Quemetco Battery Recycling Plant Faces Enforcement Action Due to Non-Compliance

Los Angeles – A portion of the Quemetco battery recycling plant in the City of Industry was closed this week by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) due to failure to take corrective action on previously cited violations. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is closely monitoring the situation at Quemetco and working with the State, who is the lead regulatory authority, and local partners to address potential health impacts.

“In our commitment to protect the health and safety of the residents of Los Angeles County, the Department of Public Health is working with the Department of Public Works to conduct testing on property near the facility,” said Angelo Bellomo, REHS, QEP, Deputy Director for Health Protection, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “We are currently analyzing soil and water samples immediately beyond the facility’s perimeter to assess potential contamination from the plant. We will work closely with DTSC and our partner agencies to determine next steps and to ensure this site receives the urgent action needed to protect health.”

“I am troubled to learn that Quemetco is not working fast enough to correct violations and reduce the impact of their harmful operations. I have serious concerns for the safety of workers and for residents living near the facility,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “I urge DTSC to expedite testing of properties near the facility and to seriously consider expanding testing beyond the quarter mile radius.”

“The enforcement action taken by DTSC demonstrates that the Quemetco facility continues to operate in non- compliance with regulations. Quemetco must act responsibly and operate in a manner which protects its workers, neighboring residents and the environment, now and in the long-term,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.

Residents and workers can contact the Department of Public Health for more information and updates on Quemetco. The community information line is (213) 738-3232.

For more information, visit: https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Projects/Quemetco.cfm,

The County's interagency taskforce on Quemetco is continuing to work on the situation. The taskforce includes the Departments of Public Works and Public Health, the Fire Department's Health and Hazardous Materials Division and the County Sanitation Districts' Industrial Waste Section.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about the LA County Department of Public Health and the work they do, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.

#####