As has been widely reported, the EPA will be using the Will Rogers State Beach (WRSB) parking lot for temporary storage of hazardous waste from the cleanup. See Westside Current and LAT articles.
WRSB is a California State Park, managed by the County, which is enjoyed by millions of visitors annually from the Southern California region and beyond. PPCC is honored to host this beautiful resource in our community for the use and enjoyment of the wider public. Unfortunately, neither PPCC nor our Councilwoman were given advance notice of the plan to use WRSB for hazardous waste, nor an opportunity to provide input. Despite strong environmental concerns expressed by CW Park and others, the EPA proposal has now been approved by the California State Dept. of Parks & Recreation (CalParks). See CalParks Press Release.
PPCC recognizes the community's desire to move as quickly as possible through the cleanup phase so that rebuilding can begin without undue delay. At the same time, it is understandable that many will have serious concerns about environmental health and public safety in the use of WRSB for storage of highly toxic materials, even if temporary.
We are advised that CD 11 has now requested that EPA officials attend another special meeting for the entire community, to provide assurances and details about the measures that will be employed to keep the public safe and the environment clean. Stay tuned for more details about this potential meeting (date TBA) in the coming days.
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