Simi Valley neighbors complain about foul odors from landfill receiving Boyle Heights fire debris

Updated 2 hours ago
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Residents in the Big Sky community of Simi Valley say they have been dealing with foul odors they believe are coming from a nearby landfill that is receiving rotting food from the fire-damaged Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights.

Residents said they began filing complaints several days ago with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District. Some residents, who spoke off camera, described the smell as severe and said it has affected their daily lives.

One resident said that when he opens his door, he encounters a strong stench and an increase in flies.

Lineage is sending some of the rotten food from its fire-damaged Boyle Heights facility to a landfill in Simi Valley.

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District told Eyewitness News it has issued a notice of violation requiring the landfill to address the issue. The agency said it continues to monitor conditions and respond to additional complaints.



Eyewitness News also heard from viewers who complained about the odor. One resident said the smell is especially noticeable when sundowner winds pick up in the afternoon. Another resident said the issue has persisted for the past couple of weeks.

Pradepa Nachimuthu, who lives in the Big Sky neighborhood, described the odor's impact on residents.

"It's really bad. I smell like a fish or something dead... It's at a point that we are even thinking, like, should we live here?" she said.

The general manager of the homeowners association said Friday that he has been hearing complaints from residents and has referred them to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District.

Waste Management, which operates the landfill, has not yet responded to a request for comment.

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