The Chiquita Canyon Landfill has served northern Los Angeles County since 1972. For the communities of Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, Santa Clarita, Val Verde, Live Oak, and Hasley Hills, it has also become a source of persistent health problems, unbearable odors, and declining quality of life. Since early 2022, a chemical reaction in an inactive section of the landfill has been generating toxic emissions that have made daily life miserable for thousands of residents who live nearby.

What Is Happening at Chiquita Canyon

An exothermic reaction in the landfill’s decomposing waste has been producing elevated levels of hazardous gases, including benzene—a known carcinogen. The reaction generates intense heat and releases chemicals into the surrounding air and potentially into groundwater. The odors are so pervasive and intense that residents report being unable to open their windows, spend time outdoors, or sleep comfortably. Schools have been affected. Property values have declined. Normal life has become impossible for many families.

Health Problems Reported by Residents

Residents and workers near Chiquita Canyon have reported a wide range of health symptoms including headaches, respiratory problems including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, nasal congestion and throat irritation, eye and skin irritation, heart palpitations, nausea, drowsiness, and fatigue. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has conducted health risk evaluations of the community’s air quality, and the EPA has ordered the landfill operator to expand containment measures.

Who Can File a Claim

Residents of Val Verde, Live Oak, Hasley Hills, and surrounding communities who have been affected by odors, health problems, or property value losses related to the Chiquita Canyon Landfill may be eligible to pursue claims. This includes individuals who have experienced health symptoms linked to landfill emissions, whether they live or work in the affected area, homeowners whose property values have declined, families who have been forced to modify their daily lives due to air quality, and businesses affected by reduced foot traffic or customer avoidance of the area.

Compensation Available

Chiquita Canyon claimants may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses related to health symptoms caused by landfill emissions, loss of property value, loss of use and enjoyment of their homes, emotional distress from living in proximity to a toxic source, utility costs for continuous air conditioning and air purification, and relocation expenses for families forced to leave their homes. Claims may be brought against the landfill operator, the parent company, and potentially government entities that failed to adequately regulate the facility.

The families and workers of Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, Santa Clarita, Val Verde, Live Oak, Hasley Hills, and surrounding communities did not choose to live or work next to a toxic hazard. If landfill emissions are affecting your health or your property, Beverly Wilshire Law APC can evaluate your claim. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a free consultation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.