Lake Is Closed After Toxic Material Is Found
A large quantity of toxic material believed to be latex paint has been illegally dumped into Machado Lake at Harbor Regional Park in Wilmington, forcing the closure of the popular lake indefinitely, Los Angeles city and county officials said late Wednesday.
Officials did not know who contaminated the lake or how long the cleanup will take. “It’s obviously vandalism, but we don’t know who is responsible,” said Jane Rasco, assistant general manager for the city Recreation and Parks Department.
The discovery of the toxic material was made around noon Tuesday by maintenance crews at the 230-acre park. An estimated 50 gallons or more were dumped into the lake.
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