Tesla ordered to stop releasing toxic emissions from San Francisco Bay Area plant
What specific operations at Tesla's plant were problematic?
The specific operations at Tesla's plant that were problematic were the paint shop operations. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's independent hearing board pointed to these operations as a particular issue, contributing to the facility's air quality problems and toxic emissions.
What toxic emissions is Tesla's Bay Area plant releasing?
Tesla's Bay Area plant has been releasing toxic emissions from its paint shop operations, including harmful pollutants and precursor chemicals directly into the atmosphere. The plant's thermal oxidizer, which treats harmful pollutants and converts them to safer emissions before being released, is often broken. Even when it is sometimes working, the abatement device is shut down by operators because other equipment is malfunctioning.
What actions must Tesla take to address the emissions issue?
Tesla must hire an independent consultant and develop a proposed implementation plan to address the toxic emissions issue at its Fremont facility2. The plan must be approved by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and then executed to stop the harmful emissions.