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REPORT:

Update on Aggregate Recycling Systems in Huntington Park (La Montaņa)

SYNOPSIS:

In December 1994, the AQMD received a letter from the City of Huntington Park requesting air quality analysis in the Cottage Street neighborhood of Huntington Park. This request was made due to complaints received by the City of Huntington Park in review of a conditional use permit for Aggregate Recycling Systems. This report is an update on the status of this facility as well as a chronology of events associated with the Cottage Street air sampling and analysis.

COMMITTEE:

Not applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file this report.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At the December 11, 1998 Board meeting, the Board asked staff to return with a current status of the Aggregate Recycling Systems situation (also known as La Montaņa) at the January Board meeting.

Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, according to Mayor Jackson, approximately 85% of the concrete from the damaged Santa Monica Freeway was sent to Aggregate Recycling Systems (ARS) in Huntington Park for processing. The result was an unforseen mountain of concrete with its associated problems. Residents in the area complained to the Huntington Park City Council asking for an abatement of the problem. In December, 1994, the AQMD was asked by the City of Huntington Park to become involved in the matter. In response AQMD determined that the nearest school was approximately 2,000 feet away and:

• Took 108 air monitoring samples on 10 days as part of two air monitoring efforts. Violations of AQMD rules were not found.
• Inspected ARS at least 20 times from October 1994 to December 1997. No violations of rules or permit conditions were found.
• Conducted regular telephone calls and meetings with stakeholders to ensure communication flow.
• Continues to work cooperatively with the City and other stakeholders toward final resolution of the situation.

The City issued a probation order that required elimination of the storage piles and the development of a plan of action. Since that time, Mr. Chew’s permit applications with the AQMD for his portable crushing equipment and internal combustion engines have expired. At this time, Mr. Chew, has until December 31, 1998 to reinstate them.

1999

The City has instructed the property owner to prepare a removal plan and perform all clean-up activities The plan will include a logistical plan of action, including work hours, truck routes, and control of dust and other environmental hazards. The city will solicit public input and hold public meeting(s) accordingly. The AQMD will participate in these meetings and will assist the City in developing a plan to mitigate dust problems and any other issues within our permitting authority. Our understanding is that there are two options being considered:

1. Crushing the piles on site and trucking the material out. Timeframe anticipated: 18 months. (This option will require permits to be issued.)
2. Taking the material out and not crushing on site. Timeframe anticipated: 12 months.

Staff recommends that we continue involvement with the City to resolve this matter, which may include:

• Permit conditions
• Monitoring dust as a result of removal activities
• Clean-up (surfactant/revegetation) and technical assistance

Attachments

Chronology of Events in the Cottage Street Area

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