Four years after neighbors near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic began reporting foul odors, headaches, dizziness and other symptoms, a California State Auditor’s report says the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) failed to consistently track air‑quality data and residents’ health conditions.
Audit highlights shortcomings
The audit, released Tuesday, notes that LADPH could not verify that it had regularly reviewed specific air‑quality information near the landfill. It also failed to communicate concrete chemical levels to the public, leaving the community without a clear picture of exposure risks.
According to the report, the county stopped collecting health‑status data on affected residents at the end of 2024, meaning officials no longer have up‑to‑date information on symptoms such as respiratory irritation, eye and throat discomfort, and mental‑health concerns that were first raised in 2022.
EPA findings and landfill violations
The Environmental Protection Agency found in 2024 that the landfill, owned by Waste Connections, violated its operating permit by emitting high levels of benzene and other volatile organic compounds. These pollutants contribute to smog and ozone formation, which can damage lungs.
Despite the EPA’s findings, the audit says LADPH took nearly two years to direct the landfill operator to provide funding for temporary relocation assistance for nearby residents. The delay, the report states, was not adequately explained.
County response
In a letter to the auditor, Barbara Ferrer, director of LADPH, called the findings “disappointing” but defended the department’s actions. Ferrer said the agency has always validated residents’ reports of headaches, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, stress and quality‑of‑life impacts linked to persistent odors.
Ferrer added that the department recognized hydrogen sulfide and other odorous compounds can cause short‑term symptoms at levels below health‑based screening values, and that this information was consistently communicated to the community.
What’s next for the landfill?
The Chiquita Canyon Landfill stopped accepting waste on Jan. 1, 2025. The operator, Chiquita Canyon, LLC, remains responsible for site closure, ongoing mitigation of the underground chemical reaction, and EPA‑directed stabilization work.
Local officials and community advocates are urging LADPH to resume systematic health‑tracking, improve air‑quality monitoring, and provide transparent updates on chemical levels. They argue that timely data and clear communication are essential to protect families and uphold public‑health responsibilities.
Community impact
Residents near the landfill have expressed frustration over the lack of current health information and the perceived slow response from county officials. Many families cite ongoing anxiety and disruption to daily life caused by the lingering odors and health concerns.
While the county emphasizes its commitment to addressing the issue, the audit underscores the need for more proactive measures to safeguard the health of nearby neighborhoods.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
