In a visit to the South Los Angeles community of Watts, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Michael Regan, vowed to address the long-standing environmental issues plaguing the region. From elevated lead levels in drinking water to pollution from a nearby scrap metal recycler, Regan promised to collaborate with state and federal partners to find solutions and hold polluters accountable. This blog post explores the environmental challenges faced by Watts residents and the EPA’s commitment to environmental justice.
Cleaning Up Lead in Watts Drinking Water
Southern California researchers found high levels of lead in the drinking water at public housing developments in Watts, a study released Monday showed. The EPA and the Department of Water & PowerPoint (DWP) have quickly responded. The DWP has sent more than 2,000 water sampling kits to the city’s housing authority and the results are mixed. Although the survey found that many kitchen faucet samples had only low or trace amounts of lead, water from exterior hose bibs consistently contained higher concentrations.
He also stated there is no safe amount of lead in drinking water, especially for children, who are most at risk. With the collection of more complete data, EPA and partners continue to work toward this goal – to quantify thoroughly the scope of this problem and develop a plan that comprehensively combats ammonium contamination. Echoing EPA’s unwavering mission to provide all Watts residents with safe, clean water, Regan said in the release, “No family should have to worry that the water coming out of their tap might be unsafe to drink”
Enforcing Solutions to Atlas Metals Environment Violations
Next to Jordan High School is the scrap metal recycler Atlas Metals, which has been an environmental hotspot in Watts for years. Students and staff for years have decried flakes of the metallic dust and shrapnel that cling to school grounds, threatening their health and safety.
The EPA has since taken action, ordering Atlas Metals not to allow chemicals to wash into storm drains or drift onto the school campus. In addition, the company as well as both of its owners face 23 felony counts each over hazardous waste disposal and two misdemeanor charges a piece for failing to reduce the likelihood for an explosion or fire. Regan included that the EPA will look past all offers, as far as possible, to hold Atlas Metals responsible for their careless behavior.
If Atlas Metals were to ever be removed, the site could qualify under the EPA’s Brownfield Program, which offers grants and technical assistance for communities to evaluate, clean up and reuse contaminated properties.
Reclaiming Our Power: Watts Takes On Environmental Injustice
Regan visited the area and met with community members — such as 15-year-old Andrew Anderson, a ninth-grader at Jordan High. Anderson said that a number of his classmates even have “trust issues” where the safety of their drinking water is concerned, which is why so many now drink filtered water at home.
Community members supported Regan’s promise to collaborate with Watts residents on addressing these perpetuating environmental problems. The experience gave the Anderson hope and helped create a sense of empowerment in them and their neighbors, they said. The EPA’s environmental justice efforts in Watts are a critical step toward achieving the global aspiration of providing every human being with clean air to breathe, pure water to drink, and a safe environment in which to live.
As the EPA moves forward to restore the environmental challenges in Watts, it is important that community involvement and cooperation is key. Through the amplification of local voices and collaboration to find solutions, US EPA can work to correct previous environmental injustices and contribute to a sustainable and fair community in Watts.
