EXIDE CONTAMINATION FADING FROM NEWS?

 

For decades, there have been reports of toxic contamination from the Exide battery recycling plant in Vernon: leaks of toxic chemicals, including arsenic; emission of so much lead that children were warned not to play in their yards. Finally, after the threat of federal prosecution, Exide has been shut down — with promises of demolition and cleanup. That's not due to action by the State Department of Toxic Substances Control, which allowed Exide to operate without a permit for more than 20 years. It took the threat of federal criminal prosecution.

Department of Toxic Substances Control statement:

Our commitment is to protect the health of the community by ensuring that Exide properly and safely closes its Vernon facility and cleans up contamination in the surrounding neighborhoods. We began the process of denying the company's permit application and shutting down the facility. And we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that Exide meets its obligations going forward.

Exide Advisory Group

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control(DTSC) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) have joined together to create and support an advisory group for the Exide Technologies project in Vernon.

The purpose of this advisory group is to create a forum for the diverse interests of the community to discuss their needs and concerns related to the oversight of closure and cleanup work on and around the Exide facility. It creates the opportunity for community interests to be considered early on by the oversight agencies, and keep the community informed about data, plans and work throughout the cleanup process.

How does the advisory group fit in with other elements of public outreach?

• Advisory group meetings are one of a variety of public outreach methods that will be used to engage the community. They enhance, increase and complement the opportunities for the public to provide input, and do not replace other outreach such as public meetings, workshops, and open houses. All other outreach activities will be continued. Advisory group meetings are open to the public, and will be announced publicly. Each agenda will have an opportunity for members of the public to speak.
·         Each meeting will have a purpose and agenda. Because the meetings are open to the public a Spanish translator will be provided.
• There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of each meeting.
• At each meeting the advisory committee will review action items from the prior meetings, present or update advisory group members on the progress of the work, discuss upcoming work, review and discuss new information.
• Each meeting will include time for the discussion of upcoming agendas.