Assembly Bill 828 addresses Castaic's Chiquita Canyon Landfill fire and public health crisis

The Assembly Natural Resources Committee meeting on April 28, 2025, highlighted a pressing public health crisis affecting the Castaic and Valverde communities due to an underground fire at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. This fire, which has been burning for over three years, has expanded from 30 acres to 90 acres and is releasing toxic chemicals into the air, posing serious health risks to local residents.

Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, who represents the area, expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the historical significance of the community and the pride residents take in their home. However, she pointed out that the ongoing fire has turned this once vibrant area into a public health disaster. Residents within a five-mile radius are exposed to harmful substances, including carcinogens like benzene and acrolein, which can cause severe health issues.

Garcia introduced Assembly Bill 828, known as the Landfill Fire Protection Act, aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future. The bill mandates that landfill operators closely monitor subsurface temperatures and report any alarming increases to local enforcement agencies. If temperatures exceed a certain threshold, corrective actions must be taken, and permits can be revoked if operators fail to comply. This legislation seeks to hold landfill operators accountable and ensure that communities are protected from hazardous conditions.

Community members shared their personal experiences during the meeting, revealing the devastating impact of the landfill fire on their health and quality of life. Many reported serious health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, and other debilitating conditions. One resident, Brandy, spoke about her battle with stage 3 cancer and the health struggles faced by her family, while another, Elizabeth, described her decline from an active lifestyle to being bedridden due to the toxic environment.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for action to address the ongoing crisis and protect the health of residents in Castaic and Valverde. As the committee considers the proposed legislation, the voices of those affected by the landfill fire serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of environmental negligence. The community is calling for immediate support and accountability to ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.