ARCADIA, CA – With little notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that Lario Park, located in unincorporated Los Angeles County, would become the site for the cleanup of hazardous materials from the Eaton Fire. Numerous city officials and residents from impacted communities are urging the EPA to reconsider this decision, as transporting hazardous waste nearly 15 miles from the fire sites to Lario Park displaces remediation efforts and spreads risk to thousands more. “I was disappointed to learn that Lario Park was selected as the site for the Eaton Fire hazardous waste cleanup, with no advanced warning or opportunity for community input. The wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County must be cleaned up, but I cannot understand how trucking hazardous waste through so many vulnerable communities, and placing near homes and schools, is the best possible option,” said Mayor Michael Cao.
Earlier this month, wildfires across Los Angeles County destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, schools, and open space, causing numerous fatalities, displaced pets, and loss of wildlife habitats. The Eaton Fire devastated the cities of Altadena and Pasadena, with its impacts reaching most foothill communities along the San Gabriel Mountain range. In the wake of so much devastation, impacted communities are ready to focus on cleanup efforts, beginning the multi-year effort to restore and rebuild their former neighborhoods.
During the fires, many hazardous household items and materials were destroyed, creating concerns about air quality and environmental impacts. Lario Park is located between the cities of Duarte and Irwindale and is creating serious concerns for those communities, along with every other city in proximity or the path of travel, including Arcadia, Azusa and Baldwin Park.
“As Arcadia’s Mayor, I stand in solidarity with our neighbors who have suffered immensely from the devastating impacts of the wildfires. Cleanup is a critical next step in the recovery process from thesefires, and as the region rebuilds, I ask our federal agencies to ensure the disaster is not further expanded to any other communities. ”
Those seeking more information on the length of the cleanup efforts, potential truck routes through Arcadia, and details on how the hazardous waste will be transported and mitigated, are encouraged to attend the Town Hall at Duarte Performing Arts Center (1401 Highland Ave, Duarte, CA) on Wednesday, January 29, beginning at 6 p.m. Senator Susan Rubio, State Officials, and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency will be in attendance to answer questions and hear concerns from constituents. When available, more information on the cleanup efforts can be found on the City’s website at:
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