KHTS 98.1

“Hearing Scheduled Wednesday For Chiquita Canyon Closure Lawsuit”

“An upcoming hearing on the lawsuit Citizens for Chiquita Canyon Closure v. County of Los Angeles will be held on Wednesday, June 5.

Judge Stephen Goorvitch, a judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, will hear arguments on whether citizens have the right to challenge the county’s decision to allow the continued operation of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in violation of the conditional use permit and without mitigation measures in place to protect public health.

The hearing is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Department 82; 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Citizens for Chiquita Canyon Closure will be represented by Sethi Orchid Miner LLP.

The lawsuit by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill alleges that the landfill is an imminent and substantial danger to residents of the surrounding area, as it is releasing toxic landfill gases into the community.

For months, neighbors of the landfill have complained about the noxious fumes and contaminated runoff.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a heat-producing chemical reaction likely started deep within a closed portion of the landfill in May 2022. The agency, which is overseeing efforts to control the reaction, has called the situation an “imminent and substantial endangerment” to nearby communities.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is now calling on state officials to step in and decide whether the landfill should be closed for public health reasons.

This Community Relief Program has been put in place to help those affected by the dump’s odors.

In addition, new flare equipment was installed, which contributed to a brief decline in odor complaints.”