DUARTE, Calif. — Residents in the San Gabriel Valley are expressing their concerns over a rock-mining company that has allegedly been contributing to air pollution through dust exposure in the area. Ceci Carroll, a local resident for 23 years and former member of the school board, is particularly worried about the impacts that processing hazardous debris from the Eaton Fire may have on the community and local schools. “I’m concerned about the community and also the school districts here, where we have children,” Carroll noted, voicing the fears of many parents regarding hazardous materials and chemicals at the proposed site.
Carroll is amongst those opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to utilize Lario Park in Irwindale as a temporary location to collect, package, and transport debris deemed potentially hazardous—left in the wake of the Eaton Fire. Lario Park, typically a place for outdoor activities such as picnics, biking, and horseback riding, has residents deeply worried about possible pollution from dangerous waste that could contaminate both air and groundwater. The recent wildfires, which ignited on January 7, caused extensive damage, destroying thousands of structures, vehicles, and electronic items throughout Los Angeles. Now, the EPA is tasked with clearing away what may amount to hundreds of tons of hazardous waste resulting from these fires, including paints, pesticides, and other toxic materials.
Echoing these concerns, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis stated, “The removal of these materials should not come at the cost of creating a toxic environment for communities already disproportionately impacted by pollution.” Neighborhoods near the processing site, which primarily consist of Latino residents, historically experience higher exposure to air pollutants than many other parts of the county, as reported by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Experts agree with residents’ anxieties, but they stress that hazardous waste is manageable if strict safety protocols are implemented and that waste is not stored on-site for extended periods.
At a town hall meeting, held on a Wednesday evening, players in the local government—like California Senator Susan Rubio—alongside concerned city mayors quizzed state and federal representatives about the reasoning behind their decision. “How was the site chosen? Why weren’t we consulted or notified?” and “What testing will be done post-closure?” were some of the pressing queries from those in attendance. Overwhelmed with emotion and determination, it was reported that hundreds of residents packed the hall, chanting “Shut it down!” and “Leave it in Altadena!”
In response, EPA coordinator Tara Fitzgerald explained that other locations closer to the fire zone were currently occupied for emergency operations, and the Lario Park area presented an optimal, available solution to meeting their requirements. “We have a history of conducting similar operations without impacting the communities when dealing with previous fires,” Fitzgerald stated, citing past efforts in areas like Woolsey and Napa. However, the magnitude of the Eaton and Palisades fires is unprecedented—it has become the largest urban fire recorded in California.
The EPA has assured residents that it will actively monitor air quality and soil samples, employ water trucks to manage dust levels, and ensure daily waste transportation out of the area. The agency plans to implement containment measures during waste processing, utilizing various techniques to control potential spills. Celeste McCoy from the EPA noted that the site is projected to be utilized for less than six months, while also considering other locations for future operations.
Academics like Sanjay Mohanty, a UCLA associate professor, highlighted that, based on soil layers, the potential for groundwater contamination is minimal, as pollutants would need to traverse several feet of soil. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that risks such as air and soil pollution from dust emissions should remain a priority for mitigation efforts.
Community member Laura Jasso left the town hall unconvinced and frustrated by the perceived lack of transparency from the authorities. “It’s hard to have confidence when they’ve really done this behind our backs,” she stated. It was emphasized that residents needed to remain alert regarding the handling of hazardous materials and the procedures surrounding emergency responses. “The community has the right to know that information from the EPA and the Army Corps,” asserted Rachael Jones, a professor at UCLA.
As work continues at the site, Jasso reflected the community’s determination, stating, “Ultimately, we don’t want it here, and we’re going to continue to fight to not have it here. But the fact is, it’s here right now. And so we have to just acknowledge the safety of our students, the concerns of our families.”
