URGENT UPDATE: Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has confirmed that the underground trash fire at Chiquita Canyon Landfill could smolder for at least 20 years, a significant increase from previous estimates. During a news conference at the Castaic Community AME Church on July 27, 2023, she described the situation as a “literal dumpster fire,” underscoring the immediate concern for local residents.
The fire, which now spans a size three times its original estimate, is producing alarming emissions that pose serious health risks. Residents shared their distress, and Schiavo emphasized the urgent need for enhanced landfill regulations to protect the community. “We’re really here to work towards real solutions,” she stated, aiming to foster transparency and trust while addressing the ongoing crisis.
The landfill experiences what officials term an “elevated temperature landfill event,” where buried waste ignites at around 240 degrees. Jane Williams, executive director of California Communities Against Toxics, noted that the situation has been exacerbated by the state’s methane extraction policies, leading to increased occurrences of landfill fires. “You can imagine if you have a little bit of something smoldering and you start pulling air into it, it’s acting like a bellows,” Williams explained.
Local residents are frustrated, with many alleging that the regulatory measures could have prevented this disaster. “How are you all getting paychecks? It’s literally your job to keep these things from happening,” questioned resident Nora Lynne Clemmons during a recent panel discussion.
The emissions from Chiquita Canyon represent over 20% of California’s methane emissions, making immediate action critical. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is hosting a public hearing on August 3, 2023, to discuss proposed regulations for monitoring methane emissions from landfills. This meeting is a key opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and push for necessary changes.
Schiavo is advocating for Assembly Bill 28, a legislative measure aimed at reforming landfill regulations. The bill has been reintroduced for further study, reflecting the pressing need for updated standards to prevent future incidents similar to what is happening at Chiquita Canyon.
With potential methane emissions reductions estimated at 17,000 metric tons per year, the social cost savings could range between $56 million and $178 million over three years, according to CARB officials. However, without immediate regulatory changes, the likelihood of recurring landfill fires remains high.
Residents concerned about the impact of Chiquita Canyon are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting on August 3. Information on how to participate will be available shortly at bit.ly/4oEoMon. For those wishing to submit comments, they can do so here: ww2.arb.ca.gov/lispub/comm/bclist.php.
As the community grapples with this environmental crisis, Schiavo’s efforts to raise awareness and promote actionable solutions remain crucial. The situation at Chiquita Canyon is a stark reminder of the importance of effective regulation and community engagement in addressing environmental hazards.
