Scrap Metal Recycler, Owners Indicted: Alleged Hazardous Waste Violations

A scrap metal recycler and its owners were charged in a new indictment that includes a charge related to an August 12 explosion at the facility. The facility neighbors Jordan High School in Watts, California.

“This latest charge is a reminder that the safety of our communities must come first.“
District Attorney George Gascón

The company and its owners face these charges:

• Twenty-one felony counts of knowingly disposing hazardous waste at a site with no permit.
• One felony count of deposit of hazardous waste.
• Two misdemeanor counts of failure to maintain or operate a facility to minimize the possibility of a fire or explosion and one count of public nuisance.
• One misdemeanor count of failure to operate a facility so as to minimize the possibility of a fire, an explosion, or any unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste/hazardous waste constituents to air, soil, or surface water.

The defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. The next court date for a pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 28.

The privately held metal recycling facility that processes scrap metal as well as electronic waste has been in business for approximately 70 years. The complaint alleges that despite its long-standing presence, the facility’s operations have increasingly violated environmental and safety regulations as far back as 2017.

Soil samples taken from an area of the high school showed excessive concentrations of lead and zinc. Additional samples taken at the facility found excessive concentrations of seven metals. Metal debris allegedly from the site has been found at the high school.

The case was investigated by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Health Hazardous Materials Division with assistance from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

Tags: environmental compliance, EPA Enforcement, hazardous waste management