Officials Confirm Health Risks from Chiquita Canyon Landfill Odors

UPDATE: State officials have confirmed serious health risks linked to odors from the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, following months of complaints from residents of Castaic and Val Verde. During a critical meeting on October 14, 2023, Todd Sax, chief of the enforcement division at the California Air Resources Board, acknowledged that ongoing exposure to these odorous compounds can lead to severe health issues, including headaches, bloody noses, and tremors.

Residents have expressed frustration as their health concerns, which began surfacing in early 2023, have gone largely unaddressed. “We’re still working on this,” Sax admitted, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “Our best estimate indicates that these odors are causing serious irritation, and people will feel better when they are away from the odors,” he said.

Despite these admissions, Sax did not address the alarming claims of cancer clusters in the area, as thousands of residents are currently engaged in litigation against Waste Connections, the landfill’s parent company. This ongoing legal battle is complicated further by the landfill’s claim that conditions are improving, which has led to Los Angeles County filing a lawsuit to provide relief to residents.

Authorities reported that the landfill continues to produce approximately 200,000 gallons of leachate daily, raising significant concerns about environmental safety and public health. The landfill’s claims contradict findings from state officials who assert that the area affected by the landfill’s “underground elevated temperature event” has potentially doubled in size.

During the meeting, Sax informed attendees that the Air Quality Management District conducted tests during significant odor events, but he cautioned that the results did not reveal new pollutants that needed monitoring. “What we can tell you is that we think we’re monitoring for the right things,” he stated, urging patience as investigations continue.

Residents are anxiously awaiting a comprehensive community health survey, which has yet to be conducted despite multiple requests. Sax acknowledged the demand for further studies but indicated that a complete understanding of the holistic health effects from continuous exposure to pollutants might not be feasible.

In a related update on the legal front, Stephanie English, a field representative for L.A. County, reported some optimism regarding the ongoing litigation. “The judge ruled in the county’s favor and requested the parties to reach an agreement within 30 days,” English said. However, tensions remain high as the landfill has filed an appeal, seeking to pause the judge’s ruling.

Residents of approximately 900 homes are particularly concerned as they await decisions on potential relocation or home-hardened solutions. “We hope the court will rule in our favor,” English added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for affected families.

As investigations and court proceedings continue, the community remains on edge, grappling with lingering health questions and the uncertainty surrounding the landfill’s impact on their lives. Immediate actions are critical to ensure public safety and address the pressing health concerns that have haunted the residents of Castaic and Val Verde for far too long.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.