Molly Peterson

1 month ago | publichealthwatch.org | Molly Peterson

OAKLAND, California — The engine from Oakland Fire Department’s Station Number 2 had rolled out to Schnitzer Steel before, but this call was different. It wasn’t the typical smoldering nugget of debris. Instead, smoke was billowing from a massive pile of scrap as flames shot outward from an orange glow deep within. Lt. Eduardo Ibarra was on that engine, the first to respond to the metal shredder’s bayside yard that night in August 2023.

2 months ago | publichealthwatch.org | Molly Peterson

California’s only lead battery recycling facility has admitted violating its hazardous waste permit and related state laws, caused by tanks the company allowed to become corroded, including one leaking toxic sludge, according to a consent order made public Tuesday by the state. Ecobat Resources California, formerly known as Quemetco, will pay a fine of $315,000 as a result of the legally binding order.

Jan 23, 2025 | medium.com | Molly Peterson

Molly Peterson·Follow8 min read·--That first Tuesday in January, well south of the fires, wind put out just about every third streetlight on Figueroa in northeast LA. Nobody could decide whether lights mattered, what rules to follow or not. I shouldn’t have been out, but I had just gotten back and needed food and water in case we needed to evacuate. The red and white gates at the Metro train crossing didn’t drop, by the Smart and Final.

Nov 13, 2024 | publichealthwatch.org | Molly Peterson

California regulators have invited public comment on a long-awaited draft permit for the state’s only lead battery recycling facility. Residents near the Ecobat smelter in Los Angeles County have complained for years about uneven regulatory oversight and legacy lead pollution at the plant. This series examines key aspects of the permit and the permitting process.

Nov 10, 2024 | choralnet.org | Molly Peterson

Hallelujah! Celebrate 90 years of Handel Choir with the piece that started it all. Our annual Messiah with period instruments is a celebratedBaltimore tradition that is sure to make the season bright!Handel Choir of BaltimoreHandel Period Instrument OrchestraMelissa Wimbish sopranoTaylor Boykins altoAaron Cates tenorChris Talbot bassBrian Bartoldus conductorPreconcert lecture by Zachary Brecht, HCB Conducting Fellow, begins one hour before the program.