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Residents press South Gate for action after years of foul odors from green‑waste site; county has issued violations
Summary
Residents and scientists urged the city to enforce odor controls and report results after repeated complaints about odors and dust from a green‑waste/composting operation on city property. County public‑health inspectors have issued violations; staff said the operator is working with the county and the city will seek a follow‑up report.
Multiple residents at the Oct. 28 City Council meeting urged the city to take stronger action after recurring odors and dust allegedly coming from GreenWise Soil Technologies’ green‑waste operation on city property.
Dr. Brenda Rojas, a molecular and environmental toxicologist who has filed dozens of complaints with the city, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, told the council that inspectors have verified odors and that the operator received violations in September for non‑compliance with odor mitigation measures. “I am so fed up with the situation,” Rojas said, noting complaints date back to 2015.
Community Development Director Gabriel Perez told the council that the county — the local enforcement agency for such operations — inspected the site and found the operator exceeded authorized on‑site volume limits and had misting/odor‑control equipment that was not functioning. Perez said the operator was given corrective steps, that the county will inspect upon complaint and that residents should report odors directly to the county at (626) 430‑5540 while the city logs complaints as well.
Perez said the site operates under a city lease that expires in 2028 with options to extend; he said the county had not ordered a shutdown but had issued violations and that staff will monitor enforcement progress and return to council with findings. Residents requested the city report back publicly when county findings are finalized and consider lease‑level remedies if violations persist.
Separately, parents and coaches from youth sports groups urged quicker action on park lighting and a bathroom door at a local park; Parks staff said grants and larger capital needs constrain immediate installation but said staff will look at interim solutions.
