News
One person injured in Chiquita Canyon landfill accident caused by bursting hose
An incident at the Chiquita Canyon landfill in Castaic has left one person injured after a hydrogen peroxide line burst on Friday evening. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene, where hazardous-material teams are currently working to clean up the aftermath of the mechanical failure.
Initial reports of an explosion at the landfill turned out to be a false alarm, with the issue being identified as a burst high-pressure hose during routine operations. The injured landfill employee was taken to a hospital, although the extent of their injuries remains unknown. Fortunately, no one else was harmed in the incident.
This incident comes amidst ongoing concerns about environmental hazards at Chiquita Canyon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered the landfill to take immediate action to address hazardous liquid waste and noxious odors that pose a threat to nearby communities. The landfill has been experiencing a smoldering fire since 2022, resulting from a heat-generating chemical reaction deep within the site. This reaction has caused pressure to build up, leading to contaminated water bursting onto the surface, carrying cancer-causing substances like benzene.
Residents and officials have raised concerns about toxic fumes and polluted water affecting surrounding areas, prompting Waste Connections Inc., the landfill operator, to work on mitigating the chemical reaction. L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has called for urgent changes in management at the landfill, citing ongoing issues that continue to impact the community.
Chiquita Canyon is not the only landfill facing scrutiny in L.A. County. Sunshine Canyon in Sylmar is grappling with a different environmental crisis involving water intrusion and bacteria growth, resulting in foul odors for nearby residents.
This is a developing story, and the Los Angeles Times will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Times staff writer Tony Briscoe contributed to this report.
News
Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem found herself in hot water recently after admitting to shooting her “untrainable” hunting dog. The controversial incident sparked public outrage, but it did not stop her from attending a gathering of California Republicans, where she received a warm reception on Saturday.
Noem, known for her stance on gun rights and conservative leadership, addressed more than 200 people at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame. She emphasized the importance of patriotism and preserving American values amidst challenging times.
Although she did not directly reference the dog-shooting incident in her speech, she alluded to the controversy surrounding her decision to euthanize her dog named Cricket due to its poor hunting skills and an unfortunate incident involving farm chickens.
Attendees at the luncheon received a copy of Noem’s book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward,” which she promoted during her remarks. Despite the backlash, she remained firm in her convictions.
Noem’s focus shifted to her leadership in South Dakota, particularly her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her decision to deploy the state’s National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. She raised concerns about drug cartels exploiting Native American tribal lands in her state and criticized the federal government for its inaction.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Noem commended former President Trump for his authenticity and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. She highlighted Trump’s unconventional approach to politics as a sign of his genuine character.
State Republican Party delegate Anna Bryson expressed admiration for Noem’s financial policies and tax reduction efforts. She acknowledged the dog-shooting incident but credited Noem for her commitment to sound fiscal management.
The convention, attended by over 800 delegates and guests, marked a significant gathering for California Republicans. Despite past protests during Trump’s appearance in Burlingame in 2016, the event with Noem proceeded smoothly with no major disruptions.
Noem’s resilience amidst adversity and her unwavering commitment to her principles garnered both admiration and scrutiny at the California Republican Party convention.
Times staff writer Anabel Sosa contributed to this report.
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Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’