Recycling lead from batteries
CBS2/KCAL was contacted a little while ago by southern Californian residents concerning hazardous waste contamination of their land—the results of living near a former battery-recycling facility.
CBS2/KCAL9 rented a device certified by the EPA to provide instant readings of the amount of lead in soil or dust.
The state says that residential soil with more than 80 parts per million should be removed because even tiny amounts of lead can affect young children’s brains, causing learning disabilities and other serious problems.
[...]
We found levels more than 10 times that amount with so much lead in the soil, it was defined as hazardous waste.
[My emphasis.]
A 20-month-old child lives next door to the woman's residence where these findings were made. These findings have put the State Department of Toxic Substances on notice for a cleanup:
As CBS2/KCAL9 reported on Wednesday night, after two days of testing, serious lead contamination was found along sidewalks, in backyards where children play, along the front of residencies, and in the storm channel that leads to the Los Angeles River.
The results and findings of the experts today confirmed CBS2/KCAL9’s initial report.
“We can say that we’re finding levels that are consistent with what you found in your report,” Department of Toxic Substance Control Spokeswoman Ana Mascarenas said.
However, the government was notified
six months ago when Terry Cano had her yard originally tested. Before the news report.
Los Angeles County Director of Environmental Health Angelo Bellomo says that if the State doesn’t notify the residents of the dangers in the estimated 10,000 homes, then the County will.
State and County investigators today said that the contamination CBS2/KCAL9 found requires, “immediate action”.