"In Vernon, a judge allows Exide to resume operations that had been suspended for alleged pollution violations. In the Central Valley, a state agency OKs expansion of a hazardous waste dump."

"A major toxic waste dump near a Central Valley hamlet is poised to expand, and a troubled battery recycler in Vernon has been cleared to reopen according to key decisions Tuesday that sparked fury in nearby low-income communities.

At the center of both decisions is a little-known California agency, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, which has repeatedly cited both facilities for violations of hazardous waste regulations.

In the Central Valley, the agency took steps toward approving expansion of Chemical Waste Management's nearly full toxic waste dump in Kettleman City by 5 million cubic yards, a 50% increase. The landfill, which accepts highly toxic chemicals, including PCBs, is already the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi River."

Jessica Garrison and Kim Christensen report for the Los Angeles Times July 3, 2013. [2]