Protect Yuma, AZ: Stop A.A. Sydcol from endangering our community with hazardous waste!
Protect Yuma, AZ: Stop A.A. Sydcol from endangering our community with hazardous waste!
The Issue
Para una traducción al español de nuestra petición, por favor haga clic aquí
We are deeply concerned about the potential threat posed by A.A. Sydcol's plan to bring hazardous waste to our beloved City and County of Yuma, Arizona. Almost all of this waste will come from out of state. The wastes proposed include acetone, benzene (DHHS classified carcinogen), methanol, and butanone, We demand A.A Sydcol's plan be stopped immediately. Furthermore, we demand that absolutely no hazardous waste from outside the county is transported to, stored or processed anywhere in Yuma County by A.A Sydcol or anyone else now and in the future.
Yuma holds a special place in our heart not just as our home; but also because we're proud that Yuma grows 90% of the green, leafy vegetables consumed across the United States from November to March. Our fertile farmland which gave us the name of the Winter Salad Bowl Capital and pristine groundwater are invaluable resources that we must safeguard at all costs. Yuma also sits on the Colorado River, a water resource that supplies 40 million people across the United States and Mexico.
The people of Yuma are committed to looking out for one another. We stand up for the health and safety of each and everyone in our community. We carry on a rich tradition started by Yumans before us of protecting our land and caring for our animals.
A.A. Sydcol is a waste company owned by a California resident that operates in Yuma. They were fined $30,000 in 2011 for hazardous waste violations in Yuma County by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). As of July 2023, A.A. Sydcol is seeking approval from the Yuma County Board of Supervisors to convert their Yuma facility to handle hazardous waste, which would involve storing, processing and transporting up to 228,260 gallons of hazardous waste, the vast majority of it coming from California, in Yuma. This will be less than 400 feet from residential areas and a children's dance studio. This expansion would put hazardous waste dangerously close to our farmland, the popular Yuma Palms mall, and even the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex baseball field where our children play. Moreover, the proximity of this site to our groundwater sources raises serious concerns about potential contamination. Yuma has already been affected by toxic waste coming from California in the past, poisoning one Yuma landfill to the point where it was described by ADEQ as an "imminent and substantial threat."
Barring any action from state or federal authorities, the final decision for approval of this expansion will be in the hands of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors in a vote scheduled for August 7, 2023.
During an inspection of the facility by ADEQ’s Hazardous Waste Inspections and Compliance Unit in September 2007, compliance officers noticed a strong odor of solvents coming from 85 55-gallon drums of waste paint, some of which were open, on a loading dock. A company employee then poured the material from part of several drums into an open metal pan and lit it on fire with matches, a test he referred to as the “open flame ignitability” test. The recommended way to conduct the test is to send a sample to a State of Arizona certified laboratory for a flash-point determination or an equivalent test method approved by ADEQ. Solid waste that is ignitable is a type of regulated hazardous waste which Sydcol cannot legally possess or send to a solid waste landfill for disposal.
“In addition to these serious violations, the company employee put himself, co-workers and ADEQ inspectors at risk by striking a match in that environment,” ADEQ Director Henry Darwin said.
The past conduct by A.A. Sydcol brings legitimate and immediate concern from the people of Yuma over their misconduct of possessing a type of regulated hazardous waste they were not allowed to legally possess, and their employee engaging in unprofessional, risky behavior around hazardous waste. The prior behavior of A.A. Sydcol reinforces our warning that their proposal to handle over 200,000 gallons of hazardous waste less than 400 feet from Yuma residents is an extremely dangerous idea that may very well lead to a catastrophic outcome.
Yuma County is a rural county that has a poverty rate 33.59% higher than the average in Arizona. 17.1% of county residents live in poverty. WACOG, who provides social services to area residents, is constantly underfunded and stretched thin. Yuma County has a history of being overlooked by the federal and state government, and our medical and social resources would not be equipped to deal with the fallout of a hazardous waste incident. The people of Yuma are aware of the tragic and disastrous history of hazardous waste facilities constructed in rural areas with high poverty rates. We, as the residents of Yuma County say no to any hazardous waste being transported to Yuma. We will vigorously protect the integrity of our home and defend the right of each and every Yuman to live in dignity with safe air, water and land.
All city council members of the City of Yuma, the Marine Corps Air Station - Yuma, Rural Metro Fire Department and the Yuma Fire Department have joined to oppose this project on the risks it presents to our community. “Approving this special use permit would increase the likelihood of a hazardous waste incident in our community,” Fire Marshal Cori Schultz with the Rural Metro Fire Department said. Yuma Vice Mayor Chris Morris describes the project as having "too much risk." Yuma City councilmember Mike Shelton states "Yuma Fire Department and Rural Metro noted using hoses to wash away chemicals would send those chemicals to the Colorado River. Neither YFD nor Rural Metro could contain a large chemical fire. The site is next to a farm and is opposed by farmers. What kind of mentality thinks placing over 100,000 tons of dangerous waste in a heavily populated neighborhood with hard working businesses is a good idea?"
Here are some key facts supporting our cause:
1. Importance of Green, Leafy Vegetable Production: According to reliable agricultural data (source: US Department of Agriculture), Yuma supplies an astounding 90% of green, leafy vegetables consumed throughout the United States from November to March. Any contamination or damage caused by hazardous waste could have severe consequences for both local farmers' livelihoods and national food security.
2. Potential Health Hazards: Hazardous waste contains toxic substances that pose significant risks if mishandled or accidentally released into the environment. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, organ damage, and even cancer (source: Environmental Protection Agency).
3. Proximity to Sensitive Areas: The proposed site is alarmingly close to our farmland, where crops are grown for national consumption. Additionally, it is situated near residential areas, the Yuma Palms mall and a baseball field frequently used by our community members, including children. Any accidents or leaks could have devastating consequences for public safety.
4. The Colorado River: The Colorado River Basin supplies drinking water to 40 million people in the U.S., as well as two states in Mexico, fuels hydropower resources in eight states and remains a crucial resource for 30 tribal nations as well as agriculture communities across the West, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. Yuma is directly situated on the Colorado River. As stated by Yuma City councilmember Mike Shelton, "Yuma Fire Department and Rural Metro noted using hoses to wash away chemicals would send those chemicals to the Colorado River." Any potential complications regarding this project can affect the health of millions of people.
5. Transportation risks: Arizona State Route 95 and Interstate 8 are the two main highways that serve Yuma County. Much of Route 95 is one lane in each direction, and Interstate 8 is a two-lane highway in each direction throughout Yuma County. On July 13, the Interstate 8, the only interstate highway to and from Yuma County and the major thoroughfare intersecting the City of Yuma, was shut down temporarily after a semi-trailer carrying hazardous material caught on fire in Winterhaven, CA. Winterhaven is located at the border of California and Arizona, approximately four miles from the proposed Sydcol site. Increasing the amount of flammable, hazardous substances transported on these narrow highways where vehicles travel in close proximity to one another is unconscionable and reckless. An incident on the Interstate 8 and/or Route 95 would also severely impede any efforts for Yuma County residents to evacuate in case of an emergency.
6. Groundwater Contamination Risks: Our groundwater serves as a vital source of drinking water for Yuma residents and sustains our agricultural activities. The proximity of A.A. Sydcol's waste processing complex along with them being fined and cited by ADEQ raises legitimate concerns about potential contamination that could jeopardize both human health and the local ecosystem.
By signing this petition, we demand immediate legal, executive and legislative intervention from Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Yuma County Attorney Jon R. Smith, EPA District 9 Regional Administrator Martha Guzman Aceves, the Arizona State Legislature and the Yuma County Board of Supervisors to stop this hazardous waste project proposed by A.A. Sydcol. We believe it is their responsibility as public servants entrusted with ensuring the well-being of our community and state. We demand California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately ban any interstate transport of hazardous waste from California to Yuma County.
We respectfully demand that our Arizona State Legislators representing Yuma County; Sen. Tim Dunn, Sen. Brian Fernandez, Rep. Michael Carbone and Rep. Michele Pena introduce and co-sponsor a bill opposing the construction of this hazardous waste facility, and that our Yuma County legislators encourage all of their fellow Arizona legislators to oppose this proposal on environmental, moral and health grounds.
We respectfully demand that each member of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors; Hon. Chairman Martin Porchas, Hon. Vice Chairman Jonathan W. Lines, Hon. Darren Simmons, Hon. Tony Reyes and the Hon. Lynne Pancrazi, stand together to protect the people, land and animals of Yuma County and send a message of solidarity with their constituents by unanimously defeating this proposal.
It is crucial that we take action now and send a clear message on behalf of Yuma and the Colorado River that we will not stand idly by while our community's health and environment are put at risk.
We cannot afford to gamble with the well-being of our community or compromise the quality of our food supply chain and the Colorado River water supply. Let us join forces in urging the Arizona State Government and Yuma County Board of Supervisors to prioritize public safety over out of state interests.
Sign this petition today and make your voice heard! Together, we can protect Yuma from this hazardous waste threat and ensure a safe future for generations to come.
The Issue
Para una traducción al español de nuestra petición, por favor haga clic aquí
We are deeply concerned about the potential threat posed by A.A. Sydcol's plan to bring hazardous waste to our beloved City and County of Yuma, Arizona. Almost all of this waste will come from out of state. The wastes proposed include acetone, benzene (DHHS classified carcinogen), methanol, and butanone, We demand A.A Sydcol's plan be stopped immediately. Furthermore, we demand that absolutely no hazardous waste from outside the county is transported to, stored or processed anywhere in Yuma County by A.A Sydcol or anyone else now and in the future.
Yuma holds a special place in our heart not just as our home; but also because we're proud that Yuma grows 90% of the green, leafy vegetables consumed across the United States from November to March. Our fertile farmland which gave us the name of the Winter Salad Bowl Capital and pristine groundwater are invaluable resources that we must safeguard at all costs. Yuma also sits on the Colorado River, a water resource that supplies 40 million people across the United States and Mexico.
The people of Yuma are committed to looking out for one another. We stand up for the health and safety of each and everyone in our community. We carry on a rich tradition started by Yumans before us of protecting our land and caring for our animals.
A.A. Sydcol is a waste company owned by a California resident that operates in Yuma. They were fined $30,000 in 2011 for hazardous waste violations in Yuma County by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). As of July 2023, A.A. Sydcol is seeking approval from the Yuma County Board of Supervisors to convert their Yuma facility to handle hazardous waste, which would involve storing, processing and transporting up to 228,260 gallons of hazardous waste, the vast majority of it coming from California, in Yuma. This will be less than 400 feet from residential areas and a children's dance studio. This expansion would put hazardous waste dangerously close to our farmland, the popular Yuma Palms mall, and even the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex baseball field where our children play. Moreover, the proximity of this site to our groundwater sources raises serious concerns about potential contamination. Yuma has already been affected by toxic waste coming from California in the past, poisoning one Yuma landfill to the point where it was described by ADEQ as an "imminent and substantial threat."
Barring any action from state or federal authorities, the final decision for approval of this expansion will be in the hands of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors in a vote scheduled for August 7, 2023.
During an inspection of the facility by ADEQ’s Hazardous Waste Inspections and Compliance Unit in September 2007, compliance officers noticed a strong odor of solvents coming from 85 55-gallon drums of waste paint, some of which were open, on a loading dock. A company employee then poured the material from part of several drums into an open metal pan and lit it on fire with matches, a test he referred to as the “open flame ignitability” test. The recommended way to conduct the test is to send a sample to a State of Arizona certified laboratory for a flash-point determination or an equivalent test method approved by ADEQ. Solid waste that is ignitable is a type of regulated hazardous waste which Sydcol cannot legally possess or send to a solid waste landfill for disposal.
“In addition to these serious violations, the company employee put himself, co-workers and ADEQ inspectors at risk by striking a match in that environment,” ADEQ Director Henry Darwin said.
The past conduct by A.A. Sydcol brings legitimate and immediate concern from the people of Yuma over their misconduct of possessing a type of regulated hazardous waste they were not allowed to legally possess, and their employee engaging in unprofessional, risky behavior around hazardous waste. The prior behavior of A.A. Sydcol reinforces our warning that their proposal to handle over 200,000 gallons of hazardous waste less than 400 feet from Yuma residents is an extremely dangerous idea that may very well lead to a catastrophic outcome.
Yuma County is a rural county that has a poverty rate 33.59% higher than the average in Arizona. 17.1% of county residents live in poverty. WACOG, who provides social services to area residents, is constantly underfunded and stretched thin. Yuma County has a history of being overlooked by the federal and state government, and our medical and social resources would not be equipped to deal with the fallout of a hazardous waste incident. The people of Yuma are aware of the tragic and disastrous history of hazardous waste facilities constructed in rural areas with high poverty rates. We, as the residents of Yuma County say no to any hazardous waste being transported to Yuma. We will vigorously protect the integrity of our home and defend the right of each and every Yuman to live in dignity with safe air, water and land.
All city council members of the City of Yuma, the Marine Corps Air Station - Yuma, Rural Metro Fire Department and the Yuma Fire Department have joined to oppose this project on the risks it presents to our community. “Approving this special use permit would increase the likelihood of a hazardous waste incident in our community,” Fire Marshal Cori Schultz with the Rural Metro Fire Department said. Yuma Vice Mayor Chris Morris describes the project as having "too much risk." Yuma City councilmember Mike Shelton states "Yuma Fire Department and Rural Metro noted using hoses to wash away chemicals would send those chemicals to the Colorado River. Neither YFD nor Rural Metro could contain a large chemical fire. The site is next to a farm and is opposed by farmers. What kind of mentality thinks placing over 100,000 tons of dangerous waste in a heavily populated neighborhood with hard working businesses is a good idea?"
Here are some key facts supporting our cause:
1. Importance of Green, Leafy Vegetable Production: According to reliable agricultural data (source: US Department of Agriculture), Yuma supplies an astounding 90% of green, leafy vegetables consumed throughout the United States from November to March. Any contamination or damage caused by hazardous waste could have severe consequences for both local farmers' livelihoods and national food security.
2. Potential Health Hazards: Hazardous waste contains toxic substances that pose significant risks if mishandled or accidentally released into the environment. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems, organ damage, and even cancer (source: Environmental Protection Agency).
3. Proximity to Sensitive Areas: The proposed site is alarmingly close to our farmland, where crops are grown for national consumption. Additionally, it is situated near residential areas, the Yuma Palms mall and a baseball field frequently used by our community members, including children. Any accidents or leaks could have devastating consequences for public safety.
4. The Colorado River: The Colorado River Basin supplies drinking water to 40 million people in the U.S., as well as two states in Mexico, fuels hydropower resources in eight states and remains a crucial resource for 30 tribal nations as well as agriculture communities across the West, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. Yuma is directly situated on the Colorado River. As stated by Yuma City councilmember Mike Shelton, "Yuma Fire Department and Rural Metro noted using hoses to wash away chemicals would send those chemicals to the Colorado River." Any potential complications regarding this project can affect the health of millions of people.
5. Transportation risks: Arizona State Route 95 and Interstate 8 are the two main highways that serve Yuma County. Much of Route 95 is one lane in each direction, and Interstate 8 is a two-lane highway in each direction throughout Yuma County. On July 13, the Interstate 8, the only interstate highway to and from Yuma County and the major thoroughfare intersecting the City of Yuma, was shut down temporarily after a semi-trailer carrying hazardous material caught on fire in Winterhaven, CA. Winterhaven is located at the border of California and Arizona, approximately four miles from the proposed Sydcol site. Increasing the amount of flammable, hazardous substances transported on these narrow highways where vehicles travel in close proximity to one another is unconscionable and reckless. An incident on the Interstate 8 and/or Route 95 would also severely impede any efforts for Yuma County residents to evacuate in case of an emergency.
6. Groundwater Contamination Risks: Our groundwater serves as a vital source of drinking water for Yuma residents and sustains our agricultural activities. The proximity of A.A. Sydcol's waste processing complex along with them being fined and cited by ADEQ raises legitimate concerns about potential contamination that could jeopardize both human health and the local ecosystem.
By signing this petition, we demand immediate legal, executive and legislative intervention from Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Yuma County Attorney Jon R. Smith, EPA District 9 Regional Administrator Martha Guzman Aceves, the Arizona State Legislature and the Yuma County Board of Supervisors to stop this hazardous waste project proposed by A.A. Sydcol. We believe it is their responsibility as public servants entrusted with ensuring the well-being of our community and state. We demand California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately ban any interstate transport of hazardous waste from California to Yuma County.
We respectfully demand that our Arizona State Legislators representing Yuma County; Sen. Tim Dunn, Sen. Brian Fernandez, Rep. Michael Carbone and Rep. Michele Pena introduce and co-sponsor a bill opposing the construction of this hazardous waste facility, and that our Yuma County legislators encourage all of their fellow Arizona legislators to oppose this proposal on environmental, moral and health grounds.
We respectfully demand that each member of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors; Hon. Chairman Martin Porchas, Hon. Vice Chairman Jonathan W. Lines, Hon. Darren Simmons, Hon. Tony Reyes and the Hon. Lynne Pancrazi, stand together to protect the people, land and animals of Yuma County and send a message of solidarity with their constituents by unanimously defeating this proposal.
It is crucial that we take action now and send a clear message on behalf of Yuma and the Colorado River that we will not stand idly by while our community's health and environment are put at risk.
We cannot afford to gamble with the well-being of our community or compromise the quality of our food supply chain and the Colorado River water supply. Let us join forces in urging the Arizona State Government and Yuma County Board of Supervisors to prioritize public safety over out of state interests.
Sign this petition today and make your voice heard! Together, we can protect Yuma from this hazardous waste threat and ensure a safe future for generations to come.
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Petition created on July 7, 2023