Recycling Plant in Vernon to Close & Will Pay $50 Million to Remove Hazardous Waste

In March, Los Angeles’ NBC Channel 4 broadcasted a report about a deal reached between executives from a lead-acid battery recycling facility in Vernon and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Under the non-prosecution agreement, the decades-old plant located in a heavily populated area will cease operations and pay $50 million to clean up the facility and neighboring communities.
 
The recycling plant has been the focus of environmental regulators and those who live in nearby neighborhoods due to concerns over the presence of lead and arsenic.  As recently as 2013, the Los Angeles County Department of Health announced it was offering free blood testing to address lead poisoning concerns.  State regulators then also ordered dust testing for lead and arsenic as well as soil testing. Late last year, some residents in the area began having topsoil removed from their yards down to a depth of 18 inches due to the presence of lead.
 
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body and young children are highly susceptible to its effects.  Both short-term and long-term exposure to elevated levels of arsenic can also cause a wide range of health issues.
 
“Anytime you have a neighborhood so close to a facility that handles hazardous substances there is a chance toxic materials could migrate to nearby homes, businesses and schools,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.  “For those concerned about possible exposure to lead or arsenic from contaminated dusts that may have settled onto their yards or into their homes, LA Testing offers quick and affordable lead and arsenic testing services.” 
 
LA Testing has also sponsored educational videos about protecting children from lead poisoning and arsenic exposure risk.  These videos can be seen at: http://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U & http://youtu.be/QIjNcli0kvA.
 
To learn more about environmental testing for lead, arsenic or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 
 

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Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

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