Breathing Danger: Overheating Landfill Releases Harmful Gases

An overheating landfill in Los Angeles, California, has sparked health concerns in nearby communities due to toxic emissions and fire risks. The Chiquita Canyon Landfill, emitting high levels of methane and volatile organic compounds, has prompted air quality warnings. Local residents report respiratory issues and odours, leading to lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny. The incident highlights the need for better waste management and stricter environmental regulations. Addressing landfill issues is critical to protect public health and align with global sustainability goals.

The Chiquita Canyon Landfill, operational since 1972, handles 6,000 tons of waste daily. Overheating, caused by organic waste decomposition, has increased methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. In 2024, the landfill’s gas collection system failed to manage excess emissions, leading to air quality violations. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued notices for elevated pollutant levels, linked to health risks like asthma and cancer. Community complaints, numbering over 7,000 in 2024, prompted investigations by the EPA and local authorities, with lawsuits seeking compensation for health and property damage.

Landfill overheating is a growing issue globally, driven by rising waste volumes and poor management. In the US, landfills contribute 15% of methane emissions, exacerbating climate change. India faces similar challenges, with landfills like Delhi’s Ghazipur emitting toxic gases and causing fires. The US incident underscores the need for advanced waste-to-energy technologies and recycling. California’s goal to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025 aims to curb emissions, but progress is slow. Community activism has pushed for stricter oversight, with residents demanding real-time air quality monitoring.

Health impacts are a primary concern. Methane and volatile organic compounds can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term health risks. In Los Angeles, schools near the landfill reported increased student absences due to air quality issues. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, face higher risks. India’s urban landfills, handling 170,000 tons of waste daily, pose similar threats, with 60% of waste unprocessed. The US case highlights the need for community-focused regulations, including buffer zones and emission controls, to protect public health.

Regulatory responses include fines and mandates for landfill operators to upgrade gas collection systems. The EPA’s 2024 guidelines require real-time monitoring and methane capture, but compliance costs are high. In India, the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 mandate waste segregation, but enforcement is weak. Both countries need investment in waste-to-energy plants and composting to reduce landfill reliance. California’s $200 million investment in waste infrastructure contrasts with India’s underfunded municipal systems, highlighting disparities in waste management capacity.

Economic impacts extend to property values and local businesses. In Los Angeles, homes near the landfill lost 10-15% of their value due to odours and health fears. Tourism and small businesses also suffered, mirroring challenges in India’s urban areas where waste mismanagement affects livelihoods. Sustainable waste management, like Amravati’s recycled plastic furniture initiative, offers solutions. The US and India could adopt circular economy models, turning waste into resources like biogas, reducing environmental and economic costs.

Global parallels underscore the urgency of addressing landfill issues. The Paris Agreement’s call for methane reduction aligns with these efforts, as methane has 25 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide. Collaborative research and technology sharing, as seen in India-UAE energy projects, could accelerate solutions. However, political resistance and funding shortages hinder progress. Community advocacy, supported by legal action, is driving change, but systemic reforms are needed to ensure sustainable waste management and protect public health.

The Chiquita Canyon Landfill crisis highlights the global challenge of waste management. Stronger regulations, advanced technologies, and community engagement are essential to mitigate health risks and align with sustainability goals. Lessons from the US can inform India’s waste management strategies, fostering a cleaner, healthier future.

Source :Outlook Business