Exide Ordered To Pay Millions For Pollution
VERNON (AP) — Exide Technologies, which is struggling to reopen its Los Angeles-area battery recycling plant, has agreed to set aside nearly $50 million to meet demands by state regulators.
The state Department of Toxic Substances on Thursday ordered Exide to set aside $38.6 million for cleanup costs if its Vernon plant ever closes. Such funding is required for hazardous material facilities.
Exide also was ordered to put aside $9 million to clean up two neighborhoods that may have been contaminated by airborne lead from the plant. Tests have found lead in dozens of yards.
Exide, which filed for bankruptcy protection, is asking a court to approve the funds.
Exide smelted 25,000 batteries a day at the plant. It closed in March until it can meet requirements from regional anti-pollution regulators.
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