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Board stops California toxic waste regulators from weakening a hazardous waste rule

On Thursday, California's Board of Environmental Safety unanimously voted to remove a proposal that would have weakened hazardous waste disposal rules at a public meeting in Cypress.
The proposal came from the Department of Toxic Substances Control, intending to allow contaminated soil disposal at municipal landfills instead of specialized hazardous waste sites due to disposal difficulties.
Environmental advocates and affected residents opposed the plan, citing risks of toxic dust and groundwater contamination, while DTSC officials assured soil would only go to lined landfills preventing seepage.
California generates over 567,000 tons of toxic soil each year, with nearly half transported out of state to two specialized hazardous waste landfills located in the San Joaquin Valley, which are projected to be full by the year 2039.
The board's decision maintains stricter state rules, reflecting concerns that weakening standards could expose vulnerable communities to hazardous waste amid growing wildfire debris and waste challenges.

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Los Angeles Times

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California board voted to nix a controversial hazardous waste proposal

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control had planned to weaken rules for hazard waste disposal. An oversight board voted to kill that proposal.

12 hours ago·Los Angeles, United States

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