Dozens of residents gathered outside the Calabasas Landfill in Agoura Hills on Saturday morning to voice their opposition to plans that would allow the dumping of up to 5,000 tons of debris per day. This initiative is part of a large-scale cleanup operation following the recent wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of structures.
Chants of “Let us be toxic free” and “No dumping!” echoed as families, including children, joined the protest. The demonstration coincided with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beginning the second phase of debris cleanup from the Eaton and Palisades fires, which collectively obliterated more than 16,000 structures in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
The Calabasas Landfill is one of several nonhazardous waste sites in Southern California designated to accept debris from the cleanup, which includes hazardous materials like chimneys and ash. In response to the anticipated influx of waste, the county recently approved an extension to the landfill’s operating hours and increased the daily tonnage limit from 3,500 to 5,000 tons.
The protest followed a letter from the Calabasas City Council to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, expressing strong opposition to the disposal of fire debris at the landfill. The council highlighted concerns about the landfill’s proximity to residential areas, schools, and wildlife corridors, urging officials to consider alternative disposal sites in less populated areas.
City leaders emphasized the potential long-term public health and environmental risks posed by the cleanup efforts, stating that the urgency to address one disaster should not compromise the safety of Calabasas residents. They have also instructed the city attorney to seek legal measures to prevent debris dumping at the landfill.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already begun its first phase of cleanup, which involves removing hazardous materials from affected areas. As part of this process, the agency is transporting dangerous waste to temporary staging areas before it is sorted and sent to approved disposal facilities.
Residents have expressed significant anxiety over the potential health risks associated with the debris, particularly concerning asbestos and other harmful particles that may be present in the ash. Kelly Rapf Martino, a protester and mother, voiced her fears about the implications for community health if hazardous materials are allowed into the landfill.
Despite assurances from Army Corps officials that they would conduct thorough inspections and testing for hazardous materials before disposal, concerns remain. Col. Brian Sawser acknowledged the inherent uncertainties in ensuring that no hazardous materials would reach the landfill.
Members of Protect Calabasas, the group organizing the protest, are calling for continued demonstrations and have indicated plans to seek an injunction to halt the dumping of fire debris. They aim to protect their community and prevent potential health crises in the future.
As the cleanup operation progresses, local leaders and residents remain vigilant, advocating for their environmental safety and the well-being of their community.