creative takes viewers on a journey from the perspective of a young girl whose father addresses her interest to understand Where Does It Come From? Moderation is very important. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. And on their official website, Crystal Geyser proudly touts that they are an independent, family-owned enterprise. To unlock unlimited content and other premium features, become a member for just $5 per month. Los Angeles, California 90012. 312 North Spring Street 2023 www.desertsun.com. Jun 02, 2021, 09:00 ET NOVATO, Calif., June 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CG Roxane LLC, the privately held, family-owned and operated maker of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, today. Desert Sun reporter Christopher Damien covers crime, public safety and the criminal justice system. Further, it revealed 57% believe water bottled at the natural spring source is better for you than modified bottled water elements such as added minerals and electrolytes, with 76% having done research to understand the source of the products they purchase. It really makes no sense that consumers can purchase bottled water that is less safe than tap water, Consumer Reports Chief Scientist James Dickerson said. The board told CG Roxane in 2014 that the wastewaterposed a threat to the area's groundwater and wildlife. The company said the moves have made the service unreliable as too many drivers were selecting the most lucrative rides. A locked padlock The company that produces Crystal Geyser bottled water has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $5 million in fines and serve three years probation for illegally storing and transporting. 08-22-2017, View Sources Recently the County approved an additional $10,000 budget for the case (to be reimbursed by Crystal Geyser). Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Manganese toxicity has a devastating effect on the muscles, mimicking Parkinson's disease. Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water Like so many bottled water brands, Crystal Geyser claims its water is bottled at the source. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The seven and one-half years of persistent community work paid off. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. But is Crystal Geyser spring water safe? In 2018, the U.S.Attorney's Central District Office suedCG Roxane and two other companies that providetransportation and disposal services for the corporationinfederal court in 2018. We did not have a tradition of community activism until this came along. Since then, its been the target of protests by local activists and members of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. Adam Scow, California director of Food and Water Watch, said he doubted the fine would amount to a threat to the companys business model. Other companies may truck their spring water from multiple sources. 2021 Bottled Water Report Sources of Water Our geologists discovered remote, protected locations with spring water of remarkable quality and purity but that was only our first step. [Los Angeles Times], Uber may soon stop letting California drivers see ride destinations before picking up passengers and set their own pricing. The three companies allegedly attempted to secretly transport the waste by not disclosing it on manifests as required by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and Resource Conservation Act. All rights reserved. Spokesperson/Public Affairs Officer LOS ANGELES - A federal grand jury returned a 16-count indictment yesterday charging three companies, including the company that produces bottled water under the name "Crystal Geyser," with violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act ("HMTA"). Crystal Geyser bought the nearly 145,000 square foot bottling plant in 2013. View Product A brand of spring water, Crystal Geyser was founded in 1990 and is sourced right here in the United Statesfrom private wells in northern California to the Ossipee Mountains of New Hampshire. In the EWG analysis, filtered tap water received the best grade. or We Advocate Thorough Environmental Review. Chrysler recalls 139,000 model year 2021-2023 Dodge Durangos The rear spoiler may detach while the vehicle is being driven Chrysler is recalling 139,019 model year 2021-2023 Dodge Durangos,. Vice President Kamala Harris toured the Upper San Leandro Water Treatment Plant in Oakland with Gov. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet. It could settle in the groundwater.. Kyodo News agency, meanwhile, said an estimated 8 million bottles would be recalled. Company officials could not be reached for comment late Monday. As CG Roxane looks to the year ahead, it will continue to uphold its commitments to the environment and its communities including the official opening of its second recycled PET facility on the site of its Benton, Tenn., plant. Consumers can check reported arsenic levels on bottled water by searching for the companys water quality report online or calling and asking for a copy. Follow along here or on Twitter. organized to challenge the proposed Crystal Geyser Water Company (CGWC) beverage bottling plant which would have proceeded without an environmental review, even though there was considerable community concern about suspected significant environmental impacts of plant operations. Side effects are rare. This case was opened due to the hazards posed by illegal management and transportation of hazardous wastes, said Special Agent-in-Charge Jay Green of the Environmental Protection Agencys criminal enforcement program in California. A new investigation by Consumer Reports found. Environment, Energy and Transportation After Years Of Protests, Crystal Geyser Abandons Bottling Facility Plans In Siskiyou County Jefferson Public Radio | By Erik Neumann Published May 18,. << Underground the Lassen Substation Power Lines! [Los Angeles Times], As cases plummet, California could resume sporting events, concerts and other indoors entertainment performances in most counties beginning April 15. Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water Reviews 2023 Beverages Water & Drinks Water Crystal Geyser Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water More Options +19 more Choose option: Natural Alpine Spring Water Sport Natural Alpine Spring Water 35 Ct 16.9 oz 1.5 Lt Natural Alpine Spring Water 12 fl oz Crystal Geyser from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. Market data provided by Factset. We, on the other hand, build our bottling plants right at our mountain spring sources, The indictment further alleges that, in March 2015, Crystal Geyser regenerated and back-flushed the sand filters and, it hired United Pumping and United Storm Water to transport the resulting several thousand gallons of high pH, arsenic-contaminated wastewater to a hazardous waste facility in Los Angeles County. To maintain the effectiveness of the sand filters, Crystal Geyser would regenerate them by back-flushing a hydroxide and water solution through the sand filters, causing the filters to release arsenic into the hydroxide and water solution. Celebrate with a Cherry Blossom inspired sparkling mocktail. The remaining water was transported to a facility in Fontana, CA that was not permitted to the treat hazardous waste. After $1.5 million in legal fees and countless hours of argument and activism, the City Council of that town, Weed, Calif., recently approved a deal securing use of the water in perpetuity. "This campaign is an invitation to CG Roxane's consumers to see first-hand how we're able to deliver the freshest, purest and best tasting water.". Each of the defendants faces a statutory maximum fine of $8 million if convicted on all of the 16 counts in the indictment. Were you forwarded this email? Laura Cunningham, California Director of Western Watersheds Project, said that pollution from industrial waste has been a particularly common issue in Californias recent history. It is believed to be the first time the variant has been detected in the U.S. [The Hill], California is nearing four million vaccine doses administered in the state, a target that would allow the state to reopen more broadly. Still, moderation is important. Consumers complained the Crystal Geyser smelled like medicine or pesticide, prompting the company to recall the . A little more than two years ago, Starkey Spring Water, which is owned by Whole Foods, recalled more than 2,000 cases because they contained arsenic levels higher than the 10 parts per billion allowed by the federal government. Out of 130 bottled water brands tested, Consumer Reports found 11 contained detectable arsenic levels, including six with 3 parts per billion or more. Our nations environmental laws are specifically designed to ensure that hazardous wastes are properly handled from beginning to end from the point of generation to the point of disposal, said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. SNAP EBT eligible. When the water that is holding chemicals like this evaporates, it creates a toxic dust that can blow around, Cunningham said. In October, a major Japanese instant noodle maker issued a nationwide recall after a woman got sick when she ate a cup of noodles that was later found to be tainted with an insecticide. Additionally, excessive manganese consumption can lead to hypertension in patients over the age of 40. Crystal Geyser stopped diverting wastewater into the Arsenic Pond in October 2014, the indictment said. This is alarming because well water can easily be contaminated, especially with minerals like iron and manganese. Companies that responded to Consumer Reports concerns about arsenic levels said they adhere to government standards, adding arsenic can be naturally occurring. By, Inside JPR | Public Reports & FCC Applications. Bottled-water giant CG Roxane LLC, which owns the Crystal Geyser brand, pleaded guilty in January to one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste and one count of unlawfultransportation of hazardous material, according to a Justice Department news release issued Wednesday. But even though Crystal Geyser is not very transparent about their bottling and purification process, its still probably a healthier alternative to drinking tap water. While most other major bottled water brands are simply selling filtered tap water, when you drink Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, you're tasting fresh, pure spring water bottled right at one of our seven natural spring sources. As the first U.S. beverage company to build and run a PET recycling (rPET) plant, we're able to recycle nearly one billion bottles worth of plastic a year, which means we're not just talking about sustainability we're taking action for the planet. United Storm Water, Inc. (United Storm Water), a corporation located in the City of Industry that provided environmental and lake draining services. A judge ruled in favor of the residents, and an appeal by the timber company was ultimately dropped. The quality or safety of Crystal Geyser bottled water was not questioned as part of this case. Crystal Geyser agreed to buy the rights to the spring from Roseburg and then sell partial rights to the city for $1.2 million. Piqsels. Gavin Newsom. Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water is only ever captured directly at authentic natural springs. Roseburg Forest Products owns the pine forest where the spring providing city water surfaces. Public oversight of water is critical. When we know, we will let you know! The Department of Justice said that the investigation and indictment did not concern the safety or quality of Crystal Geysers bottled water. Discharger Crystal Geyser Roxane, LLC is the owner and operator of an existing spring water bottling facility near Olancha. An official website of the United States government. Suggest improvement or correction. It received one of the lowest bottled water scores by the Environmental Working Group (EWG)mostly due to the fact the company gives almost no information about their treatment process. A new investigation by Consumer Reports found several brands of bottled water contain arsenic at concerning levels. It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. Crystal Geysers parent company, CG Roxane, along with two contracted companies, each face a maximum of $8 million in fines if convicted. More:Nestl granted three-year permit to keep piping water out of California national forest, More:Bottled water giant Nestl tells California regulators its entitled to keep piping water. And since the wells are private, states will not test for hundreds of toxic chemicals. Anyone can read what you share. Your regular monthly contribution supports JPR's local journalism and all our music and cultural programming. Moderation is extremely important. For about 15 years, CG Roxane discharged the arsenic-contaminated wastewater into a manmade pond known as the Arsenic Pond at its Olancha facility along Highway 395 in Inyo County. According to court records disclosed on July 19, Crystal Geyser created an "Arsenic Pond" in a remote part of eastern California between Death Valley and The Sequoia National Forest, and then didnt disclose that water they pumped out of the pond and delivered to water treatment plants was full of the poisonous heavy metal. Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. This case was opened due to the hazards posed by illegal management and transportation of hazardous wastes. Mr. Shoemaker concedes that residents would have preferred free access to the water for decades the city was paying a symbolic $1 a year for the water before Roseburg made its demands in 2016 that set off the cascade of legal wrangling. In October 2014, DTSC testing also showed that arsenic-contaminated wastewater generated by the regeneration process was a hazardous waste. Ultimately, prosecutors contended that23,000 gallons of toxic wastewater from CG Roxane's Arsenic Pond was discharged into a sewer without proper treatment. Crystal Geyser Water Company Recall SUGGESTED Unclassified Recall; Certain production lots of Tejava@ Premium Iced Tea in 12 oz glass ACTION: bottles are being recalled nationwide due to the possible presence of glass fragments; Recommend notification of affected stores via phone, fax or e-mail. This is unfortunate because high levels of manganese can cause added bacterial growth in the water. According to an investigation by the EPAs Criminal Investigations Division and the Department of Transportations Office of Inspector General, Crystal Geyser produced thousands of gallons of arsenic-contaminated water at its Olancha, CA facility, about 200 miles north of Los Angeles. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles but she always wants to see more. There is still a transportation process, along with a treatment process, thats involved. Home and office delivery customers are advised to contact Real Water to have remaining products picked up. The costs of the battle, in both money and time, are a reminder of how precious and contested water can be in California, a timely parable for a state now slipping back into drought. Did you know we were the first to introduce flavored sparkling water to the U.S.? W.A.T.E.R. You've read 3 articles - nice! This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Mitchell and Erik M. Silber of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section. When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. Compared to other bottled waters, Crystal Geyser doesnt seem like such a great choice. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked. He earned a master's degree from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and joined JPR as a reporter in 2019 after working at NPR member station KUER in Salt Lake City. Harmful to your health. The alleged behavior of the three companies charged in this indictment undermines that important objective and jeopardizes the safety of our community.. CG Roxane LLC, the privately held, family-owned and operated maker of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, announced the brand's second 360 integrated campaign. Suggest improvement or correction to this article The first digit after the letter indicates the number of the production line. >>. [New York Times], A new virus variant that is thought to have been behind the surge of cases in India was detected in the Bay Area. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit consumer watchdog organization,recently studied 173 different types of bottled to learn if the manufacturers would disclose details on the water source, how their product is treated, and whether or not test results are shared with consumers. Bottled water is sold just about everywhere and is now the number one packaged beverage in the United States. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of. Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Gavin Newsom on Monday. Crystal Geyser Water Company pioneered US-sourced and bottled sparkling mineral water with our flagship brand, Crystal Geyser Sparkling Water. But is Crystal Geyser spring water safe? Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. The company that producesCrystal Geyser bottled water has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $5 million in fines and serve three years probation for illegally storing and transporting arsenic-laced wastewater from one of their facilities in rural Eastern California,according to the Department of Justice. The deal is a three-way agreement between the city, Roseburg and Crystal Geyser Roxane, a company that bottles mineral water from the spring. Its what weve been working for diligently for seven-and-a-half years, and were happy to see them go, says Raven Stevens with the group W.A.T.E.R. Because as a consumer, you absolutely have the right to know where the water is fromand what is done to it prior to putting it into your body. Market data provided by Factset. While it is more difficult to bottle at the source, the campaign's young inquirer learns water is meant to be enjoyed as nature intended - pure and natural, from protected spring sources.