SAN GABRIEL VALLEY / COVER STORY : Both Sides Trash Landfill Bill

Assemblyman Paul V. Horcher (I-Diamond Bar) figured he’d draw opposition from the BKK Corp., but he didn’t expect to get flak from West Covina officials when he introduced legislation to make it easier for the city to close BKK’s landfill.

But West Covina officials say the legislation, introduced last Friday, presents an additional barrier to their campaign to close the dump. They figured Horcher was acting at BKK’s bidding.

BKK officials said they thought West Covina was behind the legislation.

Horcher’s legislation would allow West Covina to revoke BKK’s permit if the City Council finds the “facility is in violation of the permit and . . . the facility’s operations pose a threat to the public health and safety of the residents of the city.”

Horcher said he intended to make it easier for the city and its residents to close the dump. He said he is scheduled to meet today with city officials to iron out their differences.

“My intent is to help the people of West Covina and the entire region,” Horcher said.

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BKK Vice Chairman Kenneth B. Kazarian said he opposes the legislation even though company lawyers say it apparently will do little, if anything.

“It appears to be a public relations stunt,” Kazarian said.

“This is something that will hurt the city,” said Michael Miller, West Covina’s director of environmental services.

Miller said the legislation would dilute the city’s power. West Covina now has the ability to fine BKK or suspend its operations if the landfill does not comply with permit conditions that cover a range of items, from hillside grooming to storage tanks, he said. It does not have to prove the landfill is a public health threat, which probably would have to be determined by a state or federal agency, he said.