Year ends with new lawsuit for Vernon recycling plant

Managers and directors of a controversial Vernon battery recycling plant are the target of a new lawsuit that says they they’re

directly responsible for sickening children who live nearby.

The suit was filed by three law firms against Exide Technologies officials on behalf of more than 60 children. Another suit is expected to be filed on behalf of adults who live near the plant.

The suit says that the Exide officials intentionally misled the public about health risks associated with lead and arsenic emissions from the recycling facility. It does not specify what illnesses the children have suffered.

Exide has not commented on the lawsuit. The Vernon plant has been idle since March as Exide upgrades pollution controls. cleanup efforts, and setting aside millions more should the plant permanently close.

The county of L.A. has also threatened to sue Exide, and a federal grand jury is looking at the company’s operations in East L.A.

Exide, which is based in Georgia, filed for bankruptcy this summer.