Federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials will join Vernon representatives Thursday outside the U.S. attorney’s office in downtown L.A. to officially announce the closure of the local Exide Technologies battery recycling plant.
Under the deal, Exide will acknowledge criminal conduct, including the illegal storage and transportation of hazardous waste, but will avoid prosecution in exchange for shutting down, demolishing and cleaning its 15-acre battery recycling plant about five miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, according to a person involved in the negotiations.
“I’m disappointed that they won’t be facing criminal charges but it’s a step in the right direction and a huge victory for communities who have been fighting against this chronic polluter,” said Maywood Councilman Oscar Magana.
County Supervisor Hilda Solis called the agreement a victory for the community but said there was still much work to be done.
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