More Sites Sought for Waste Dump

Homeowners and environmentalists have asked the city to expand a list of alternative sites for a proposed septic-waste dump at the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area in a petition submitted this week.

The petition--signed by about 30 of the 52 people who attended a homeowners’ meeting Thursday night--recommends that the city, in looking for alternative sites, consider all city-owned property, land owned by other public agencies, and private property.

It also calls on the city to use an extensive list of criteria--such as zoning and proximity to neighborhoods--to evaluate potential sites.

“I’m pleased that people came here tonight and supported the criteria that was prepared by the coalition,” said Peter Ireland, president of the Coalition to Save Sepulveda Basin. “We’re hoping the city will incorporate the criteria into the process.”

The Los Angeles City Council voted in November to delay for one-year final approval of the dump, located within an existing water-treatment plant. Chances for approval will be significantly affected by the outcome of an environmental study, which will include the analysis of alternate sites.

At Thursday’s meeting, the Department of Public Works accepted public comment on 19 alternative sites throughout Los Angeles that have been selected.

“This was not very productive,” Ireland said after the meeting. “It’s too much of a we-they situation. They don’t understand the value of public participation leading to a consensus on how to solve a problem.”

But Encino resident Glenn Bailey called the workshop “a truly productive airing of the community’s concerns about the criteria and alternative sites.”

Other residents said they want the Sepulveda Basin to be dropped entirely from consideration as a dump site.

“The Valley has taken such a hard hit,” said Van Nuys resident Susan E. Miller. “We’re trying to get our homes to look nice. But when people hear about this, they are saying, ‘Let’s get the hell out of here.’ Personally, I can’t take any more.”