Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA County DA Files Felony Charges Against Company For Dumping Hazardous Waste At Jordan High School In Watts
A view of Atlas Metals from the Jordan High School blacktop.
(
Courtesy L.A. County District Attorney's Office
)
For years, activists, students from Jordan High School and residents near the area have tried to call attention to hazardous conditions and pollution.
Recent Jordan High School graduate Genesis Cruz said it felt like her and other students’ concerns were dismissed.
“Shrapnel raining down on our school from explosions at Atlas Metals became a terrifying routine. I felt unsafe and constantly on-edge,” Cruz said.
Today, L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón announced criminal charges against S&W Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. for unlawfully disposing of hazardous waste at Jordan High School in Watts.
Support for LAist comes from
Recent Jordan High graduate Genesis Cruz spoke at a press conference Wednesday.
(
Robert Garrova
/
LAist
)
The complaint names the company and its owners, who are each charged with 21 felony counts of knowingly disposing of hazardous waste at a site with no permit and one felony count of deposit of hazardous waste. Each also faces one misdemeanor count of failure to maintain or operate a facility to minimize the possibility of a fire and public nuisance, according to the DA's office.
The complaint alleges that hazardous waste was illegally disposed at Atlas' plant and onto Jordan High School property next door.
The DA’s office said soil samples taken from the school near the Atlas property show “excessive concentrations of lead and zinc.”
“More than 500 young students attend class and routinely breathe in dust with lead, chromium and other toxic materials,” Gascón said at a news conference Wednesday.
The DA said there have been reports of shards of scrap metal flying from Atlas Metal onto the blacktop where students play sports.
Support for LAist comes from
Hazardous pollutants
Gascón said lead concentrations in soil samples were reportedly 75 times higher than what the EPA defines as hazardous thresholds. “These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, neurological damage and even cancer,” the DA said.
Gascón said his office made the unusual choice to name the company’s owners, Gary and Matthew Weisenberg, in the case.
“We’re doing that because we believe that their conduct is egregious. We believe that they have consistently avoided and evaded facing the rules of law and we think that they are personally liable,” Gascón said.
Arraignment is scheduled for June 26. An attorney with the DA’s office working on the case said it was doubtful that a judge would immediately order Atlas to cease operations since there is a presumption of innocence in a criminal case.
“We were disappointed to see the charges. Atlas is actively working with the many public agencies involved and is actually moving close to a global resolution," said Benjamin Gluck, counsel for Atlas, in a statement emailed to LAist. "The District Attorney declined to engage with us and chose instead to file charges. We have not learned the details of those charges yet, but we will defend this case vigorously,” he added.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist