Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is spearheading a crackdown on the illegal dumping of mulch, which is wreaking havoc in the Antelope Valley's rural regions. In a motion introduced on May 7, Barger called for a mobilization of county resources to combat a problem that sees over 40 trucks a day offloading mulch waste, some piles towering over eight feet high and sprawling across more than 80 acres, according to her office's report.
"Rural communities are suffering from illegal mulch dumping that is extreme and uncontrolled," Barger said, highlighting the dilemma where mulch contaminated with construction and debris waste poses a serious environmental issue, in a statement obtained by her office. These illicit activities not only damage the environment but have also led to the Bravo Incident, a mulch-related wildfire that burnt for four days and set Los Angeles County Fire Department back by nearly $300,000. Per her motion, the Public Health Department and County's legal team are to review and reinforce the enforcement capabilities related to such offences.
Barger's motion also underlines that current state regulations fall short in controlling local mulch dumping practices, placing emergency responders and public safety at risk. She pointed out that the stockpiled mulch not only generates combustible heat but also contains contaminants making the situation dire, mulch piles can ignite causing extensive and costly fires to control, that was according to additional details from the motion.
In addition to environmental and public health concerns, the issue burdens emergency services, with the Bravo Incident illustrating the profound challenge and the cost of nearly $288,000 over four days to the Fire Department. These fires, fuelled by the Valley's winds could escalate into larger disasters putting added strain on a department dealing with limited resources and the perennial threat of wildfires in the region. Barger's motion elaborates on the financial and operational toll on the Fire Department. The motion urges a comprehensive strategy from the Fire Chief to mitigate these risks and considers recovery of firefighting costs associated with these incidents.
The Board of Supervisors has been given 21 days to respond with a written analysis of existing state regulations pertaining to mulch disposal and recommendations for legislative changes that could strengthen oversight and accountability among mulch-producing companies. Moreover, Barger has requested an assessment of the resources necessary to enhance regulatory oversight and an evaluation of potential cost recovery for fire-related services necessitated by illegal mulching practices.
