In Santa Clarita, the Chiquita Canyon Landfill has received over 1,200 complaints and 42 violation notices regarding foul odors. On Wednesday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District will address the issue during a hearing board meeting. The goal is to find ways for the landfill operators to prevent odors from escaping or minimize their impact on nearby communities.
The odors emanating from the 639-acre landfill are believed to be caused by an unusual sulfur compound. In recent months, the potency and frequency of these odors have increased, leading to complaints from residents in Val Verde, Castaic, Live Oak, and Hasley Canyon. The AQMD conducted investigations and issued violation notices in response to these complaints.
According to the AQMD and West Connections, the owners and operators of the landfill, the odors are a result of dimenthyl sulfide (DMS) originating from an older section of the landfill.
The AQMD has reported that gas removal systems are ineffective in treating or eliminating DMS. West Connections is exploring alternative methods to prevent chemical reactions and the release of the gas, as mentioned in reports from the Daily News.
In a report for abatement filed on August 14, the AQMD stated that the odors were causing a nuisance to a “considerable number of persons.”
The Daily News also reported that the landfill operators are unsure how to stop the release of DMS or effectively treat it. Additionally, DMS is not typically found in landfills.
To assist affected households, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has allocated a $2 million fund. This fund will provide cash assistance to purchase swamp coolers as a replacement for air conditioners, as well as finance the installation of weather-proof doors and windows and additional insulation.
A program called the Chiquita Canyon Landfill Grant Program, managed by the Los Angeles County Development Authority, will provide instructions on how affected residents can apply for assistance. The application process will start next week and further details can be found on chiquitacanyon.com.
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed her concern for the residents living near the landfill, stating, “There is no doubt in my mind that residents who live near the landfill are suffering. My hope is that these funds will begin to provide some immediate and much-deserved relief.”
The Chiquita Canyon Landfill is permitted to accept 6,200 tons of solid waste per day and operates from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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