2 Paramount metal-processing facilities ordered to lower emissions

PARAMOUNT, Calif. (KABC) -- Two metal-processing facilities in Paramount were ordered to reduce their emissions of a cancer-causing compound or shut down, air regulators announced on Wednesday.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District said it filed a petition for an order for abatement against Anaplex Corporation and Aerocraft Heat Treating Company.

The order alleged that both Anaplex and Aerocraft had high emissions of hexavalent chromium, a human carcinogen.

It also alleged that the two facilities endangered public health, which caused a public nuisance.

Residents who live nearby said they were glad to see action being taken.

"You can smell the metal. You can tell when the metal is melting. Sometime on Sundays that's when you really get to smell it, the whole block, it's just a nasty smell," Paramount resident Sergio Guerrero explained.

A representative of Aerocraft released the following statement on the company's behalf:

"Aerocraft has not received notice from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. However, as mentioned previously, Aerocraft is conducting a review of its processes and will continue to cooperate with the South Coast Air Quality Management District's ongoing investigation. Aerocraft will take necessary actions to resolve any issues that may be identified."

ABC7 reached out to Anaplex for comment and the company said it would release a statement on Wednesday.

The SCAQMD scheduled a hearing on the matter to begin on Dec. 14 and it's expected to last several days.

The public was encouraged to come and testify at the hearing.