Opposition grows over Palisades Fire debris collection site
Some residents oppose Palisades Fire debris site
Debris from the Palisades Fire are set to be disposed in an area near PCH and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
MALIBU, Calif. - Residents who plan to voice their opposition to a Palisades Fire hazardous material collection site in Malibu are planning a protest Friday.
The location is close to Topanga Canyon and the Pacific Coast Highway, where the historic Topanga Ranch Motel was before it burned down.
"I’m not wild about them bringing contaminated stuff so close to the beach," said Kathy Serota, a Pacific Palisades resident.
As soon as this week, workers plan to start dropping off batteries, paints, and propane tanks from houses in the Palisades Fire burn zone.
"I don’t want it to go into the bay," said Robin Christiansen. "The bay has just gotten healed after many years. We want clean water."
A creek flows between two of the collection sites into nearby Santa Monica Bay.
There, an "Ocean Water Closure" remains in effect issued by LA County Public Health, as ash continues washing up on the beach.
Crews working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were at the location on Thursday preparing it for hazardous drop-offs. Workers could be seen putting tarps down and covering them with rocks.
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Sources also tell FOX 11 a temporary roof will be built over the site. Officials say it’s an effort to try and protect toxic material from seeping into the ground or water.
"This is what we do," said Rusty Harris-Bishop, a spokesperson from the EPA. "We’re professionals that do this. We’ll ensure nothing we do impacts the surrounding property, or the property we’re using."
According to Harris-Bishop, the location off PCH was selected by the state, because it’s flat, at least five acres in size, it burned in the fire, contains state property, and can handle traffic.
Some residents tell FOX 11 they’re okay with the location to help speed up the clean-up process.
"It’s all got to get cleaned up as fast as possible," said Jason, a resident. "Whatever gets it done."
A protest is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday by people opposing the PCH location.
"This is a very temporary operation," said Harris-Bishop. "We’re going to do everything in our power to make sure nothing we do impacts the community."