Will Rogers State Beach to Become Temporary Hazardous Waste Site

The site, located on flat, open land near the burn zone, will serve as a staging area where materials will be consolidated

Federal, state, and local agencies will designate the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot as a temporary processing site for hazardous materials from properties damaged by the Palisades Fire. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alongside the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and Los Angeles County, announced the move Wednesday to facilitate the safe removal of household hazardous waste, such as paint, bleach, asbestos, and lithium-ion batteries.  

The site, located on flat, open land near the burn zone, will serve as a staging area where materials will be consolidated, securely packaged, and transported to permanent disposal or recycling facilities. The EPA emphasized that the location was chosen for its proximity to affected properties, which will help accelerate debris removal and allow residents to rebuild faster.  

However, the decision has sparked concerns from local officials and residents. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes the area, criticized the move, citing potential risks to the sensitive coastal ecosystem. “Storing hazardous material at the beach, any beach, does not seem like a good idea,” Park said, warning that high tides or debris flows could carry toxic waste into the ocean. She has repeatedly suggested alternative sites within the burn scar and called for a community town hall to address public concerns.  

The announcement follows backlash over proposed hazardous waste sites in other areas, including Malibu, where residents and officials opposed a plan to use a lot near schools and homes. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart welcomed the Will Rogers decision, telling the Los Angeles Times it was a necessary step toward recovery.  

The EPA has assured the public that the site will use best management practices, including air monitoring and secure storage in sealed containers, to minimize environmental and health risks. The agency has faced challenges in finding suitable locations for debris processing, with protests erupting at existing sites in Irwindale and Topanga Canyon.  

The Palisades Fire, which devastated parts of Los Angeles County in January 2025, has left behind significant debris, including fire-damaged lithium-ion batteries that pose safety risks. EPA officials stress that leaving hazardous materials in the burn zone is more harmful than relocating them to controlled staging areas.

in Hard, News
Related Posts

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Fire Survivors Urged to Shape Rebuilding Efforts with Digital Feedback Platform

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The initiative, launched in February, marks California’s first large-scale use of a dedicated digital tool to gather wildfire survivor feedback...

(Video) Italian Eatery Finds New West LA Home after Wildfire Displacement

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Cinque Terra, a longstanding Palisadian establishment, has brought its Northern Italian cuisine to Rose Avenue Italian Eatery Finds New West...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

County Launches AI Pilot to Speed Rebuilding After Fires

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The pilot targets early adopters whose homes, located in R-1 residential zones, were damaged by the wildfires Los Angeles County...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

ICE Raids Disrupt Labor in Fire Recovery Efforts: REPORT

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Immigrants, comprising about 75% of Los Angeles County’s construction workforce with nearly half undocumented, per a Bay Area Council analysis,...

Nonprofit Formed by Palisades High Alumni to Host Benefit Concert for Fire Recovery

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

All proceeds will support relief for the Hildebrand family, Palisades High School’s booster club and Palisades Dolphin Strong The Pacific...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...