Landowner of unlicensed cannabis cultivation site fined for failing to comply with cleanup order

RIVERSIDE Daniel K. Musetti, the landowner of an unlicensed cannabis cultivation site in Homeland, Riverside County, was ordered today to pay approximately $438,000 by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board for repeatedly disregarding notices and directives to resolve ongoing waste discharge violations at his property.

The cultivation operation released sediment, nutrients and pesticides into two stream channels that are tributary to Salt Creek, an intermittent waterbody that flows into Canyon Lake and, ultimately, Lake Elsinore. All the unauthorized discharges can degrade water quality and threaten public health and the environment.

After the Santa Ana Water Board observed the violations in February 2020 during a multi-agency inspection with the Riverside County Sheriff Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, staff repeatedly attempted to engage Musetti and resolve the issues. Between April 2021 and July 2025, for instance, staff issued multiple notices, left several phone messages and spoke with the landowner a handful of times, directing him to remediate the environmental damage.

Instead, Musetti disregarded the regional board’s overtures and refused to comply with the June 2022 Cleanup and Abatement and Investigative Order requiring him to submit and implement a restoration and monitoring plan.

“The penalty underscores the seriousness of the landowner’s violations and serves as a warning to others who choose to cultivate marijuana without proper permits,” said regional board Chair John Scandura. “We are committed to protecting water resources in our region and will take whatever enforcement measures are needed to ensure that cultivation operations are authorized and do not jeopardize water quality.”

Last Friday’s board decision directs Musetti to pay the fine within 30 days. If he fails to do so, the board could seek a judgment for the unpaid liability from the Superior Court of Riverside County.

The Santa Ana region, which extends from the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains to the north and east, to Newport Bay along the coast, is one of the fastest growing areas of the state. Though geographically the smallest of the State Water Boards’ nine regions, the Santa Ana Water Board staff strives to protect, enhance, and restore water quality for almost 5 million Californians.