Sethi Orchid Miner LLP files Elkins, et al. v. Chiquita Canyon LLC

November 22, 2024 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | FULL DETAILS BELOW

VAL VERDE, CA (November 22, 2024) — Sethi Orchid Miner, LLP filed a case for minor children being exposed to toxic landfill gases against the Chiquita Canyon Landfill and its corporate partners today in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The case, entitled Elkins, et al. v. Chiquita Canyon LLC, brings claims of minor children who are being negatively impacted by the Landfill’s continued operations and failure to mitigate impacts on the community.

Oshea Orchid, attorney at Sethi Orchid Miner LLP, on behalf the minor plaintiffs stated; “It is unacceptable that the children in our community continue to be exposed to toxic landfill gases. Children are experiencing headaches, nausea, respiratory issues, skin problems, eye irritation, and nosebleeds, among other conditions. Thousands of children are at risk in our community. Many parents are having to make difficult decisions about whether or not they can continue to send their children to school, allow them to participate in outdoor activities, and continue to live in our community. Our Plaintiffs include children who are being forced to change schools, curtail extracurricular activities and most commonly who cannot enjoy a childhood playing outside without medical consequences. The Landfill and our County should be taking immediate action to protect the health of our children including relocation of residents and our childrens’ schools.”

Kayleigh Elkins (age 11), the lead Plaintiff in this matter has the following statement: What are you gonna do for us kids?! We deserve the right to clean air. I want to be safe at school, and play outside with my friends without having headaches, itchy eyes, and skin reactions. I don’t want to be forced to leave my home and my community in order to be safe and healthy. I just want to enjoy my childhood. When are our local leaders going to do something about the landfill and protect us kids?”

Kayleigh’s mother Jennifer Elkins also has the following statement: “Bottom line is our community is not safe. The air here is not safe, and our schools are no longer safe for our children. The schools need to be relocated immediately! Bus our kids out to other nearby school districts and get them to safety. This should have been done months ago! Our children should have the right to attend school, take PE classes, and play with their friends in safe, clean air. The toxic waste at Chiquita Canyon Landfill is killing their childhood.”

Media Contact: Oshea Orchid or Sami Fowler, (855) 588-7664