L.A. Plant Begins Removing Lead From Soil of Neighboring Homes

January 6, 2015- A battery-recycling facility in the Los Angeles area of Boyle Heights has started removing lead-contaminated soil from nearby homes after results released for 85 of the homes indicated there was lead.

All 85 homes will be cleaned. According to the state Department of Toxic Substances Control, top priority will go to 19 homes with lead levels that exceeds 1,000 parts per million, enough to classify the soil as “hazardous waste.” Lead is particularly dangerous to children and pregnant women.

The highest level was more than 3,000 parts per million in one home. The allowable level is 80.

The cleanup is being paid for by Exide Technologies. The lead-acid-battery recycling facility has been operating under various companies without a full permit for more than 30 years.

But a recent law will require the state to either issue a permit or shut down the plant by the end of next year.

Read the full losangeles.cbslocal.com post here.

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