California has filed a lawsuit against the operators of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic, alleging repeated failures to properly manage hazardous waste that have resulted in environmental contamination and health problems for nearby residents. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, targets Texas-based Waste Connections, Chiquita Canyon LLC, and Chiquita Canyon Inc., which manage the landfill located on Henry Mayo Drive.
Attorney General Rob Bonta, announcing the action on Tuesday, said the defendants have consistently violated state hazardous waste laws by mishandling leachate—a toxic liquid byproduct generated by an underground, smoldering garbage fire at the site. The fire, initially confirmed in 2023, has expanded significantly, causing numerous spills and leaks that have polluted local natural resources, according to the lawsuit.
“Protecting the environment and safeguarding Californians requires quick and effective action from the Chiquita Canyon Landfill’s owners and operator,” Bonta stated. “For too long, the Chiquita Canyon Landfill has done the opposite, which has resulted in numerous spills of leachate and other violations of our state’s hazardous waste laws.”
The 639-acre landfill ceased accepting waste as of January 1, 2025, but its operators remain responsible for managing ongoing issues, including the underground fire, closure processes, and post-closure activities. The fire, which has caused subsurface temperatures to soar above 212 degrees Fahrenheit, has now spread over approximately 90 acres—more than four times its size in 2022—raising concerns about potential destabilization of a landfill hillside.
The lawsuit warns that the heat event has released millions of gallons of leachate containing hazardous substances such as benzene and methyl ethyl ketone, both at times exceeding dangerous thresholds. This contamination has affected nearby communities, including Val Verde, which is situated about 1,000 feet northwest of the landfill. Residents have reportedly experienced symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to respiratory irritation, nausea, and sleep disturbances.
Several schools in proximity to the landfill serve roughly 6,700 students, including Headstart Preschool, Playmakers Preschool, Live Oak Elementary, Santa Clarita Valley International Elementary, and multiple middle and high schools throughout the area.
Chiquita Canyon has denied the allegations, stating that many claims lack merit and emphasizing its compliance with regulatory requirements. The company affirmed it has worked closely with California regulators to develop a comprehensive hazardous waste management program and indicated it intends to defend itself against the state’s accusations.
The state is seeking civil penalties and both preliminary and permanent injunctions to compel compliance with hazardous waste laws and prevent further violations. Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) has expressed concern that in a worst-case scenario, the landfill’s unstable hillside could liquefy and slide into surrounding communities, potentially causing significant environmental and health impacts.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in containing environmental hazards posed by the landfill’s underground fire and managing the risks to thousands of nearby residents and students in the Santa Clarita Valley region.