THE SIGNAL

“Chiquita announces end of relocation program”

“Chiquita Canyon Landfill officials confirmed they are terminating their relocation-assistance fund in an email Wednesday obtained by The Signal.

Less than a year after the program began, Chiquita announced in an email to the Castaic Area Town Council and the community advisory committee about its decision to end the program at the end of February. 

“The program began in March 2024 and will close at the end of this month. Chiquita Canyon, LLC is expecting total disbursements under the program (including those to be made in March 2025 for valid, geographically eligible applications and recertifications) to total over $25 million,” according to the email from John Perkey, vice president and legal counsel for Waste Connections, the landfill’s parent company.

Oshea Orchid, a partner with Sethi Orchid Miner LLP, said in a phone interview Wednesday this was why residents were asking for a state of emergency. She represents hundreds in one of many lawsuits against the landfill. Thousands of area residents have joined in the legal effort to seek damages against the landfill, which are now being heard in federal court.  ”