City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: October 21, 2025
From: Freddie Agyin, Director of Health and Environmental Control Department: Health and Environmental Control
Submitted by: Dulce Gonzalez, Management Analyst
Subject
California Department of Toxic Substances Control Update on Exide Related Remediation Recommendation
No action required by City Council. This is a presentation only.
Background
The former Exide facility in Vernon operated as a lead-acid battery recycling plant for nearly ninety years until the State’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) mandated its closure in 2015. This decision was prompted by findings that Exide's hazardous waste management practices were insufficient, resulting in significant lead contamination in the surrounding soil.
During its operational period, Exide processed lead-bearing scrap materials from lead-acid batteries to produce marketable lead ingots. This recycling process generated various hazardous wastes, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and volatile organic compounds, contaminating the facility site and properties in the surrounding communities. Exposure to elevated levels of these substances, increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cognitive impairments.
In response to health and environmental concerns, the DTSC ordered the closure of Exide's facility and subsequently approved a comprehensive closure plan that includes on-site and offsite corrective actions. Facility closure and remediation efforts for the affected properties in surrounding communities commenced in 2018 and are ongoing. The City Council receives periodic updates on these efforts.
On October 21, 2025, the DTSC will provide an update on the status of the closure and remediation activities.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. DTSC Presentation – Exide Facility Update