Metal recycler SA Recycling LLC of Anaheim, Calif., has agreed to pay $2.9 million to resolve complaints of violations of hazardous waste and air pollution laws.

In May 2007 an explosion occurred at the company’s Port of Los Angeles facility, which destroyed its air pollution control system. The company, which at the time was managed by Sims Group Ltd. under the name Sims Hugo Neu West, operated for 120 days without a fully functioning air pollution control system in place, according to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control in a statement. An estimated 4.4 tons of material was released into the air at the facility, which shreds automobiles, household appliances and other metals.

Other charges included that the shredder residue was illegally transported by unregistered hazardous waste haulers; the hazardous waste was illegally stored on site beyond the allowed time; and that the company illegally disposed of hazardous waste at two area landfills and SA Recycling’s Anaheim site.

The settlement, reached in Los Angeles County, includes $1.7 million to repair the system. SA Recycling is jointly owned by Adams Steel LLC of Anaheim and Sims Metal Management Ltd. of Sydney, Australia.

CORRECTION: Los Angeles County originally identified the owner incorrectly as Hugo Neu Corp.

See video of the explosion in question below.