[Supv. Antonovich] – In light of public odor complaints and air quality violation notices, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich calling for a comprehensive investigation into the Sunshine Canyon landfill, its conditional use permit and available enforcement tools to mitigate the landfill’s emissions which are negatively impacting residents living in surrounding communities.

In November, 2008, the landfill began to generate odor complaints from residents in Granada Hills and Sylmar – which resulted in the Supervisor requesting that AQMD investigate the complaints and ultimately issue multiple Notices of Violation.  Supervisor Antonovich also expedited permits for the landfill’s gas-to-energy facility hoping it would reduce odors, but it had a minimal impact. The Supervisor also worked with the Department of Public Works to approve a new synthetic daily cover hoping it would reduce odors, but that failed too

“The landfill operator has had more than ample opportunity to correct this odor problem. This has been going on for years now and every device or technique they propose to solve the odor problem fails,” said Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

This motion directs the Department of Public Health, in consultation with County Counsel and the Departments of Public Works and Regional Planning, to review the landfill’s Conditional Use Permit and examine Conditions of Approval to bring the operator into compliance and alleviate the odor nuisance impacting the surrounding communities.  The Departments will report back to the Board in two weeks with findings and recommendations.