DUARTE, Calif. — Residents in the San Gabriel Valley are raising alarms over air pollution caused by a local rock-mining company. Ceci Carroll, a longtime Duarte resident, expressed concerns about potential contamination from a newly designated hazardous debris processing site related to the recent Eaton Fire.
“I’m worried about the impact on our community, especially on our children in local schools,” Carroll stated, emphasizing the dangers posed by chemicals and hazardous materials.
Carroll is part of a growing number of residents from Duarte, Azusa, and surrounding areas opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to utilize Lario Park in Irwindale as a temporary site for processing hazardous materials from the Eaton Fire.
Previously a popular recreational spot for picnics, biking, and equestrian activities, community members now fear that hazardous waste could harm the air quality and potentially seep into groundwater.
The wildfires igniting on January 7 resulted in significant destruction, with thousands of properties damaged. The EPA is tasked with the challenging mission of removing potentially harmful materials from both the Eaton and Palisades fires, including paints, solvents, and lithium-ion batteries that can release toxic substances when incinerated.
“The cleanup process should not compromise the health of communities already suffering from pollution,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Data indicates that the predominantly Latino neighborhoods near the site experience higher levels of ozone and particulate matter compared to other areas.
While experts acknowledge the fears of local residents, they assert that hazardous waste management can be safe if proper precautions are implemented.
At a recent town hall, state officials including California Sen. Susan Rubio faced tough questions from constituents concerning the site’s selection process and their lack of notification about the hazardous waste operations. Community members voiced their frustrations, demanding transparency and community safety.
EPA representatives explained that alternative sites closer to the burn zone were unavailable for immediate use, prompting the selection of Lario Park. They assured residents of stringent monitoring practices to ensure air quality and environmental safety during the cleanup.
Nevertheless, the scale of destruction from the Eaton and Palisades fires is unprecedented in California, affecting vast urban areas.
Officials indicated that the hazardous materials operations would be short-term, lasting less than six months, with ongoing evaluations of alternative locations.
Experts maintain that with appropriate measures in place, the risks of groundwater contamination are manageable, though air quality poses a more immediate concern.
Residents like Laura Jasso continue to feel uneasy about the situation, questioning the lack of communication from authorities. “It’s difficult to trust when decisions are made without our input,” she remarked.
Moving forward, community members are urged to stay informed about safety measures and operational protocols for hazardous material handling.
Residents are committed to holding authorities accountable to ensure the safety and well-being of their community, emphasizing their determination to advocate against hazardous waste processing in their area.
