FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- The owner of a decades-old battery recycling plant in Texas has agreed to spend $20 million to cut lead emissions in one of the nation's fastest-growing suburbs.
Exide Technologies Inc. spokeswoman Susan Jaramillo says the improvements to its plant in the Dallas suburb of Frisco will occur over the next 18 months and will make a difference.
Frisco Mayor Maher Maso says it's a good first step but more will need to be done.
The Dallas Morning News reports that Exide's plan should cut lead emissions from 2.47 tons in 2008 down to 640 pounds per year -- an 87 percent reduction.
Lead poses a variety of health risks including brain damage in children.
The 1960s plant built in open fields is now surrounded by homes, schools and businesses.