Environmental Groups Sue Graniterock Over Pajaro River Pollution

Lawsuit alleges over 1,000 days of Clean Water Act violations at Aromas quarry

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:07am

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric shapes and precise botanical spirals that visually represent the disruption of a natural river ecosystem by industrial pollutants.An abstract illustration depicting the flow of industrial pollution into a vital river system, highlighting the environmental consequences of unchecked corporate negligence.Watsonville Today

Two environmental groups have filed a federal lawsuit against Granite Rock Company, accusing the Watsonville-based company of violating the Clean Water Act for over 1,000 days at its A.R. Wilson Quarry in Aromas. The lawsuit alleges the quarry has been discharging excessive levels of pollutants, including dissolved solids, aluminum, iron and molybdenum, into the Pajaro River, threatening local wildlife and ecosystems.

Why it matters

The Pajaro River is an important waterway that supports sensitive habitats and endangered species. Excessive pollution from the Graniterock quarry could have far-reaching environmental consequences if left unchecked. This lawsuit aims to hold the company accountable and force compliance with clean water regulations.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the Graniterock quarry collects stormwater and wastewater from about 438 acres and during winter storms, the runoff and wastewater can exceed the capacity of an onsite holding pond, sending overflow into the Pajaro River. The groups allege the quarry exceeds permit limits each winter and spring for dissolved solids, as well as metals including aluminum, iron and molybdenum. The lawsuit also claims the company failed to conduct required monitoring of wastewater discharges.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, April 20, 2026.
  • The groups say the violations have continued for over 1,000 days.
  • Graniterock's discharge permit is up for renewal before the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The players

Environment California

An environmental advocacy group that filed the lawsuit against Graniterock.

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA)

An environmental group that filed the lawsuit against Graniterock alongside Environment California.

Graniterock Company

A Watsonville-based construction materials company that operates the A.R. Wilson Quarry in Aromas, which is accused of violating the Clean Water Act.

Laura Deehan

The state director of Environment California, who issued a statement about the lawsuit.

Chris Shutes

The executive director of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, who issued a statement about the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Graniterock habitually violates its Clean Water Act permit, pays a trivial penalty and then continues polluting the Pajaro River as usual.”

— Laura Deehan, State Director, Environment California

“Congress allowed for citizen enforcement of the Clean Water Act so that the public could play a vital role in the protection of water quality. When violations become habitual, citizens can demand legal accountability, and that's what we aim to do here.”

— Chris Shutes, Executive Director, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and a court order requiring Graniterock to comply with its permit and address alleged harm from the discharges. Graniterock's discharge permit is up for renewal before the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the groups say any renewal should be at least as protective as the current permit.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle to protect sensitive waterways like the Pajaro River from industrial pollution. It underscores the importance of citizen enforcement of environmental laws and the need for companies to be held accountable for repeated violations, even after being penalized.