Toxic Cleanup Ordered for Plant Near School
State officials have ordered a chrome-plating plant next to Suva Elementary School to clean up contaminated soil on its grounds.
The state Department of Toxic Substances Control announced Wednesday that Chrome Crank Shaft, in the 6800 block of East Florence Place, will be required to take several steps to ensure that its operations do not place the school and other neighbors at risk.
The company must immediately water or cover the soil on its grounds. Within 15 days, the operator of the facility must meet with state officials to discuss a cleanup plan. Within 30 days, signs noting the presence of hazardous substances and a fence must be placed around the property.
The cleanup order was issued after tests found high levels of several carcinogens and suspected carcinogens in the plant’s soil.
The tests were conducted following complaints from parents of children at the school and other neighborhood residents.
Tests at the elementary school, however, did not show any pollutants on the school grounds.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control will hold a public meeting to explain the results of its investigation today at 5:30 p.m. at Bell Gardens High School, 6119 Agra St.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
