June 17, 2021: California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control in June threatened a local car breaker with fines of $25,000 a day if it fails to stop releasing hazardous waste, including lead, into the environment.

The DTSC has filed a request to Los Angeles County Superior Court to impose the penalties on Dick’s Auto Wreckers for each violation of the hazardous waste law.

The company has been ordered to investigate any spread of contamination into the surrounding neighbourhood and clean it up.

“DTSC has a profound responsibility to protect all Californians from the effects of hazardous chemicals,” said DTSC director Meredith Williams.

“We remain steadfastly committed to robust enforcement of hazardous waste laws, especially in our vulnerable communities where residents for far too long have disproportionally suffered from pollution.”