SoCal woman develops scary symptoms months after moving to scenic enclave as outraged neighbors revolt

Dust coating patios, dirty air filters and concerns about what children are breathing have fueled opposition to a proposal that would allow an Orange County landfill to accept twice as much trash.Residents near the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano say construction to expand the facility has already sent dirt drifting into their neighborhoods.They want independent air quality testing and stronger dust controls before county officials approve an increase in daily waste deliveries, according to Voice of OC.For Anika Atkins, the concerns emerged shortly after a move she hoped would improve life for her daughter, who uses a wheelchair.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Atkins settled in San Juan Capistrano in May, believing she had found a home that offered greater safety and accessibility.

Within two months, she had been diagnosed with asthma and hospitalized with atypical pneumonia.Air filters in her home were filling with dirt.“I’ve never had any kind of bronchitis, any kind of issue with my lungs, so that wasn’t even on my radar.

I didn’t even really think about the landfill,” Atkins told Voice of OC.“That’s kind of scary.

That just isn’t something I expected.”Her experience is among the complaints from nearby residents who describe dust accumulating on their homes and report coughing, irritated eyes and other respiratory symptoms.Those accounts do not establish that landfill operations caused the illnesses.County officials have already approved a physical expansion of the landfill, with hillside blasting and excavation preparing additional space for waste disposal.

Neighbors say the work has worsened conditions around their homes.A separate proposal would raise the landfill’s permitted daily intake from 4,000 tons to 8,000 to...