Some skeptical neighbors reject relief offer from Chiquita Canyon Landfill operator

Trucks and heavy equipment move garbage around the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic. A high-temperature chemical reaction has caused garbage to begin smoldering deep within a closed portion of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, in Castaic. And to obtain relocation funding, residents were asked to sign a form with language that some found unsettling: “By submitting this form you understand that any compensation received through this program is intended to compensate you for damages or injury you are claiming you have suffered from any odors or fumes emanating from the Chiquita Canyon landfill, including but not limited to adverse health effects.” Oshea Orchid, an attorney representing a class of community members suing Chiquita Canyon and L.A. County for the landfill’s emissions, said she was concerned that the wording appeared to suggest that people seeking relocation funding would be waiving their right to seek compensation for future damages. “In an effort to further clarify our Community Relief Program, we are making updates to our website and the application form to make it abundantly clear that anyone who participates in the Relief Program is not waiving any claims they may have against Chiquita Canyon Landfill or related entities, and is not waiving any additional damages to which they may be entitled,” Waste Connections Vice President John Perkey said in a statement to The Times. “People who are contacting me say, ‘It just feels wrong that I have to go to the landfill begging for help, when I would think my elected officials and the government should be,’” Orchid said.