Dive Brief:
- Air pollution regulators requested that the lead smelting operations at Exide's battery recycling plant in Vernon, California be stopped due to public health risks from the toxic emissions.
- An independent administrative law panel will schedule a hearing; if the petition is granted, the plant will be closed.
- Exide, one of the world's largest battery recycling companies, is disputing the air quality allegations brought against the plant.
Dive Insight:
This is the latest incident facing Exide. The recycler has repeatedly been involved in disputes involving toxicity levels and had been shut down previously in April. It was also discovered that the company violated air quality rules.