Protesters in Malibu criticize EPA over hazardous debris site near Topanga Canyon
Protest against Malibu debris dump site
Protesters in Malibu criticized the EPA for setting up a hazardous debris staging area near Topanga Canyon Boulevard, fearing environmental contamination.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Protesters sounded off in Malibu Friday evening, slamming the Environmental Protection Agency for setting up a hazardous debris staging area along the Pacific Coast Highway near Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
"I don't want your lithium batteries and your propane tanks and all this stuff here," said Topanga resident Julie Howell.
They fear chemicals could make their way into nearby Topanga Creek and Topanga Lagoon.
"This is a really important and sensitive site. That's why the neighborhood is really concerned," said Topanga resident Megan Williams.
Malibu protests toxic debris removal site
Malibu residents are protesting a hazardous debris storage site that they say is near a sensitive lagoon.
The toxic debris is being collected from the Phase 1 EPA cleanup of properties impacted by the Palisades Fire.
"We're going to bring them back here and put them into containers that will then be shipped off to appropriate facilities for hazardous waste disposal," said EPA Public Information Officer Rusty Harris-Bishop.
The collection site is just across the street from Topanga Beach and Santa Monica Bay, and that's part of what has some of the protesters so concerned.
"I'm worried about soil. I'm worried about runoff to the ocean," said Kat High of the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples.
The protesters suited up in hazmat gear and entered the site themselves, where they pressed EPA officials.
"I understand that they have concerns, and we do, too," said Harris-Bishop.
The EPA says they are taking precautions to prevent runoff and protect the soil.
"We put down multiple layers of plastic and sheeting to make a pad that's waterproof," said Harris-Bishop.
They'll be taking soil samples when they're done.
"We are going to do our best to ensure that we don't have an impact," said Harris-Bishop.
But some are still not convinced.
"Find another place. Find another place," said Malibu resident Jean Pereat.
The number of crews and trucks collecting that debris and bringing it to the site is expected to ramp up over the weekend. The site is expected to stay open for a couple of months.