Sunshine Canyon Landfill

On Oct. 26, I attended the Los Angeles City Council public debate on whether to allow BFI Industries to expand Sunshine Canyon Landfill. This will potentially be the largest landfill in the country, 1,500 feet away from the city’s largest body of drinking water. There was no mention at the council debate of the Santa Susana thrust fault that exists under this landfill. An earthquake could damage the underground lining of the landfill, and toxic debris could contaminate the entire Los Angeles drinking water supply.

There was no discussion of the state-required environmental impact report, which confirms this landfill will increase contaminants in the air, that air quality will suffer and that no mitigation is possible. There was no discussion of doing a current health study, either. How about a serious discussion on alternative methods of waste disposal away from schools, residences and our drinking water?

What was given in the council meeting was a lesson on reality. Councilmember Jackie Goldberg stated, “The reality is I have a pipeline in my district.” Councilmember Mike Hernandez said, “The reality is I have a stadium in my district.” Councilmember Ruth Galanter stated, “The reality is I have freeways in my district.” My reality is that I worry about the health of my children and the health implications of a landfill nearby. In my opinion the discussion should not have centered on who has the worst urban blight in their neighborhoods but rather on the environmental health of the drinking water of Los Angeles and the environmental health of its taxpaying residents.

All councilmembers whose districts are outside the Valley voted for expansion. There was no debate. The vote was an irresponsible and selfish act.

Landfills don’t belong near residential property, and Sunshine Canyon does not belong near the drinking water of Los Angeles. I hope the mayor of Los Angeles isn’t as irresponsible and negligent when he decides whether to veto the council’s vote.

LAURA CASAS FRIER

Granada Hills

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If Browning-Ferris Industries fails to conduct the health impact survey of Sunshine Canyon dump “ordered years ago” as charged by Los Angeles Councilman Hal Bernson (“Mitigation Isn’t Enough for Sunshine Canyon Dump,” Valley Perspective, Oct. 24), why doesn’t the city have the survey conducted by a reputable university organization and charge BFI for its cost?

NICHOLAS V. SEIDITA

Northridge