EPA Orders Chiquita Canyon Landfill To Fix Its Odor Problem

Federal authorities have ordered Chiquita Canyon landfill to fix its longstanding odor problem that's been fueled by a fire that's been smoldering deep inside it.

The EPA wants the waste management company to mitigate the affects of the smell — described as a “sour milk rotting,” “sweet rotting fruit” and “rotten egg” — and to either stop or reduce the burning event.

Why's the EPA getting involved now?

Thanne Berg, assistant regional counsel at the EPA, said the agency issued the order now because “the situation at the landfill was deteriorating rather than improving.”

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“The amount of leachate it's producing has increased dramatically and the noxious odors have not been alleviated,” she said. “What the order brings is enforceable deadlines and requirements for them to meet, so that keeps them on task and on schedule.”

In response, Steve Cassulo, district manager at Chiquita Canyon Landfill, said operators have been working to address the issue with other regulatory agencies.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with the EPA as a partner with our other regulators. Chiquita takes very seriously its role in the safe operation of the landfill," Cassulo said.  

Cause and history of complaints

Residents from Val Verde, Castaic, Live Oak and Hasley Canyon have submitted more than 6,800 complaints to the South Coast Air Quality Management District about the smell caused by elevated levels of sulfur, specifically dimethyl sulfide and leachate, as a result of the smoldering burn in an old part of the landfill.

In some complaints, residents reported eye irritation, migraines and vertigo. The leachate also contains benzene, which the EPA has designated as a carcinogen. It's known to cause drowsiness and dizziness in the short term and in the long term can result in blood disorders.

Because of high temperatures in that area of the landfill, microbes have not been functioning correctly and are eating and decomposing waste at a faster rate than usual, releasing liquid and gasses, causing the odors.

According to the EPA, the exact cause of what is causing the smoldering burn is unknown.

More trouble for the landfill operators

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control issued a Prop. 65 warning, which is for when businesses expose residents to known carcinogens. In doing so, state regulators say the landfill violated multiple California Hazardous Waste Control laws, including not minimizing the release of benzene in excess amounts into the air, land and water.

Next steps

According to Berg, the landfill operators have 30 days to come up with a master plan to stop or reduce the smoldering and reduce the offsite effects of the reaction. That could include covering the landfill to reduce the noxious odors and treating the leachate for benzene and properly disposing of it.