Date
Monday, August 11, 2025
The Air District has reached an agreement with Argent Materials, Inc., that resolves violations at the company’s aggregate recycling facility in East Oakland. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Argent will install and operate a fenceline air monitoring system at both yards of its East Oakland facility to enhance transparency and provide continuous air quality data to the Air District and the community.
Earlier this year, the Air District denied Argent’s permit applications to expand its operations due to the unacceptable health risks associated with the proposed expansion. The agency’s evaluation of the expansion shows the toxic air emissions that would be emitted at the increased level of operation would be inconsistent with the health-protective standards in the Air District’s regulations.
As part of the agreement, Argent dismissed its appeal of the Air District’s permit denial and will install and operate fenceline air monitors consistent with Air District specifications and quality assurance standards. The agreement will also resolve violations at Argent’s aggregate recycling facility, contingent upon continuous operation of the required monitoring system for three consecutive years. Argent may face financial penalties if it fails to comply with the terms of the agreement.
Argent recently submitted a new permit application to increase operations at its aggregate recycling facility. The permit application will be evaluated to determine whether it complies with Air District regulations, including the requirement that proposed projects must comply with agency health risk standards. Until its permit application is approved, Argent cannot expand operations at its aggregate recycling facility. Under the agreement, the Air District will take final action on the permit application by September 30.
The Air District remains committed to enforcing air quality rules and ensuring that permitted facilities meet stringent standards to reduce pollution and protect Bay Area communities, particularly those historically overburdened by air pollution.
View press release.
Last Updated: 8/11/2025