Pico Rivera : Residents’ Group to Appeal OK of Car Shredding Plant

A residents’ group said it will appeal a city Design Review Board decision to allow an automobile shredding company to open in Pico Rivera.

“There’s going to be noise pollution, traffic pollution and air pollution, a generation of hazardous waste much in excess of what they say is going to be in there,” organizer Bernie Lehrer said. His group’s appeal would be heard by the Pico Rivera City Council about 30 days after it is filed, city officials said.

Lehrer noted that the proposed metal shredding facility at the old Weiner Steel site on Slauson Avenue would be only three blocks from one residential neighborhood. He added that he presented 700 signature cards to the Design Review Board from area residents opposed to the plant.

Company representatives insisted that the company would operate safely and provide jobs for community residents.

Design Review Board members said they favored the $10-million project of Hiuka America Corp. and Topy Steel based on the results of a study of the project’s environmental effects.

“I think it’s a good project for the city,” Commissioner Jess Zapien said at last week’s meeting. “I believe it’s going to improve the city. I’m in favor.”