Castaic's Chiquita Canyon landfill blamed for headaches, dizziness and wheezing, says state lawsuit
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Set us as preferred A Santa Clarita Valley landfill that closed operations last year continues to cause headaches, dizziness, wheezing and other irritations for thousands of nearby residents, according to a lawsuit filed by the state of California in Los Angeles County Superior Court.California Atty.General Rob Bonta announced Tuesday that his office, in conjunction with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, is seeking civil penalties and equitable relief against Texas-based Waste Connections, Chiquita Canyon LLC, and Chiquita Canyon Inc., which manages Castaic’s Chiquita Canyon Landfill.Bonta alleges in the lawsuit that defendants have “repeatedly, consistently, and pervasively failed to lawfully manage hazardous waste” at the landfill located on Henry Mayo Drive.
That lack of proper handling of hazardous materials has “resulted in numerous spills and leaks of hazardous waste [known as] leachate into the environment, polluting and impairing the natural resources of the state,” according to the lawsuit.The leachate is byproduct of an underground garbage fire that has only spread since it was first confirmed in 2023.
“Protecting the environment and safeguarding Californians requires quick and effective action from the Chiquita Canyon Landfill’s owners and operator,” Bonta said in a news release.“For too long, the Chiquita Canyon Landfill has done the opposite, which has resulted in numerous spills of leachate and other violations of our state’s hazardous waste laws.”Chiquita Canyon rejected the allegations raised in the lawsuit.“Many of the allegations in this lawsuit are without merit and much of the political rhetoric ignores the current conditions at the landfill and the hard work of Chiquita and its employees,” according to a statement from the landfill operator.
“Chiquita has ...