State Will Not Investigate Water Agencies’ Concerns
The State Water Resources Control Board has declined to look into concerns raised by San Gabriel Valley water agencies upset over changes negotiated privately in a $20.5-million escrow account involving a controversial Azusa landfill.
Local water officials complained that the changes, granted by the state to Browning-Ferris Industries and its Azusa landfill subsidiary, could allow the firms to reclaim the money that they pledged toward cleanup of San Gabriel Valley water pollution.
However, the state water board’s attorney has notified the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster that they failed “to raise any substantial issues which merit review.”
Under the agreement, BFI’s $20.5 million would be returned to the company if it is able to track down parties believed responsible for the pollution.
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