Gold Bond Building Products, LLC has agreed to a $188,500 civil penalty and a series of dust-control measures to resolve 13 notices of violation at its gypsum wallboard plant in Richmond, California, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced October 6, 2026. The agreement sets a December 31, 2027 deadline for permanently enclosing the plant’s outdoor reclaim pile.
What happened at the Richmond plant?
The Air District says inspectors documented fine mineral dust and related emissions leaving Gold Bond’s facility and affecting nearby properties and public streets. Executive Officer Dr. Philip Fine said, “Dust from the Gold Bond plant has drifted well past its property line, into the neighborhoods and businesses nearby.” The settlement resolves the 13 notices; it is not a court judgment establishing every alleged fact.
The facility is Gold Bond’s gypsum wallboard manufacturing plant at 1040 Canal Boulevard in Richmond. The agreement imposes a civil penalty of $188,500, but the available announcement and agreement do not establish whether it has since been paid or whether all required work is complete.
What changes does the settlement require?
Enclose the outdoor reclaim pile
Gold Bond must build a permanent enclosure around the outdoor reclaim pile by December 31, 2027. The agreement also requires permitting and interim mitigation, progress updates, negative pressure while materials are handled inside the enclosure, appropriately sized baghouse ventilation, and mist suppression at entry and exit points.
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Improve dust collection and equipment controls
The agreement requires daily visual and pressure checks of dust-collection equipment. If a control device malfunctions or particulate breaks through, the company must take corrective action. Related requirements include maintaining records, keeping spare filters, and conducting leak detection. Gypsum loading and processing must use engineered capture or other controls.
Manage dust around the site
Required operational measures include a housekeeping plan, controls for conveyors and material drop points, and responses to reports of gypsum fallout. The agreement also calls for a vacuum sweeper to reduce material tracked onto roads.
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Where will the penalty funds go?
The Air District says funds collected under the settlement will be allocated through its Community Benefits Policy to local and regional projects intended to improve air quality and public health. The agency has not identified a specific project in the materials announcing this settlement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is not established?
The cited agency materials do not quantify neighborhood exposure or health effects. They also do not confirm later payment of the penalty or completion of the required corrective work; the enclosure deadline remains a future milestone under the agreement.
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