What’s Behind BFI Action on Landfill

The Times’ enlightening presentation of the tactics and money behind the fight of Browning-Ferris Industries over the Sunshine Canyon Landfill (July 21st) did not go far enough.

You might have noted that this $2-billion corporation, which covers the nation (and has been indicted in several states), managed to get a plan by the City Council that will allow an access road to a plot of virgin forest with more than 8,000 old-growth oaks to extend its dump even before a permit is granted for extension and before the conditions of their present permit are compiled with.

If you wonder why BFI would spend $1 million to oppose the efforts of a small neighborhood homeowners group to make them keep their operation within the requirements of their permit, or why the Lopez Canyon limitations come up at this time after nearly a decade of being passed over, just think of what a bonanza would fall their way if a friendly Board of Supervisors decided to give trash contracts to private companies. Every household in the city could be charged what they willed.

You might also ask how come the environmental impact report that OKd the taking out of the trees was commissioned and paid for by the company who had the interest in doing it.

LOIS K. VINCENT

Panorama City