EPA’s Hazardous Debris Processing Site Sparks Community Concerns in Southern California
DUARTE, Calif. – Cece Carroll, a longtime resident of Duarte, is among many worried about potential pollution from a temporary site set up to process hazardous debris left by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
Not far from Carroll’s home, a rock-mining company has already caused air pollution in the San Gabriel Valley through dust emissions. The new concern is whether a site at Lario Park in Irwindale—a normally peaceful picnic area and equestrian trail—will introduce a new source of contamination.
Hazardous Debris Processing Site in Dispute
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to use Lario Park for handling hazardous waste extracted from the Eaton and Palisades fires. This includes not just basic debris, but also toxic chemicals, solvents, and even potentially dangerous materials like lithium-ion batteries, which can become highly toxic if mishandled.
“We’re dealing with hazardous materials and chemicals,” said Carroll. “Parents are very concerned about the impact on children in the community and nearby school districts.”
Carroll is one of many residents from Duarte, Azusa, and nearby areas questioning the EPA’s selection. They fear that air pollution and potential groundwater contamination could disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities, especially those with higher levels of exposure to ozone and particulate matter pollution.
Community and Local Officials’ Concerns
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis echoed these concerns, stating, “The removal of these materials should not come at the cost of creating a toxic environment for communities already disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
Data from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment reveal that the adjacent Latino communities experience significantly higher pollution levels compared to other areas. This adds urgency to addressing these environmental justice issues effectively.
Town Hall Outcry and EPA Response
At a heated town hall meeting, residents flooded into the Performing Arts Center to voice their concerns and challenge local and federal officials. Hundreds attended, with many chanting “Shut it down!” and “Leave it in Altadena!”
In response, EPA coordinator Tara Fitzgerald explained that Lario Park was chosen for the temporary facility because other locations near the fire zone were already occupied with emergency operations. She cited previous successful operations following other major fires, such as the Woolsey Fire, asserting that the process is usually conducted safely without community impact.
However, residents remains skeptical, pointing out that the Eaton and Palisades fires have torched the largest urban area on record in California, making this cleanup unprecedented in scope.
Steps Taken by the EPA
To mitigate concerns, the EPA has implemented several safety measures. Daily monitoring of air and soil quality, use of water trucks to control dust, and staged removal of waste from the site each day are among the precautions being taken to ensure minimal disruption to the community.
Sanjay Mohanty, an associate professor at UCLA specializing in wildfire effects, suggests that while risks exist, the EPA should still be able to manage them effectively. “There are multiple avenues for prevention, including protective measures to control dust emissions and the use of natural barriers to minimize the risk of leachate contamination.”
Mohanty also notes that contaminated groundwater issues usually take longer to develop, giving the community an opportunity to monitor and respond to potential threats.
Continued Vigilance and Transparency
Despite reassurances from the EPA, residents like Laura Jasso remain unconvinced. “It’s hard to have confidence when decisions are made without transparency or consultation,” Jasso said.
Rachael Jones, professor and director of the UCLA Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, advises residents to stay involved in the process. “Ask for comprehensive details on waste handling, emergency response plans, and truck routes and schedules from EPA and Army Corps officials,” she suggests.
For now, the fight against contamination continues. Residents are determined to ensure the cleanup efforts do not come at the expense of their health and well-being. “We don’t want it here, but we need to prioritize safety for our children and families,” Jasso emphasized.
Final Thoughts
In the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, communities in Southern California are grappling with the dual challenge of cleanup and environmental justice. The EPA has taken steps to address these concerns, but the mistrust remains. Continuous communication, transparency, and vigilance are crucial for a successful and safe cleanup process.
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