In a sweeping indictment that punctuated years of allegations and concerns from the local community, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has leveled a barrage of charges against Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. The recycling company, adjacent to a Watts high school and a large housing complex, is charged with dumping hazardous waste on school property and for an explosion that rocked the area on the first day of class last month. In a statement obtained by CBS News Los Angeles, District Attorney George Gascón expressed a firm stance against the alleged violations, saying, "We will hold companies accountable when they put profits over people and endanger the well-being of our neighborhoods."
The indictment includes 25 counts against Atlas and its owners, with allegations that span from illegal disposal of hazardous materials, such as lead which poses serious health risks to failure to minimize the risk of fire or explosion on the property, according to KTLA. The owners, Gary Weisenberg and his son Matthew Weisenberg pleaded not guilty and are expected back in court for a pretrial hearing on October 28.
Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. which has been in business for nearly 70 years, faces accusations of increasing regulatory violations dating back to 2017. In particular, an explosion on August 12, moments before the start of the school year at nearby Jordan High School, jolted the community, raising concerns about the facility's impact on public health and safety.
Community voices have echoed throughout the years, crying out against the potential hazards posed by Atlas. "We should not have to fight so hard to be able to breathe air that doesn't cause cancer," Genesis Cruz, a recent graduate from Jordan High School, told CBS News Los Angeles.
Soil samples from the high school and the adjacent metal recycling facility have revealed excessive concentrations of lead, zinc, and other metals, indicating the severity of the contamination, as per details released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
This case signals a renewed focus on environmental justice and corporate accountability within the county. District Attorney Gascón emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health, stating, "Our communities must come first. No business has the right to jeopardize public health, especially in areas that impact our children’s futures."