43,000 pounds of mulch waste dumped

Lake Los Angeles – The ‘mulch’ dumping in the Antelope Valley is a monstrous problem being addressed by Los Angeles County.

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, a combination of Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Health Haz Mat squad, CHP Officer Jeff Wadsworth, Lake Los Angeles’ Resident Deputy Gilberto Borruel, Los Angeles County Public Health performed an inspection of illegal dumping north on East Avenue J between 160th and 162nd Streets east.

The driver of the truck was detained where inspection enforcement action was taken for this single driver. The CHP also conducted an inspection of the vehicle and deemed it to be legally operational.

CHP and LASD assisted in the operation. The inspection has been done and writing a report for further review is underway.

“Illegal dumping is in our spotlight. Be aware. We have zero tolerance,” stated Deputy Borruel. “In the area of 260th Street East and East Avenue J, trash and debris is piled up over 6 feet high.”

The LASD COPS Bureau is taking the handle on the operation.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (BOS) this past Tuesday called for the creation of local ordinances to regulate illegal dumping of mulch and other compostable materials.

The motion by the Supervisor addresses how open spaces and smaller populations in Antelope Valley create a golden opportunity for all kinds of illegal dumping, posing health risks to water supply and other contaminations to soil, wildlife, etc. She noted that the waste can and does cause wildfires.

The county’s supplemental fiscal budget for 2024-25 approved on Tuesday allotted $2 million to combat illegal dumping activities.

“I applaud the $2 million allocated to curb illegal dumping, which will go a long way to help Antelope Valley communities,” said Barger in a press release statement.

“North County residents in particular are suffering from this pollution which has reached crisis proportions and deserve environmental justice. This illegal activity must be stopped in its tracks.”

Photos depict the typical profile of the trucks hauling this dangerous waste, the LACoFD Health Haz Mat vehicle, the stop by Borruel and the two agencies' officers working together.

By Shirley Harriman