News Release

T – 10 – 21
Meredith Williams, Director

Contact: Sanford (Sandy) Nax
(916) 327-6114
Sanford.Nax@dtsc.ca.gov

State Orders Sun Valley Express Metals Recycling to Stop Releasing Hazardous Waste and To Clean Up Releases

SACRAMENTO – After finding evidence of contaminated soil, state regulators, in two enforcement actions, have ordered Express Metals Recycling in Sun Valley to stop releasing hazardous waste and have asked a judge to find that the defendant is liable for civil penalties.

In a civil complaint, the state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), which is tasked with protecting Californians from hazardous chemicals, asked a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge to order CSC Auto Salvage and Dismantling Inc., which does business as Express Metals Recycling, to stop violating hazardous waste laws. DTSC is also seeking penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. 

In a separate corrective action order, DTSC ordered the present and prior owners or operators of the facility and property to determine the extent of contamination from its Branford Street facility, including whether the pollution has spread to ground or surface water, and to clean it up.

This is the latest in a string of enforcement actions DTSC has taken against metal recyclers in California, many of them in the Los Angeles area and in communities, such as Sun Valley, that suffer from high levels of pollution.

“We have a responsibility to protect people and their communities from companies and industries that pollute,” said DTSC Director Meredith Williams. “DTSC is continuing to take actions to protect all Californians from potential exposure to harmful materials stemming from the operation of metal recycling activities – especially in neighborhoods already suffering from multiple sources of pollution.”

Express Metals Recycling receives metal waste such as old appliances, and then sorts and stockpiles the metal for shipment to buyers of metal for recycling. Soil samples collected on site by DTSC inspectors contained elevated levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc. These contaminants have harmful effects on humans, particularly children.

The recycling facility is in an industrial area. The Hansen Spreading Grounds to the south and southeast receive discharge waters from Hansen Dam to replenish the groundwater. The nearest homes are 600 feet northwest of the facility. The neighborhood suffers from some of the highest pollution in the state, according to CalEnviroScreen, an online tool used to identify environmentally burdened areas.

DTSC found:

• Large stockpiles of soil and debris contaminated with elevated levels of zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs);
• Numerous roll-off bins containing large amounts of contaminated soil and metal shredder residue that were stored without covers and which were not labelled as hazardous waste;
• Piles of printed circuit boards; ballasts and compressors containing oil; and various types of batteries – all improperly managed.

Under the corrective action order, the respondents must identify the extent of contamination and evaluate if there is a risk to human health or the environment. The order contains timetables for meeting certain conditions and submitting required investigation reports, including a plan for cleaning up contamination. DTSC will hold a public meeting so residents can weigh in on the elements of a possible cleanup plan.

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FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste or other environmental concerns at Calepa.my.salesforce-sites.com/complaints/Complaint.