State Begins Removing Barrels of Toxic Waste

A state toxics clean-up agency Wednesday began removing more than 200 barrels of illegally stored hazardous waste materials from a trucking yard in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles.

Workers donned protective suits and respirators as they began sorting and removing 55-gallon barrels containing such potentially dangerous substances as hydrochloric acid, mercury, sodium cyanide, DDT, nickel, copper, lead, paint thinners and waste oils, said Richard Varenchik, spokesman for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

Varenchik said the hazardous materials found at 12711 Main St. could have caused serious damage to the surrounding area, including homes and a church across the street. The owner of the hauling company, who was identified by Varenchik as Randy Freeman, could not be reached for comment.

Freeman was allowed to keep the hazardous waste on his property for a maximum of six days only, Varenchik said.