Lancaster officials weigh legal steps over fire ash disposal as residents push back on proposed encampment sites

Lancaster City Council heard extensive public comment and internal discussion about two community issues: the possible transport and disposal of ash from recent fires, and rumor/early proposals to locate a temporary homeless encampment on a vacant golf‑course parcel.

Councilmembers and residents expressed health, infrastructure and equity concerns about a county plan (under consideration by the Board of Supervisors) that could direct 3,000 to 7,000 tons per day of fire debris to local landfill sites. Speakers raised the possibility that ash could contain PFAS and other persistent contaminants that might infiltrate groundwater over time.

“Can you tell that I'm not thinking this is a great idea to let them bring all this stuff up here?” a councilmember asked during the meeting, summarizing council concerns. The city attorney said staff are “working on getting folks lined up to assist us in that effort” with potential legal options, including seeking an injunction, and will report back when counsel is in place.

Staff noted the county’s air‑quality and waste agencies (AQMD and Waste Management) have roles in permitting and that the city has previously asked Waste Management not to route ash into Lancaster. A councilmember said AQMD could also pursue injunctive or administrative remedies related to air quality while the city might focus on water and land‑use legal avenues.

Separately, several residents spoke about an idea under discussion to place a temporary encampment on a 40‑acre former golf course site or other city‑owned parcels. Property owners near the proposed golf course parcel said a converted encampment would jeopardize property plans and neighborhood safety. One resident, Laura Downey, said she bought a nearby vacant lot intending to build a home and that a planned encampment would undercut that plan.

Advocacy voices urged alternatives and emphasized legal context. Chloe, speaking for a community group involved in homelessness advocacy, noted a settlement stemming from litigation that requires the city to document alternative housing was available at the time of any citation for sleeping, camping, sitting or lying; she said citations prior to Feb. 21, 2021 were dismissed under that settlement. Heather Varden, who helped lead the Antelope Valley homeless count, thanked the city and police for drone support during the count and said a temporary, services‑focused site could provide case management and help people transition off the streets.

The city manager said that, as of the meeting, there was no formal request from Waste Management to bring ash to city landfills and that the Board of Supervisors was holding hearings; staff will monitor that process. On the encampment discussion the manager said the idea is “just talk” at this stage and that staff are looking at other sites that may have existing buildings and better access to services.

Council members agreed to pursue legal review and coordination with county agencies and to keep neighbors informed as staff examine alternatives. The city signaled willingness to pay fair market value for property if relocation becomes necessary, and said it will continue to pursue outreach to county leadership and AQMD as appropriate.