West Covina : BKK Building Curb Eased
The City Council gave final approval this week to an ordinance that extends a moratorium on residential development around the BKK landfill but reduces the area declared off limits to new housing.
The moratorium now applies only to the approval of permits for housing within 2,000 feet of the dump, whereas the original ordinance prohibited residential development within a 5,200-foot radius of the facility.
Developers wishing to build on property within the original moratorium zone supported the measure, but it was opposed by some residents who said odors from the dump can be carried as far as a mile.
The City Council passed the original moratorium in April, after the state Department of Health Services advised the city to “delay residential development in close proximity to the landfill.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that toxic wastes at the dump pose a threat to ground water and has ordered a cleanup.
The new moratorium will remain in effect until April 14.
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