Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We, the undersigned, stand united in opposition to the establishment of a hazardous waste collection site at Lario Park, adjacent to the San Gabriel River. This site has been set up to process the hazardous waste from upwards of 10,000 structures destroyed during the Altadena fire, with little to no notice to the community. All due process has been ignored, and it seems that speed has been prioritized over safety and quality in this rushed operation.

A Dangerous Location for Hazardous Waste

Lario Park is an inappropriate and dangerous location for handling toxic debris. The park is situated just 750 feet from the San Gabriel River, a critical water source for millions of people. This proximity creates a significant risk of contamination from harmful chemicals, especially if rain or runoff carries these toxins into the river or aquifers. Additionally, Lario Park lies between two mountains, creating a natural wind tunnel that can carry toxic particles over long distances, threatening surrounding communities.

The park is also a mere 1,500 feet from a densely populated residential area in Duarte, exposing thousands of residents to harmful toxins, including those from asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials found in burned structures. These chemicals are known to cause severe health issues, such as cancer, respiratory illnesses, and neurological damage, particularly to vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

The Risks of Transporting Hazardous Debris

In addition to the dangers at the processing site, transporting toxic debris through local residential streets in cities like Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, and Duarte poses further risks. Heavy trucks carrying hazardous materials increase the likelihood of accidents, spills, and damage to local infrastructure, putting both public safety and city resources at risk.

A Safer Alternative: Process the Debris at the Burn Site

We implore the EPA and all involved parties to halt operations at Lario Park and consider a safer, more responsible approach: processing the hazardous debris at the burn site itself. The most logical and safe solution is to sort and manage the debris at the origin, where the damage occurred. Altadena, the area most affected by the fire, provides ample space for sorting and triaging debris, eliminating the need for dangerous transport and exposure to surrounding communities.

Processing debris at the burn site would significantly reduce the risks of environmental contamination, infrastructure damage, and community health hazards. Keeping the debris contained where it originated would prevent the spread of hazardous materials to other areas, ensuring that our neighborhoods and water sources remain safe.

We Stand for Safety, Health, and Responsibility

The safety of our community, the health of our residents, and the preservation of our environment must be the top priorities in any recovery effort. We ask the EPA to reconsider its decision and adopt a more responsible approach that ensures public health and safety are protected. We urge the swift cessation of operations at Lario Park and the implementation of a safer alternative at the burn site.

Please sign this petition to voice your opposition to the hazardous waste collection site at Lario Park and demand a safer solution for our community.

Thank you for your support.