Governor Newsom Announces Significant Progress in Exide Lead Cleanup in Southeast Los Angeles
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced substantial progress in the cleanup of lead-contaminated soil in communities surrounding the former Exide battery recycling facility in Vernon, California. As of October 23, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has cleaned nearly 6,500 residential parcels, representing approximately 80% of the 8,000 eligible properties where owners granted access. Additionally, all 7,800 eligible parkways along sidewalks and roads in Southeast Los Angeles have been cleaned. The DTSC has also completed cleanup at all schools, parks, and childcare centers in the affected area. This initiative, which Governor Newsom prioritized, has seen an investment of over $500 million, making it one of the largest residential lead cleanups in U.S. history. The cleanup efforts began after testing in 2014 revealed elevated lead levels in residential soil, leading to the facility's closure in 2015.
