$56-Million Savings Estimated if Life of Landfill Is Extended

In a setback for landfill opponents, Los Angeles officials said Monday that an independent audit shows the city would save $56 million by extending the life of the Lopez Canyon Landfill near Lake View Terrace until 2001.

Macias & Co., a private accounting firm hired by sanitation officials, found that the city would spend $14.62 per ton to dump trash in the landfill after extending it past its 1996 closing date, compared to $24.98 per ton to haul it elsewhere.

The savings predictions provide new fodder for city officials who have recommended the landfill extension over strong opposition from politicians, residents and environmentalists.

Sanitation officials made a recommendation to extend the life of the landfill after releasing a 1994 study that predicted a $72-million savings.