INDIANAPOLIS -- State environmental regulators are trying to pinpoint the source of lead dust that's blowing into the Carrier plant warehouse.
Carrier wasfined $1,700 for a serious lead violation, according to a Safety Order issued on August 22 by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration, but the plant doesn't produce anything with lead.
The business next to the Carrier plant on Indy's west side, Quemetco, recycles lead batteries.
On September 12, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management made an unannounced visit to Quemetco.
While the full inspection report will not be available for a few weeks, sources tell Call 6 Investigates that Quemetco may not be the source of the lead dust at Carrier, which could pose a challenge for air quality inspectors confronted with finding out who's responsible.
Quemetco issued a statement to Call 6 investigates through spokesperson Josh Sommers.
“Regarding lead dust issues at the Carrier facility, Quemetco has consistently remained fully compliant with all emissions regulations and IDEM conducts independent ambient air monitoring at our facility. Quemetco strongly supports Indiana's emissions standards and is committed to maintaining its status as an industry leader in sound environmental practices," said Sommers.
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