Local News in Brief : Fines in Toxic Waste Case

The former co-owner of Bortz Oil Co. and the corporation itself were each fined $20,000 Tuesday for allowing hazardous materials to seep through pipes and storage tanks at the firm’s Chinatown-area site.

Leo Bortz, 75, who pleaded no contest to misdemeanor illegal disposal of hazardous waste, was also placed on one year’s probation and ordered to cooperate in the cleanup of the site, which will cost in excess of $500,000, Deputy Dist. Atty. William Carter said.

Last month, Bortz’s son, Stephen, was sentenced to 30 days’ house arrest, fined $20,000 in connection with the case and ordered, along with his father and the corporation, to repay $11,000 in costs incurred by the Los Angeles County Toxic Waste Strike Force. The company, which mixes, blends and packages oil-based products, was sold to a Santa Fe Springs firm after charges were filed, Carter said.