Redwood City Recycling Facility To Be Reviewed By State Agency

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The California Department of Toxic Substances Control said Monday that it is ordering a Redwood City-based metal recycling company to determine the extent of toxic pollution near their city and clean it up.

Sims Metal Management receives, sorts, separates, and stores bulk metal scrap for sale and export, according to a DTSC news release. It is located within two miles of several day care centers, parks, hospitals, schools, and homes, and DTSC expressed concern in a news release about potential adverse health impacts. The 12-acre recycling and shredding operation is also adjacent to Redwood Creek, which leads into San Francisco Bay, a public trail, and two islands that form part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

SMM will need to submit required investigation reports, including a plan to clean up contamination. DTSC is also notifying the nearby community so residents can weigh in on a cleanup plan.

The cleanup is part of a string of similar actions against metal recyclers and shredders, which are often located in areas with high amounts of pollution.

Patch is awaiting comment from SMM.