The operators of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill are facing resistance in their efforts to monitor air quality and pollutants following months of complaints from nearby residents and community members. Lawyers representing the landfill have argued that installing monitors on wells to test air quality would strain their ability to meet deadlines for a project, requesting an extension from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The South Coast AQMD is seeking modifications to the order of abatement issued to the landfill operators last September, including pausing operations during peak odor hours, reducing the working face, conducting daily inspections, and testing for leaks. Despite ongoing efforts to address the toxic air emissions, there has been no significant improvement in odors emitted by the landfill.
The operators of the landfill were notified by the EPA in June that they were in violation of the federal Clean Air Act for excessive toxic air emissions, including benzene and volatile organic compounds. This marks the first time the EPA has issued a violation to the landfill operators and owner. The landfill has also received violation notices from CalEPA, the state Department of Toxic Substance Control, and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Concerns over pollution from the landfill have prompted multiple agencies to take action, with over 15,000 complaints received by the South Coast AQMD since January 2023. Despite efforts to address the pollution, including a denial of an expansion request in March, the Chiquita Canyon Landfill continues to be a source of environmental concern for the community.
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