Local News in Brief : Waste Storage Law Voted
In a move that will make it more difficult for companies to build hazardous-waste storage, disposal and treatment facilities in Los Angeles, the City Council approved an ordinance Wednesday that requires such projects to go through a special approval and review process.
The ordinance, approved by a 10-0 vote, was proposed last year by harbor-area Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores, who for four years has been trying to block plans by Torrance-based BKK Corp. to build a hazardous-waste treatment plant in Wilmington. She predicted the new ordinance will force the company to abandon or seriously scale down its plans.
A company spokesman said BKK remains committed to building the facility.
The new ordinance, which will take effect as soon as Mayor Tom Bradley signs it, will require new hazardous-waste facilities to obtain a conditional-use permit from the city. Currently, the city automatically allows the facilities in areas zoned for heavy industry--the M2 and M3 zones. The ordinance does not apply to existing facilities.
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