EPA particles web site for Eaton Hearth sparks protest from neighborhood – NBC Los Angeles

Tensions proceed to rise in Duarte as individuals dwelling within the metropolis and surrounding communities protest the EPA’s use of Lario Park as a group web site for particles from the Eaton fireplace.

Regardless of the opposition, the positioning has already began processing supplies. Protesters gathered outdoors the positioning Saturday in hopes that their continued rallying will carry the operation to a halt.

“We do not suppose it is a good suggestion to carry the poisonous waste all the way in which over right here,” mentioned Jackie Rittenhouse, who lives in Duarte.

The non permanent web site, which opened final week, is processing hazardous supplies from the Eaton Hearth. Folks dwelling close by say the EPA moved ahead with out consulting them first

“I actually really feel prefer it may’ve been a greater resolution. Worst half is that I really feel I wasn’t revered. As a resident of this neighborhood we had no voice,” mentioned Deborah Scott.

On the five-acre web site, employees in protecting gear arrange supplies like lithium batteries from vehicles, oils, family cleaners and different toxins.

“We’re involved that persons are going to get sick from this. If it isn’t now then down the highway,” mentioned Rittenhouse.

The EPA says the positioning is safe and that precautions are in place

“Defending human well being and the setting is our mandate. We wouldn’t be doing this, at this location, if we could not do it in a secure method,” mentioned Eric Nold, federal on-scene coordinator with EPA.

In line with Nold, hazardous supplies are packaged on the burn web site every morning, transported to the waste web site, after which sorted and shipped for disposal

The EPA says all processing areas are lined with plastic and spill management measures. A water truck may also spray the world thrice a day to manage mud

However regardless of the assurances, protesters say they will not again down

“We wish them to depart. They should depart,” mentioned Antenzio.

The EPA is working underneath a 30-day deadline to take away all of the hazardous waste from the Eaton and Palisades fireplace burn areas. As for the protesters, they are saying sooner or later this web site is open is an excessive amount of and have one other protest deliberate for subsequent week.