Residents of the San Fernando Valley Protest Potential Use of Landfill for Wildfire Debris
Community Unites Against Plan to Dump Wildfire Debris at Local Landfill
Residents of the San Fernando Valley marched on Monday to protest the possibility of debris from LA County’s recent wildfires being dumped at a nearby landfill. The potential plan has sparked concerns among locals, who are worried about the impact on their community and the environment.
Fears About Toxic Debris and Environmental Impact
Displeased residents who oppose the move took to the streets of Balboa Boulevard and Rinaldi Street to rally against the possibility. "If they can’t contain the smell of the dump, how can they contain the toxic ash and debris that is coming from the Palisades Fire?" asked Robyn Reinhart, a Granada Hills resident.
Doubts About Landfill’s Ability to Handle Hazardous Materials
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a proposal to increase the amount of waste going to Sunshine Canyon, Calabasas, and Lancaster landfills to accommodate fire debris removal. Demonstrators said they do not have faith that Sunshine Canyon would be able to handle potentially toxic debris. "We can’t even trust them with an apple peels and coffee grounds, so how are we going to trust them with asbestos and cancer-causing agents?" asked Frank Nolan, another Granada Hills resident.
Concerns About Negligence and Lack of Transparency
Concerned residents argue it’s negligent to have potentially hazardous material close to homes, a school, and the Van Norman Reservoir. "The community doesn’t trust them so we want them to take it to the desert and ship it out somewhere," said Beverly Spooner, who lives in Granada Hills.
Representatives for the Sunshine Canyon Landfill Fail to Respond to Concerns
Representatives for the Sunshine Canyon Landfill did not return NBC4’s request for comment.
Conclusion
The protest highlights the concerns and fears of the San Fernando Valley residents who are worried about the potential impact of wildfire debris on their community and the environment. As the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors prepares to vote on the proposal, residents are urging for a more transparent and accountable approach to handling the debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the proposal to increase waste going to Sunshine Canyon, Calabasas, and Lancaster landfills?
- The proposal aims to accommodate fire debris removal and increase the amount of waste going to these landfills.
- Why are residents concerned about the potential use of Sunshine Canyon Landfill for wildfire debris?
- Residents are worried about the potential environmental impact, the risk of toxic materials, and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
- What are the potential risks associated with dumping wildfire debris at Sunshine Canyon Landfill?
- The risks include environmental contamination, health hazards, and potential harm to the community.
