Several cities in the San Gabriel Valley are rallying against the federal use of Lario Park as a site for the processing of hazardous debris from the recent Eaton Fire. The opposition, which includes officials from Duarte, Azusa, Irwindale, and Baldwin Park, follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) preparations to launch operations at the park next week. Officials have criticized the agency for not giving prior notice or the opportunity for input, highlighting worries about potential environmental impacts and risks to nearby residents.
Despite the EPA outlining spill control measures and air quality monitoring plans, the coalition of cities has expressed dissatisfaction with the EPA's communication, or lack thereof. "While the cities are completely in solidarity with our neighboring communities, we are extremely disappointed with the lack of respect to our local residents for not being notified of the EPA's clean up efforts and having toxic materials transported to our backyards," a statement from the city of Duarte, as reported by ABC7.
According to details provided by the EPA, Lario Park will be the temporary collection point for debris including lithium electric vehicle batteries and other potentially hazardous materials. The materials will be processed daily into waste streams before being packaged and dispatched to disposal facilities. To minimize contamination, the agency has planned routine dust suppression with a water truck and post-sampling of the site. However, local representatives remain unconvinced, emphasizing the risks of toxic exposure to the community. "I'm in substantial opposition to it. I'm incredibly frustrated with it. I'm incredibly frustrated that our counterparts have taken the political route and not notified us with something so serious that could have health ramifications to our residents," Azusa City Councilmember Andrew Mendez told KTLA.
Moreover, a Change.org petition has been initiated by concerned residents demanding the EPA cease operations at the site. In light of these objections, the City of Duarte will be hosting a town hall to facilitate discussion on the matter. L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis has also voiced her concerns, "The absence of any meaningful consultation with affected cities prior to this decision is unacceptable. We are in firm opposition of these efforts, and we will not allow these decisions to go unchallenged," as relayed in KTLA's statement from Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandro Avila.
