Permitting Update
South Coast AQMD has completed the review of the permit applications for Quemetco’s proposed process weight increase at the facility (also known as the Quemetco Capacity Upgrade Project in the EIR). More information regarding the proposed Project can be found Quemetco Permits page. A draft copy of the permit can be accessed here: Quemetco Permit Draft Copy. Information regarding the CEQA review for the proposed Project may be found in the Quemetco CEQA page.
Introduction
This webpage provides information about Quemetco, Inc. (Quemetco) and South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) actions related to this facility.
South Coast AQMD remains committed to its mission of cleaning the air and protecting the health of all residents in the South Coast Air Basin. South Coast AQMD strives to be transparent and inclusive by working with community members and keeping the public informed on new developments. South Coast AQMD will continue to update this page to provide timely information and updates on actions and activities related to the Quemetco facility including public meetings and announcements. To receive notifications on upcoming meetings and other Quemetco-related updates, please fill out the form at www.aqmd.gov/sign-up.
Public information for South Coast AQMD-regulated facilities can also be accessed online through the Facility INformation Detail web tool called F.I.N.D. Accessible facility information includes equipment information, compliance history, emissions information and other related documents. Click here to search the F.I.N.D. database and search by address or facility number (8547).
Background
Quemetco is a battery recycling and secondary lead smelter located at 720 S. 7th Avenue, City of Industry, California. The facility has been operating at this location since 1959, originally as Western Lead. In 1970, Quemetco acquired the facility. The facility recovers lead primarily from automobile batteries as well as other miscellaneous lead scrap materials. The process involves three major steps: crushing, smelting, and refining. The facility currently processes over a million pounds of batteries per day and operates seven days per week, 24 hours per day. The furnaces which perform the lead smelting operations may only operate 16-20 hours per day. The primary pollutants associated with these operations are arsenic, lead, benzene, 1,3- butadiene, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) with arsenic being the biggest contributor to potential risk. Quemetco operates under a South Coast AQMD Title V permit. The facility is also in the RECLAIM program, a cap and trade program for NOx.