Chiquita Canyon Landfill ordered to address troublesome odors

The troublesome Chiquita Canyon Landfill faces more orders from regulators after failing to stop the foul odors that have been tormenting residents for years. 

The order of abatement from air regulators requires the landfill to determine the root cause of the leachate leaks, implement the use of liquid level monitors for the leachate tanks and conduct additional inspections to prevent or mitigate the gases behind the odors. 

Leachate is the liquid that officials believe created the persistent and putrid smells. 

In the past few years, the dump has transformed from a stinky nuisance to a potential health risk for neighboring residents. The Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the South Coast Air Quality Management District have issued a litany of violations against the 639-acre landfill, stemming from tens of thousands of complaints from residents. Air regulators have issued 326 violations against Chiquita Canyon for being a public nuisance, according to AQMD.

Since January 2023, South Coast AQMD has received more than 28,000 complaints, many of which mention a foul smell described as rotten, putrid and stomach-churning. Neighbors also believe the landfill has affected their health, causing headaches, skin irritation and even heart palpitations. 

The enduring issues resulted in Los Angeles County officials suing the landfill's owners and operators after studies from the EPA and the Los Angeles County Public Health Department discovered an array of toxic gases. 

The lawsuit claimed that the gases turned into a "noxious brew" of leachate when it rained. The mixture would release hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide into the air, both of which are classified as hazardous chemicals that can cause health issues by federal regulators. 

Following the lawsuit, the landfill announced it would cease its waste disposal services in January 2025.