Toxic jugs found behind SV Adult Ed Center
By Avi Rutschman avi@theacorn.com

The discovery of two glass gallon jugs that possibly contained a highly flammable and toxic substance prompted the evacuation of the Simi Valley Adult Education center and the neighboring Apollo Continuation High School last Wednesday.

The jugs, whose labels indicated they contained nitrobenzene, were discovered in a dumpster behind the adult school around 2 p.m. by a school employee, according to district officials.

Nitrobenzene is most commonly used to manufacture aniline, a liquid used to make dyes; drugs such as acetaminophen; and lubricating oils. Nitrobenzene is highly flammable and a known carcinogen.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad initially responded to the scene, but the material was later removed by the Ventura County Fire Department under the supervision of Ventura County Environmental Health.

The case is being treated by the police department as an illegal dump rather than a threat, according to officials.

The investigation into who dumped the materials is currently being led by the Ventura County Fire Department and will eventually be transferred to the Simi Valley Police Department, according to officials.

“We don’t have any developments at this time,” said Sgt. David Livingstone, a public information officer with the Simi Valley Police Department.

“Basically, because the material was dumped in an unapproved container, it’s being con

sidered an illegal dump. If you dump a bunch of trash on the street, it’s a minor thing, but when someone dumps something as hazardous as this, it will be taken into consideration when they face charges,” Livingstone said.

According to Livingstone, the offenders will most likely face jail time instead of just a fine if they are apprehended.

Since the adult school is the owner of the property, it is being charged a $2,700 fee to remove and test the materials.