UPDATE: Health concerns intensify for residents near Chiquita Canyon Landfill as a multi-agency task force finally addresses complaints about odor-related health issues. During a critical meeting on October 14, 2023, state officials acknowledged lingering health problems but admitted the need for further studies, leaving many frustrated.
Residents of Castaic and Val Verde have voiced complaints since early 2023, citing serious symptoms linked to the landfill’s emissions. Todd Sax, chief of the enforcement division for the California Air Resources Board, stated, “Our best estimate of the public health impact and their causes here is that it is caused by odorous compounds,” emphasizing that these compounds can lead to symptoms such as headaches, bloody noses, and tremors.
Despite Sax’s acknowledgment, he did not address ongoing claims from residents regarding cancer clusters, which are part of the litigation against the landfill and its parent company, Waste Connections. Thousands of residents are currently involved in lawsuits, with Los Angeles County also filing suit after the landfill ceased its relief fund, contradicting the assertion that conditions were improving.
The situation is dire, as regulators revealed the landfill continues to produce an alarming 200,000 gallons of leachate daily. The complexities of the issue are compounded by the landfill’s claims that the affected area has expanded, potentially doubling in size, while state officials struggle to pinpoint the cause of the ongoing problems.
During the meeting, Sax highlighted the challenges of identifying the precise health risks posed by the landfill’s emissions. “We’re not in any way trying to minimize your symptoms,” he reassured residents, while admitting the difficulty in conducting a comprehensive health survey. He stated the need for more data, particularly regarding pollutants like PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which are suspected to contaminate local water supplies.
In response to community demands for clarity, Sax mentioned efforts to improve monitoring and detection methods but acknowledged ongoing uncertainty. “We think we’re monitoring for the right things,” he said, yet expressed doubts about the feasibility of understanding the long-term effects of constant exposure.
Legal proceedings are also lagging, adding to resident frustrations. Stephanie English, a representative from Los Angeles County, provided updates on the court’s recent ruling that favors the county’s request for relocation assistance for residents impacted by the landfill. The judge has called for negotiations to occur within 30 days, but the landfill has filed an appeal that could stall progress.
“We hope and believe that [Judge Maame Frimpong] will finish her work and rule in our favor,” English stated, stressing the urgency of the situation as residents await a resolution.
As the task force continues to deliberate, the community remains on edge, grappling with unanswered questions and the potential health risks posed by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. With no clear timeline for resolution, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged as the situation develops.
For now, the focus remains on minimizing exposure and ensuring the safety of those living near the landfill, but the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are encouraged to report any new symptoms or concerns as they arise.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
