Sun Valley Firm Convicted on Hazardous Waste Charges

A Sun Valley scrap metal recycling business has been convicted for failing to properly dispose of hazardous waste. Brian Kassoff, Carlos Almazan and their business ANK Metal Recycling, located at 8832 Bradley Ave. in Sun Valley, entered separate pleas of no contest to four counts of violating state health and safety codes, according to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office. Kassoff and Almazan will each pay $1,000 in court fines in addition to penalty assessments. They will also pay around $17,000 in investigative costs to the California Toxic Substance Control Department. “Our hazardous waste laws are designed to safeguard public health and safety, and protect our environment,” City Attorney Mike Feuer said in a statement. “Businesses that violate these laws endanger our communities. We’ll continue to hold them accountable.” Neither Kassoff nor Almazan could be reached for comment. Formal charges against the scrap metal recycling facility were entered in May following a state investigation into the business’ operations. Inspectors who visited the plant on three different occasions found improperly contained metal dust shavings and waste oil; mislabeled waste containers; and incorrectly processed appliances, which resulted in the release of Freon and other refrigerant gases, according to the city attorney’s office.