Los Angeles County files lawsuit against Chiquita Canyon Landfill operators over toxic emissions, sparking community health concerns.
At a Glance
- LA County sues Chiquita Canyon Landfill for failing to contain noxious odors and hazardous emissions
- EPA notified landfill operators of violations of the federal Clean Air Act
- Over 1,500 residents join mass tort action against Waste Connections, Inc.
- Benzene and hydrogen sulfide levels in the area exceed safe regulatory limits
- Underground chemical reaction may take up to 10 years to subside
Legal Action and Environmental Violations
Los Angeles County has taken decisive legal action against the operators of Chiquita Canyon Landfill, addressing severe concerns about health and environmental safety in Val Verde. The lawsuit, filed against Chiquita Canyon LLC, Chiquita Canyon Inc., and Waste Connections U.S. Inc., cites public nuisance and violations of the Los Angeles County Code. This legal move comes in response to persistent complaints from residents about noxious fumes and odors emanating from the landfill site.
“The federal court filing alleges that Castaic residents have been sickened by noxious fumes and odors emanating from the site,” said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has notified the landfill operators of violations of the federal Clean Air Act. According to EPA reports, the landfill is emitting toxic gases, including benzene and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to ozone formation and can cause lung damage. These findings have intensified the urgency of the situation and bolstered the county’s legal case.
Chiquita Canyon Landfill is being sued by L.A. County to address “ongoing environmental and public health hazards caused by the landfill’s operations,” and seek relief for “impacted communities under siege,” according to Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s officehttps://t.co/YGEI6CHvUm
— SignalSCV (@SCVSignal) December 17, 2024
Community Impact and Health Concerns
The impact on the local community has been significant. Residents of Val Verde, a community near the landfill, report being forced indoors due to toxic odors. Over 1,500 residents have joined a mass tort action against Waste Connections, Inc., alleging mismanagement and health endangerment. The county has requested a cancer surveillance study due to potential cancer clusters, and over 25,000 odor complaints have been filed since January 2023.
The severity of the situation is underscored by the fact that benzene and hydrogen sulfide levels in the area exceed safe regulatory limits, posing potential health risks to residents. The Southern California Air Quality Management District has issued stricter compliance measures for the landfill in response to these concerns.
Landfill Response and Future Uncertainties
The landfill operators claim that mitigation efforts have stabilized chemicals, but experts argue that residents’ symptoms are physiological reactions to odors. The landfill has implemented measures like a geosynthetic cover and additional wells to reduce odors and emissions. However, the underground chemical reaction, described as an “oxidation event,” may take up to 10 years to subside.
The future of the landfill remains uncertain. The landfill’s operating permit renewal is in question, and Waste Connections has threatened legal action if forced to close. Originally set to close by November 2019, the landfill negotiated to extend operations and increase tonnage limits. This extension has now become a point of contention as environmental and health concerns mount.
Mark your calendar! 📅 On Wednesday, 2/7 at 6:30 p.m., Public Health is hosting an in-person Chiquita Canyon Landfill Community Meeting to cover the independent health risk air quality evaluation.
Can’t make it? No problem! You can join via Zoom: https://t.co/HdaJ9nPOko pic.twitter.com/30mDxx3sW0
— CalRecycle (@CalRecycle) February 2, 2024
Multi-Agency Response and Legal Proceedings
A multi-agency task force, including the EPA and other authorities, has been formed to address the issue comprehensively. The EPA has issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to manage odors and hazardous waste, while California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control has cited violations for unauthorized hazardous waste disposal and treatment.
The legal landscape surrounding the Chiquita Canyon Landfill is complex and evolving. A federal judge has consolidated a class action lawsuit with 19 similar cases, allowing claims to proceed against Chiquita Canyon. This consolidation marks a significant step in the legal process, potentially streamlining the path to resolution for affected residents.
