A metal recycling plant was charged in a 25-count indictment on Thursday for allegedly exposing students at Jordan High School in Watts to thunderous explosions, hazardous waste and lead levels 75 times higher than those deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, authorities said.
S&W Atlas Metal & Iron and its owners, Matthew Weisenberg and Gary Weisenberg, were charged in the Los Angeles County Superior Court with 23 felonies related to disposal of hazardous waste and two misdemeanors related to failure to minimize the risk of explosion or fire. The defendants pleaded not guilty.
“No child should have to face these dangers while trying to learn,” L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascón said at a news conference. “By prosecuting Atlas Metals we are sending a message that corporate disregard for environmental laws will not be tolerated.”…