California regulators have proposed a new permit for the Ecobat lead smelter in Los Angeles County, aiming to enforce tougher environmental protections after years of violations.
Molly Peterson reports for Public Health Watch.
In short:
- The new permit mandates expanded air monitoring and soil testing around the plant, addressing long-standing community concerns.
- Local activists criticize the permit for not requiring immediate facility repairs, including fixing a cracked containment floor.
- The draft permit increases financial reserves for potential environmental cleanup to over $25 million.
Key quote:
"People are literally breathing hazardous materials and they are in their homes and yards and schools and bodies. And they just deserve better."
— Angela Johnson Meszaros, Clean Air Coalition lawyer
Why this matters:
Lead smelting releases neurotoxins and other hazardous substances, posing severe health risks to nearby communities. For nearby communities, especially those with children, the health impacts can be devastating. Lead exposure is known to cause a range of serious health issues, including developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and behavioral problems in children. Adults are not spared either, as long-term exposure can lead to cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.
