Landfill Expansion Approved

A request by Waste Management Inc. to add 3.3 million cubic yards to the maximum capacity of Bradley Landfill in Sun Valley was approved Wednesday by a state board, over strong objections by local officials and community activists.

Meeting in Sacramento, the California Integrated Waste Management Board granted the request to increase the permitted height of the landfill from 1,000 feet above sea level to 1,010 feet.

Sun Valley resident Ellen Mackey, active in the fight against expansion, said she was disappointed by the board’s decision.

“We think, based on what we’ve seen, it was decided long ago. It was an expensive appeasement process.”

A Waste Management representative could not be reached for comment.

But in a recent interview, Bradley manager Doug Corcoran said the expansion is needed as a transitional measure while Waste Management searches for alternative sites or methods for waste disposal.

With or without additional capacity, Bradley is scheduled to close in April 2007.

State Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) and Assemblyman Keith Richman (R-Northridge) urged the board to deny the permit, saying the landfill has been a blight on the community for years. Mayor James K. Hahn also sent a representative with a letter protesting an increase in capacity.

The landfill had been expected to reach its capacity and close in 2000. Bradley and Sunshine Canyon Landfill near Granada Hills are the two main recipients of trash generated in Los Angeles.

Waste Management is seeking a second expansion that would add an additional 43 feet to Bradley Landfill’s maximum height. That application is in the initial stages of environmental review.