12 Companies Settle over Cleanup of Contaminated Site in Monterey Park, Considered a National Priority

The site is split by the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) in Monterey Park | Photo via EPA

An Environmental Protection Agency division overseeing the cleanup of a 190-acre Monterey Park landfill shuttered in 1984 has received more funding, the federal agency announced today. A settlement of $3.87 million from 12 companies that dumped hazardous materials and wastes at the site between 1948 and its closing has been completed.

In all, more than 300 million gallons were dumped and around 38 million cubic yards of refuse were disposed by some 6,000 companies. The recent settlement only represents cleanup costs from dumping by those 12 companies. About $600 million has been secured over the years and 650 companies were sent settlement letters in mid-March.

The site was placed on the EPA's National Priorities List in 1986 because it posed a long-term threat to public health and the environment. "Approximately 23,000 people live within three miles of the site, and 2,100 people live within 1,000 feet of the landfill," a project report noted.

Included in the settlement were Princes Cruises in Valencia and Halliburton Energy Services Inc. in Houston, Texas.