UPDATE (10/10/2025):
An SCAQMD investigation resulted in two Notices of Violations at two metal casting facilities, Pro Cast Industries (15555 Minnesota Ave.) and Fenico LLC (7805 Madison St.), for multiple air quality violations, including the failure to demonstrate compliance with hexavalent chromium emission limits. These violations can result in civil penalties. Pro Cast Industries and Fenico LLC may take voluntary steps to lower their emissions. However, if a settlement is not reached, SCAQMD may pursue civil actions in court.
As of Sept. 28, emission readings at the 15701 Minnesota Ave. site are no longer at elevated levels. The SCAQMD is continuing to investigate these businesses and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The City of Paramount continues to monitor air quality at this site, and five others across the community and will promptly report its findings to investigators and share them on the air quality monitoring page of this website. Read the full SCAQMD press release covering this matter.
ORIGINAL POST (10/2/2025):
Routine lab results of air quality samples last week determined that the City of Paramount’s air monitor at 15701 Minnesota Avenue had three consecutive samples of hexavalent chromium that were higher than longer-term trends for this location.
Because hexavalent chromium is a known human carcinogen, the City has taken measures to work closely with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), the regional agency responsible for regulating stationary sources of air pollution and enforcing air quality rules.
On Monday, September 22, a reading of 1.741 ng/m3 was recorded. Previous readings on September 16 and September 10 recorded 2.199 ng/m3 and 1.638 ng/m3, respectively. The sampling is conducted every six days.
After South Coast AQMD’s monitoring efforts ended in 2021, the City picked up this responsibility by installing six air monitors at strategic locations recommended by the air district. Paramount’s City-driven air quality monitoring program became the first of its kind and demonstrates the City’s dutiful resolve to safeguard air quality in its community.
Thanks to these proactive measures, the City promptly reported these findings to South Coast AQMD for further investigation. South Coast AQMD moved swiftly to inspect nearby facilities and is collecting additional information. The City is meeting with South Coast AQMD this week to gain a better understanding of this situation, listen to their plans for keeping our community safe, and collaborate with them on next steps.
“We’re working diligently to ensure the air in our City remains safe for all our residents. The South Coast AQMD has the expertise and enforcement tools to investigate and address these readings,” said Mayor Peggy Lemons. “The City is deeply committed to keeping our community informed and working collaboratively with the air district to ensure our residents’ health and safety.”
In partnership with the City’s environmental consultant that monitors air quality, Trinity Consultants, Paramount will continue to monitor the results of weekly air quality tests.
“Our team vigilantly tracks levels of hexavalent chromium. A third consecutive reading moves this beyond being an isolated incident and indicates a potential pattern that requires investigation,” said Randall Baxter of Trinity Consultants. “We are continuing to monitor the air quality across Paramount and supporting the regulators who are evaluating these trends.”
The next test results are expected to be made available to the public by the end of the week of September 29, and the City will be meeting with South Coast AQMD accordingly.
To learn more about air quality monitoring and view previous test results, visit: www.ParamountEnvironment.org/Air
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