[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he county supervisors this week issued a forceful rebuke of a large battery-recycling facility that neighbors say sends toxic chemicals into the soil and air in the San Gabriel Valley.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors backed a plan by supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis that slams Quemetco for lax operations that may have resulted in poisoning some residents of the surrounding communities. The motion also asked the state to deny a permit allowing Quemetco to increase its operations until the company cleans up its act, and to conduct additional tests for toxins.
Quemetco, a facility recycling lead-acid batteries in the City of Industry, has been well known for years by residents of surrounding communities for emitting toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic and benzene.
Many residents vented their frustrations during a neighborhood meeting last year in September at the Hacienda Heights Community Center. Many of the 150 people attending that meeting said they believe the company was polluting the places where they live,and where their children go to school and play, according to a report by San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
“Is that it? That’s your entire presentation?” Dianne Ortega, who lived near the plant, reportedly yelled during that meeting. “It’s like you gave your spiel and walked off,” according to the report.