Local News in Brief : Hazardous Shipments
Voicing fears that a “major disaster” is possible on Los Angeles freeways, the City Council on Tuesday called for public hearings to assess the shipment of hazardous materials in highly populated areas.
The council’s action was prompted by recent disclosures that the Air Force had been using the Ventura Freeway to ship nitrogen tetroxide, a highly toxic fuel. Although Mayor Tom Bradley says he has received assurances from Department of Defense officials that such shipments would cease, the council approved a petition to the U.S. Department of Transportation demanding an immediate halt.
Several council members said the disclosures left them wondering how many other potentially lethal materials are being shipped on the freeways. The hearing dates have not been set.
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