Officials at Exide Technolgies reached an agreement with the Department of Toxic Substances Control Monday that will allow the Vernon battery recycling giant to remain open.
The company, accused of releasing harmful toxins into the air, posing a public health risk to over 110,000 neighboring residents, was ordered to set aside $7.7 million to improve and lower its arsenic emissions.
The monies will go towards replacement of their current piping system, dust and soil sampling around the facility and in the surrounding community, blood lead level testing for nearby residents and other improvements.
“We are encouraged by Exide’s efforts to respond to our concerns, but this is not the end of our efforts to address the conditions at the Exide facility,” said Brian Johnson, Deputy Director of DTSC’s Hazardous Waste Program in a press release. The release goes on to explain that the order includes requirements that go beyond DTSC’s initial concerns.
Monday’s order resolves the suspension issued by DTSC in April, however, Exide must obtain permission from the bankruptcy judge to implement it the deal.
A town hall meeting hosted by state Sen. Kevin De Leon will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight Resurrection Church, 3324 Opal St., Los Angeles, CA 90023.
Representatives from the Department of Toxic Substance Control, the Air Quality Monitoring District, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the L.A. County Public Health Department will join the community at the meeting.
