In 2001, tugboat captain Kevin Bartoo filed a case under the California False Claims Act against Hanson Building Materials.  The lawsuit charged Hanson with illegally pumping sand from Suisun Bay, and then misreporting the amount of sand mined and its value.  Hanson sold the sand to affiliates at $3.30 per cubic yard, while the affiliates sold it to others for $12.50 per cubic yard.  Mr. Bartoo was awarded 27% of the $42.2 million settlement, plus a portion of the higher royalties Hanson will now be required to pay the State Lands Commission. 
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| Dec. 5, 2007