Officials Tackle Environmental Injustice in Watts: Addressing Polluted Stormwater and Lead-Contaminated Pipes

McOsker Policy Update Regarding Hazardous Materials

Atlas Iron & Metal Co., a metal recycling plant in Watts near Jordan High School, has been in operation since 1949 and currently faces multiple lawsuits and criminal charges from the LA District Attorney. On Aug. 12, an explosion at the facility caused metal projectiles and dust to land on the school, raising safety concerns. Heavy rains have also allowed polluted stormwater from the site to reach school grounds, prompting EPA intervention this past March. Atlas Metal was required to upgrade its stormwater treatment system, or face penalties for non-compliance. However, on Sept. 26, the company was indicted for exposing students to hazardous materials, including unsafe lead levels. On Sept. 27, Tim McOsker introduced a motion urging the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the city attorney to investigate Atlas Metal’s compliance with stormwater treatment upgrades and pollutant testing.

Confronting Environmental Injustice: Officials Pledge Continued Action During Watts Community Meeting

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass yesterday hosted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in Watts as the Mayor continues to collaborate with local, state and federal officials to create a greener Los Angeles and fight against environmental injustices. The Mayor and the EPA Administrator were joined by Councilmember Tim McOsker of the 15th District, leadership from the Watts Labor Community Action Committee or WLCAC including Tim Watkins and Thelmy Alvarez, community leaders and community members impacted by issues like pollution to discuss environmental injustice and solutions for the Watts Community and beyond.

“When news first broke about there possibly being lead in some faucets here in Watts, I said that this was going to require a whole of government approach. That’s what you see here,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “We are taking the environmental contamination issues in Watts seriously, and we are committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to ensure Watts residents live in safe conditions, breathe clean air and drink clean water. Everyone deserves access to clean air and clean water, and thanks to partnership with our EPA Administrator, we are creating environmental strides and we are creating environmental equity in an area that deserves more.” 

Following reports of preliminary indications of lead found in water in Watts, Mayor Bass immediately convened local leaders including Councilmember Tim McOsker, HACLA, LADWP, Tim Watkins, President and CEO of WLCAC and Danielle Hoague, a doctoral student at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, to establish a testing plan at HACLA sites. Comprehensive water quality testing is ongoing to pinpoint the source of lead contamination. Both XRF diffraction and water sample testing are being conducted, with a focus on in-premise plumbing from fixtures, galvanized pipes, or lead solder. HACLA is considering the use of a third-party consultant to ensure the delivery of safe, clean water to its residents.

OTHER ACTION TAKEN:

• LADWP has mobilized nearly 2,000 sample kits in partnership with HACLA and is processing close to 1,000 water quality samples, dedicating a specialized team to ensure a prompt investigation of water quality that impacts the health and safety of our residents.
• LADWP has provided mobile hydration stations equipped with filtration systems to ensure residents are safe as the city conducts comprehensive water studies.
• LADWP has conducted comprehensive testing to verify that the source of potential lead is not from the city’s drinking water system, which serves Watts as well as other areas of our city. Tests have consistently indicated that the city water supply is safe and meets the highest environmental standards.
• HACLA continues to actively engage its residents and is working closely with resident leaders, community coaches and green ambassadors to hold weekly resident leader briefings to keep residents informed, involve them in the testing and to promptly address any questions or concerns that arise.
• LADWP, in their commitment to the larger Watts Community, is partnering with locally based nonprofits to assist with property pipe and faucet water quality investigations.  Starting next month, they will be distributing 30,000 flyers through respected community leaders to encourage greater participation in LADWP’s home water testing program.  This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure safe, clean drinking water for all residents in Watts.
• HACLA is working with the Department of Public Health in providing additional resources and guidance to tenants, including free onsite blood testing for lead. The free testing is starting at Nickerson Gardens and will go to all public housing sites in Watts.