Dozens of residents gathered outside the Calabasas Landfill in Agoura Hills on Saturday morning to voice their opposition to plans for the disposal of up to 5,000 tons of debris daily, part of a large-scale cleanup effort following the recent Los Angeles County wildfires. The protest was marked by chants of “Let us be toxic free” and “No dumping!” as families, including children, expressed their concerns over potential environmental impacts.
This demonstration coincided with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commencing the second phase of cleanup from the Eaton and Palisades fires, which resulted in the destruction of over 16,000 structures across Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The Calabasas Landfill is one of several nonhazardous waste sites in Southern California designated to accept debris, including hazardous trees, ash, and other remnants of the fires.
The city of Calabasas recently approved a waiver that allows the landfill to increase its daily tonnage limit from 3,500 to 5,000 tons and extend its operating hours to accommodate the influx of debris. The Army Corps is expected to begin transporting materials to the landfill as early as Monday.
In a letter sent to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Calabasas City Council expressed strong opposition to the disposal of fire debris at the landfill, citing its proximity to residential areas, schools, parks, and wildlife corridors. The council urged officials to consider alternative disposal options, particularly in low-population areas outside the state.
City leaders voiced their concerns about the potential public health and environmental risks that could arise from the debris cleanup, emphasizing the need for thorough oversight. “The urgency of the recovery phase and efforts to remediate one disaster is laying the foundation for future public health and environmental catastrophes that will affect Calabasas residents,” the council stated.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already begun the first phase of the cleanup, which involves removing hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, and asbestos from affected areas. These materials are being transported to temporary staging areas for sorting and secure packaging before being sent to permitted disposal facilities.
Residents from nearby communities have also raised alarms regarding the potential health risks associated with the debris disposal, particularly at the Lario Park site, where hazardous materials are being temporarily stored. Leaders from several cities have expressed their opposition to this site, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures.
During the protest, participants highlighted their fears about the possible presence of harmful substances, particularly asbestos, in the debris being transported to the landfill. Kelly Rapf Martino, a local resident and mother, articulated the group’s concerns, stating, “We are very concerned about the microscopic particles that are in the ash and debris being dumped into a landfill in a residential community.”
The protest was organized by Protect Calabasas, a group advocating for community health and safety. Members plan to continue their demonstrations and seek legal action to halt the dumping of fire debris at the landfill while the issue is addressed in court.
As the cleanup progresses, community members remain vigilant, calling for transparency and accountability from local and federal officials to ensure the safety of their neighborhoods and the environment.