In a storage facility on Sutter Avenue, large binders held inspection reports that described cracks in the sewer line near Modesto dry cleaners, that is, until sometime after 2011, when the current wastewater superintendent said he dumped them.
The city of Modesto allegedly disposed of all but two inspection reports it created about its sewer system near dry cleaners in 1991. The two reports that “mysteriously” reappeared last year show the sewer lines had cracks that could have allowed a chemical classified as hazardous by the EPA to seep into groundwater, according to a sanctions order by the San Francisco Superior Court issued Aug. 1.
The city of Modesto said in a statement to the Modesto Bee, “The City of Modesto does not agree with the request for sanctions against the City. The City is preparing its opposition to the motion and expects to appeal any award.”…