Assemblywoman Schiavo Warns Chiquita Canyon Fire Could Burn 20 Years

URGENT UPDATE: Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has just announced alarming projections regarding the ongoing underground fire at Chiquita Canyon Landfill, stating it could burn for at least 20 years. During a news conference on July 27, 2023, Schiavo labeled the situation a “literal dumpster fire,” revealing that the extent of the problem has *tripled* since initial assessments.

The Assemblywoman spoke at the Castaic Community AME Church, which also operates as a food pantry, highlighting the urgent need for landfill regulation. Local residents shared harrowing stories of how the landfill’s issues have disrupted their lives, emphasizing the necessity of new air quality rules being discussed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

“We’re really here to work towards real solutions at the California Air Resources Board,” Schiavo stated, as she called for greater transparency and community protection. The landfill is currently experiencing an “elevated temperature event,” where buried trash burns at approximately 240 degrees.

Experts have noted that the Chiquita Canyon Landfill has been identified as one of only 11 landfills in California facing similar elevated temperatures. Jane Williams, executive director of California Communities Against Toxics, revealed that the landfill’s issues stem from its outdated methane-extraction system, which was affected by regulatory changes in 2012.

“We can see an increase in landfill fires since the state adopted new methane rules,” Williams explained, adding that the current monitoring data is incomplete. She warned that without updated regulations, these dangerous smoldering events will continue to occur.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Methane emissions from landfills are responsible for over 20% of California’s total methane output, and the anticipated reduction from proposed regulations could prevent nearly 17,000 metric tons of emissions annually. This could translate to avoided social costs of up to $178 million over a three-year period.

Residents are encouraged to participate in a public hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023, where they can voice concerns and contribute to discussions on new methane monitoring standards. Details on attending the hearing virtually can be found at bit.ly/4oEoMon.

As the community grapples with these critical issues, Schiavo’s call to action aims to prevent further environmental disasters like those at Chiquita Canyon. The situation remains precarious, and local residents are urged to stay informed and engaged as developments unfold.

For further updates on this evolving story, keep following our coverage.