EXPANSION OF SUNSHINE LANDFILL IS A HEALTH CONCERN.

Byline: Julie Korenstein

When the Sunshine Canyon Landfill expanded into hundreds of acres of county land, it was disruptive to the natural surroundings - but the expansion of the landfill adjacent to homes and schools in the area should be cause for serious concern over the health and well-being of students and their families.

The issue of the expansion of the landfill has been hotly debated for many years. We have learned over time that placing homes or schools near a landfill simply is not wise because of the health and safety risks.

The Los Angeles City Council will soon be voting on the proposed expansion of Sunshine Canyon Landfill. Although considerable discussion has surrounded the proposed project, I must once again report my continued opposition to the encroachment of landfill operations into residential communities, as their industrial activities cannot be considered compatible with sensitive land uses such as our neighborhood schools.

For many years, the children and staff that attend our schools located in the proximity of landfills have suffered from noxious odors, noise and the effects of excessive dust. The district's Van Gogh Street School is located less than one mile from the landfill, with more than 450 students and staff in attendance.

Since 1997, school district staff has provided written comment on the project's Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (FSEIR). The staff believes the document is deficient and underestimates the project's impact on local air quality. Nevertheless, the FSEIR clearly identifies the project's significant impact on our local community. For example, the FSEIR states:

``Mitigation measures would reduce impacts, however, even with the implementation of these mitigation measures, project-generated and project-related cumulative impacts are considered significant and unavoidable.''

And again, in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, the city reports:

``Operations would result in an exceedance of the PM10 (particulate matter) criteria and would remain significant after the incorporation of mitigation measures.''

Clearly, the city's analysis identifies the potential for the continued degradation of local air quality and significant impacts on our children and those who live throughout the adjoining community.

My concerns are well-documented. For instance, the South Coast Air Quality Management District reports that exposure to particulates can result ``in both short- and long-term reductions in lung function'' and cites children as ``especially sensitive'' to its effects.

The California Air Resources Board additionally states that, when inhaled, these particles expose children to adverse health effects such as ``increased risk of asthma attacks, reduced pulmonary function and increased risk of respiratory illnesses.''

Therefore, it is without hesitation I stress my opposition to this project and trust the City Council will ensure the highest form of mitigation. I believe this mitigation should be nothing short of a rejection of the findings of the City Planning Commission and a no vote on the proposed Sunshine Canyon Landfill expansion.