Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the proposed addition of the Exide Technologies – Vernon site in Vernon, California, to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL identifies sites across the United States and its territories where historic releases of hazardous substances pose significant threats to human health and the environment.
“The proposal to add Exide to the Superfund list is the first step in a process, and we will be 100% committed to engaging and gathering feedback from the community the entire way,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “When finalized, the listing will provide access to federal funding and resources that EPA will utilize to take a more comprehensive approach to the contamination in the community.”
“This is a critical milestone in our fight to secure environmental justice for Los Angeles communities impacted by decades of industrial pollution,” said Yana Garcia, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. “I look forward to continuing to work with U.S. EPA to address the contamination left behind by the former Exide facility.”
Since July 2022, EPA has assessed the Exide Technologies plant, a former battery recycling plant located in southeast Los Angeles County, for potential inclusion on the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Before this assessment began, California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) coordinated with EPA to:
- Order the facility's closure.
- Implement an investigation and cleanup of both the facility and surrounding area.
- Oversee decontamination and deconstruction of remaining segments related to lead battery processing and smelting operations.
Throughout this proposal process, EPA will continue partnering with community members and stakeholders for ongoing public information dissemination.
EPA is accepting comments on adding Exide Technologies - Vernon site from September 5 until November 4, 2024. Comments can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov by searching docket number EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0376 or mailed directly to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Docket Center Superfund
[EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0376]
Mail Code 28221T
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20460
A virtual public information session on submitting comments will be held on September 18, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. PT.
The Superfund National Priorities List includes sites with serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. This list prioritizes cleanup funding and enforcement actions by EPA. Only non-federal sites on this list are eligible for federal funding for long-term cleanups.
Before adding a site to this list, it must meet specific requirements set forth by EPA and undergo a proposal period published in the Federal Register followed by a 60-day public comment period. After considering public feedback during this period, if requirements are still met, EPA may finalize its addition.
Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has updated this list biannually instead of annually. Today's announcement marks EPA’s second update in 2024.
