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Public commenter urges action after alleged worker mistreatment and fires at Clover Flat Landfill in Napa County
Summary
During public forum the board heard from Jeff Ellsworth, former mayor of St. Helena, who urged State Water Board attention to alleged civil-rights abuses, worker exposure to hazardous materials and wildfire risks at Upper Valley Disposal Service’s Clover Flat Landfill in Napa County.
At the Jan. 22 meeting, the State Water Resources Control Board heard public comment from Jeff Ellsworth, former mayor of St. Helena (2018–2022), who urged the board to pursue full investigations and public hearings into alleged systemic mistreatment of Latino workers, hazardous waste exposures and fire risks at Upper Valley Disposal Service’s Clover Flat Landfill in Napa County.
Ellsworth said he submitted a 2024 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) resolution documenting alleged civil-rights and workplace-safety concerns at the facility, and he described a pending federal lawsuit by nearly 36 former employees that alleges exposure to industrial radioactive waste, discriminatory treatment, wage claims and unsafe working conditions. He told the board that he and supporting organizations are asking the board to consider the environmental justice and public-safety implications and to pursue accountable, transparent steps.
"This is a civil rights and a public safety matter involving water contamination and fires pertinent to all of us concerning a private company ... operating on exclusive no-bid government contracts," Ellsworth said. He asked that regional and state agencies ensure investigations include key witnesses and sworn testimony and that civil-rights and environmental-justice policies be applied.
Ellsworth also referenced wildfire risk, saying combustible conditions at the landfill could worsen fire outcomes, and urged public hearings with sworn testimony to address worker and community concerns. The transcript records no board action on the comment during the meeting; Ellsworth said he had sent the board supporting materials by email.
Ending
Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel thanked Ellsworth for his continued advocacy and noted the board appreciated the update and the materials submitted during public comment. The comments were recorded for the public record; no formal board vote or directive was made on the matter that day.
