The State : Closing of Plant Sought

Santa Clara County officials have asked for a court order to shut down a Silicon Valley recycling firm that is listed as one of the nation’s worst toxic contamination sites. The civil complaint was filed in Superior Court against Lorentz Barrel and Drum Co. of San Jose and its owner, Ernest Lorentz. Deputy Dist. Atty. Jerome Nadler said there is an “immediate and overwhelming” danger from hazardous pollution at the company and he said he will ask the court to issue a temporary injunction. The complaint alleges that the chemical drum reconditioning firm has regularly violated the state’s hazardous waste laws, has engaged in unfair competition and is a public nuisance. Lorentz’s attorney, Harrett Mannina Sr., said his client is cooperating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Health Services.