Local Resident Raises Alarm Over Stringfellow Reclamation Operations and Fire Risks

Jurupa Valley residents are raising significant concerns regarding the ongoing operations at the Stringfellow Reclamation site, following a recent Planning Commission meeting. Community members expressed their apprehension about the potential dangers posed by the site, particularly in light of its illegal operations and the increasing fire risks in the area.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Stringfellow site has been operating without proper legal oversight since at least 2009. Residents pointed out that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) have expressed doubts about the site's management, particularly regarding the adequacy of its current dirt cap, which lacks the necessary engineering standards. This has raised alarms about the safety and effectiveness of the ongoing cleanup efforts.

Community members emphasized the critical need for institutional memory in managing the site, noting that many staff members are new and unfamiliar with its history. The lack of digitized records has further complicated efforts to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Residents are concerned that the ongoing operations could interfere with vital cleanup processes, putting the entire community at risk.

Fire safety was a prominent theme in the discussions, with residents recalling past incidents where wildfires have threatened homes in the area. They warned that climate change has exacerbated fire risks, making the situation even more precarious. The community is particularly worried about the limited access to the site, which has only one road in and out, complicating emergency response efforts.

The meeting underscored the community's determination to hold operators accountable and ensure that safety measures are prioritized. Residents are calling for an immediate halt to operations that could jeopardize both public safety and the integrity of the cleanup efforts at the Stringfellow site. As discussions continue, the community remains vigilant, advocating for their health and safety in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.