DTSC Orders Fresno Metal Recycler to Investigate Potential Hazardous Waste Releases

DTSC is concerned that toxic chemicals may have migrated off the property into the surrounding neighborhood through the air, water, or on vehicles coming and going from the property.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): After a joint inspection by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the Fresno County Department of Public Health uncovered evidence that hazardous waste was released from Fresno’s Skee’s Recycling, DTSC is ordering the owners of the longtime metal recycling business to investigate the full extent of the releases and to clean them up.

DTSC is concerned that toxic chemicals may have migrated off the property into the surrounding neighborhood through the air, water, or on vehicles coming and going from the property.

Skee’s Recycling is in a mixed-use industrial neighborhood with homes within 300 feet of the property. The surrounding neighborhood includes seven schools and four public parks.  The area also carries some of the state’s highest pollution burden, according to CalEnviroScreen, an online tool used to help identify communities disproportionately affected by multiple sources of pollution. 

 “DTSC is paying special attention to metal recycling operations because of the risk they pose to communities, especially those in areas that are already environmentally burdened,” said DTSC Director Meredith Williams. “We’re protecting people, communities and the environment from companies and industries that pollute.”

The joint inspection found five locations on the 2.12-acre property at 4628 E. Thomas Ave. with elevated levels of cadmium, lead and copper. Skee’s Recycling processes a variety of metal, including junk cars, broken auto parts, engines, insulated wire, electric motors, electronic waste, and automotive batteries.

DTSC’s order requires the owners of the facility to follow deadlines in submitting their investigation reports to DTSC, including a plan for cleaning up contamination. DTSC will notify the community of the submitted reports so residents can weigh in on the proposed cleanup plan.

 Courtesy: www.dtsc.ca.gov