Environmental disaster at Qijita landfill site triggers protests from residents

#Env Health  #Stop Poisoning Us #Chiquita Landfill
On October 28th, a large-scale demonstration was held in front of Castek High School, with over 250 victims gathering together to protest the environmental disaster caused by the Chiquita Canyon landfill. This demonstration is not only a dissatisfaction with the current situation, but also a strong call for changing the status quo.
The protesters held banners and were emotionally charged. They officially submitted a petition signed by over 1200 affected local residents to Los Angeles City Supervisor Kathryn Barger. This weighty petition carries the endless concerns and urgent needs of residents - they request that Los Angeles County implement a "state of emergency" for the Chiquita Canyon landfill and surrounding areas.
The declaration of a 'state of emergency' means that a series of public disaster resources will be activated to provide necessary relocation support for affected residents and assist national institutions in quickly intervening to address this increasingly severe environmental and health emergency. For residents who are troubled by landfills, this is undoubtedly a glimmer of hope.
The problem of the Qijita Canyon landfill has existed for a long time. The smell of gas and leachate generated by landfills, like invisible shackles, has long plagued local residents. Residents have reported a series of health issues, including headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and rashes. These problems not only seriously affect the quality of life of residents, but also pose a huge threat to their physical and mental health.
According to statistics, in 2024 alone, this landfill site has triggered over 13000 complaints. Behind this number lies the helplessness and anger of countless residents. They have repeatedly reported the issue to relevant departments, but have never been able to obtain a proper solution.
In addition, the landfill site has also generated excessive leachate, which has also caused serious concerns among local water officials. Once the leachate leaks or is mishandled, it will cause immeasurable pollution to the groundwater system, thereby threatening the wider ecological environment and residential water safety.
Faced with such a severe environmental disaster, residents choose to stand up and fight for their rights with their voices and actions. They hope that the government can face up to the problem, take effective measures, and thoroughly solve the environmental and health hazards caused by the Qijita Canyon landfill.
This demonstration is not only a protest against the current situation, but also a longing for a better life in the future. Residents expect the government to provide them with the attention and assistance they deserve, so that they can live in a healthy and safe environment.