Emergency responders and hazmat teams are working to clean up Papago Plating. The Phoenix Police Department has issued a hazardous material abatement warrant for the company.
Sgt. Trent Crump with the Phoenix police said they were removing harmful and improperly housed chemicals in the building near 24th and Washington streets.
He said both local and federal agencies have been investigating conditions at Papago Plating. However, the company has never been able to comply with proper safety codes.
“There have been different agencies that have done different things over the years. But in the past six months, the Phoenix Fire Department inspectors have stepped up the activity here because of what has been inside,” Crump said.
What was inside were corroded chemical barrels and other poor conditions, said police.
Crump said the major hazard is isolated to the interior of the building, and there are no anticipated evacuations of the area.
