San Gabriel Valley Rages Against Shipment of Eaton Fire Hazardous Waste
Residents Confront Officials Over Lack of Community Input and Safety Concerns
Hundreds of San Gabriel Valley residents confronted state and federal officials during a heated community meeting, demanding to know how a local recreation area had become a processing site for hazardous waste from the Eaton fire without community input. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began trucking hazardous waste 15 miles from the Altadena burn zone to Lario Park in Irwindale for sorting and storage on Monday.
Concerns Over Community Safety and Transparency
Residents of Duarte, Azusa, and nearby cities expressed outrage that they had not been notified that waste was arriving by truck at a site near a popular recreation area, which includes the San Gabriel River trail. Some residents were worried that toxic chemicals or other fire debris would leach into the air, soil, or water. Officials from the EPA and California agencies that handle environmental protection and toxic substances control assured residents they were taking safety precautions, but were repeatedly interrupted by audience members who yelled, “We don’t want it!” and “Find another place!”
State and Local Officials Speak Out Against the Decision
State Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and several local mayors, including Duarte’s Cesar Garcia, expressed their concerns and disappointment over the lack of community input and transparency. They questioned the EPA’s decision to use the Irwindale site and its ability to handle the hazardous waste safely.
EPA’s Response to Concerns
EPA officials, including incident commander Tara Fitzgerald, explained that the site was chosen due to its size and availability. They also assured residents that the waste would be handled and stored safely, with multiple layers of protection against environmental contamination. However, residents remained skeptical, with many expressing concerns over the environmental and health risks associated with the hazardous waste.
Conclusion
The meeting highlighted the strong opposition to the EPA’s decision to use the Lario Park site for processing hazardous waste from the Eaton fire. While EPA officials assured residents of their safety protocols, many residents remain concerned about the potential risks to their community and the environment. The controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and community engagement in decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to issues affecting public health and safety.
FAQs
* What is the Lario Park site?
+ The Lario Park site is a 5-acre area in Irwindale, leased by the Los Angeles County parks department, which is now being used for processing and storing hazardous waste from the Eaton fire.
* Why was the site chosen for processing hazardous waste?
+ The site was chosen due to its size and availability, according to EPA officials.
* How will the hazardous waste be handled and stored?
+ The EPA has installed liners to prevent toxic materials from leaching into the soil, and will test the soil again before leaving. The agency also has air-quality monitors at the perimeter and water trucks that spray three times daily to suppress dust.
* How long will the hazardous waste be stored at the Lario site?
+ The waste will be stored at the site temporarily, and then sent to permanent facilities in California and other states for disposal.
