Tensions continue in Duarte as city residents and surrounding communities protest the EPA’s use of debris from Etonfire as a collection site.
Despite the opposition, the site has already begun processing the materials. Protesters gathered outside the site on Saturday in hopes that their ongoing rally would stop the surgery.
“We don’t think it’s a good idea to bring toxic waste all the way here,” said Jackie Rittenhouse, who lives in Duarte.
The temporary site that opened last week is to dispose of dangerous goods from the Eton fire. People living nearby say the EPA moved forward without consulting first
“I really feel that might have been a better decision. The worst part is that I feel I am not respected. As a resident of this community, we have a voice. There was none,” Deborah Scott said.
On the 5-acre site, protective equipment workers organize materials such as cars, oils, household cleaners and other toxin lithium batteries.
“We’re worried about people getting sick now, and if that’s not now, we’re heading down the road,” Rittenhouse said.
The EPA says the site is safe and has precautions in place
“It is our mission to protect human health and the environment. Eric Nold, Federal Government Onsen Coordinator at EPA, said:
According to Nold, the dangerous goods are packaged at burn sites every morning, transported to waste sites, sorted and shipped for disposal
According to the EPA, all treatment areas are lined up with plastic and runoff control measurements. Water truck sprays the area three times a day to control dust
But despite the guarantee, protesters say they won’t retreat
“We want them to leave. They need to leave,” Antenzio said.
The EPA works under a 30-day deadline to remove all hazardous waste from burned areas in Eton and Palisade. Regarding protesters, they say the site will be open one day, and another protest is planned next week.
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