Huntington Park : Flood of Student Letters

Hours before the end of a monthlong public hearing period by the state Department of Health Services on a proposed hazardous-waste treatment plant in Vernon, Huntington Park High School officials delivered hundreds of letters from students, teachers and parents who opposed the project near the school.

Last week, more than 500 Huntington Park students and teachers protested construction of the proposed plant, located less than 1,000 feet from the school. At a rally during the afternoon demonstration, students pledged to write letters demanding that the plant not be built.

In a letter addressed to health services officials, Huntington Park High health teacher Richard Loya expressed the fear of many that an accident would endanger the health of students and teachers.

The Department of Health Services and Vernon officials have issued draft permits to the Pennsylvania-based Chem-Clear Inc. without ordering an environmental impact report.