Searles Valley Minerals controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2005
Bird mortality at Searles Valley brine ponds
California wildlife authorities identified deaths of migrating birds at the company's brine ponds, citing salt toxicosis, salt encrustation, and oiling. Searles Valley Minerals agreed to mitigation measures involving bird protection and rescue, a limit on the average permitted annual take, and contributions toward wetland creation at Owens Lake.
Allegations of arsenic exposure among workers
The company faced allegations concerning arsenic poisoning of plant workers. In proceedings before the State Water Resources Control Board, the company argued that naturally occurring brines in the basin contain high concentrations of dissolved solids, chlorides, sodium, and other minerals.
Labor discrimination allegations
After the Second World War, the predecessor company faced allegations that Latino workers were paid less than White workers. Later, Latino employees were promoted to managerial positions.