Dive summary:
- California regulators failed to immediately warn the public after finding out about potentially hazardous lead and arsenic emissions at a battery recycling facility in Vernon, Calif.
- The battery recycler, Exide Technologies, was ordered to suspend operations in April after years of violations, the report shows the state might have known of the problems as early as 2007.
- A report by the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, found that as many as 110,000 residents could be impacted by dangerous arsenic emissions and leaky pipes releasing hazardous waste into the ground.
From the article:
Advocacy group Consumer Watchdog said new documents show that officials with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) were aware of dangerous arsenic emissions and leaky pipes releasing hazardous waste into the soil before the agency ordered Exide Technologies to suspend operations in April.
The allegations come as Exide and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) officials were set to conduct public meetings to explain Exide’s arsenic emissions, the potential health risks, and what steps the company is taking to reduce public health risks. ...
