by , 8:35 AM EDT, April 17th, 2007

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District in California recently hit Apple with a US$43,200 fine for air quality violations at the company's Elk Grove facility. The violation took place in April 2006 when Apple ran its emergency generators over several days at the facility, according to the Sacramento Business Journal.

Companies are allowed to run power generators without risk of being fined in cases of emergency or for maintenance under the district regulations. Apple, however, was operating its generators for other unspecified purposes.

The district imposes the fines to help enforce the local air quality standard regulations. Larry Greene, district executive director, commented "When a business neglects to observe air quality regulations the health of our citizens is jeopardized."

Apple agreed to the fine as a part of the district's voluntary settlement program which is designed to help avoid pursuing violation enforcement through the courts.