OXNARD, CA - The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has recognized the City of Oxnard with a second designation as a California "Green Shop." This recognition as a "Model Pollution Prevention (P2) Auto Repair Shop" by the state is for exceptional efforts to reduce hazardous waste, water, and air emissions.

This is the third time the City has received the award, with the first two in 2008 recognizing Oxnard's two separate maintenance facilities, according to Dan Berlenbach, fleet services manager. Oxnard was the first vehicle repair operation in Ventura County to earn this distinction.

The State's recognition as a Green Shop is a program designed to recognize vehicle repair facilities in California that excel in pollution prevention in day-to-day vehicle repair operations.

To become a model shop, the facility must:

• Do an intensive shop assessment and make needed changes.

• Implement required pollution prevention best practices.

• Provide pollution prevention training for shop employees.

• Score at least 100 points on the Model Shop Pollution Prevention Checklist.

The City of Oxnard's Fleet Services Division is responsible for all maintenance on the City's 950-vehicle fleet and performs an average 875 repairs monthly. The fleet runs the gamut from police, to fire, to refuse. Its Green Shop pollution prevention techniques are an important part of the City's commitment to eliminate, reduce, and prevent pollution through daily maintenance operations.