Dozens of members of the Watts community appeared in court Thursday hoping that justice will shut down a metal recycling plant that they say has polluted their community for decades.
An explosion at Atlas’ recycling facility near Jordan High School on Monday has already sparked strong emotions among community members and teachers.
“Enough is enough,” said Thelmy Alvarez of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee. “How many more explosions are we going to tolerate before someone is injured or killed?”
Monday’s explosion was the third at the power plant since 2002. Students and staff at Jordan High School complained about metal projectiles and metal dust flying onto school grounds.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed two dozen criminal charges against the factory owners, but the preliminary hearing has been postponed.
“We’re just tired of waiting. Anywhere else, this would have happened already. Because it’s the poor black and brown people, and it seems like nobody cares much,” said Tim Watkins of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told neighbors that the district is involved in several lawsuits attempting to hold Atlas accountable.
“Every day Atlas is in the field, they continue to put lives in danger,” Alvarez said.
The activists are demanding that the district attorney seek an injunction to immediately stop the plant’s operations.
“A few days ago, an incident occurred at Atlas Iron and Metal. Fortunately, thanks to thorough preparation, training and compliance, there were no injuries on or near the site. All safety procedures and policies appeared to be working as intended and our response was quick. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our operations and providing economic opportunity for Watts,” wrote an Atlas Iron and Metal spokesperson.
