Bernson Calls for Landfill Permit to Be Revoked : Sunshine Canyon: City inspectors say Browning-Ferris violated a condition that bars operations within 50 feet of a ridgeline.

Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson asked city planners Thursday to immediately revoke the permit that allows Browning-Ferris Industries to operate the controversial Sunshine Canyon garbage dump in Granada Hills.

Bernson said revocation was warranted because city inspectors had found evidence that Browning-Ferris was violating a permit condition that bars grading or landfill operations within 50 vertical feet of a ridgeline.

Bernson, who has feuded for years with the company and is now engaged in the toughest reelection fight of his political career, angrily denied he was stirring up a new squabble with the landfill operator to arouse voter support.

“Would you say it’s political that I’ve been trying for the past 12 years to close down this landfill?” Bernson asked.

City planning officials who have the authority to call a hearing to revoke Browning-Ferris’ permit could not be reached for comment. Browning-Ferris officials also could not be reached.

The city inspectors said Browning-Ferris violated a condition meant to protect public health and the appearance of the dump.

Landfill operations in close proximity to the ridgeline are easier to see from off the site, and garbage dumped near such heights is more likely to be blown by the wind and become a nuisance, said John Parker, an associate city zoning administrator.

Largely due to Bernson’s attacks, Browning-Ferris’ current permit to dump in the portion of Sunshine Canyon located within the city of Los Angeles is set to expire in September. The remainder of the dump is on unincorporated county land.

Last year, Bernson also blocked the solid-waste management firm’s efforts to increase the amount it could dump.

Bernson’s championing of Granada Hills homeowners opposed to the dump has apparently helped him politically. During the April primary, Bernson received more than 50% of the vote in two precincts next to the dump, a much better showing than his 35% average throughout the district.