Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

IRWINDALE - Azusa, Baldwin Park, Duarte and Irwindale announced their opposition to a plan by the EPA to dump debris left by the Eaton Fire in an open field near the San Gabriel River and are working to shut down the operation.

The Environmental Protection Agency has already prepped and set up operations at the Lario Staging Area, 15701 E. Foothill Blvd. The above-mentioned cities alleged they did not receive advanced notification about the debris processing site, nor were the cities given the opportunity to register concerns about potential soil, water and air contamination.

The site is slated to open early this week for the collection and processing of hazardous household debris, including lithium electric vehicle batteries.

“While the Cities are completely in solidarity with our neighboring communities, we are extremely disappointed with the lack of respect to our local residents for not being notified of the EPA’s clean up efforts and having toxic materials transported to our backyards,” according to the City of Duarte in a written statement, adding “the Cities will work to formally oppose this site, as well as mobilize efforts to shut down the site as soon as possible.”

Eric Nold, on-scene coordinator with the EPA, is working at the Lario processing site and said “We don’t want to do any of this type of activity out there in the middle of the community.”

Debris is slated to be brought in daily via backroads to avoid the freeways.

The Lario Staging Area is adjacent to the San Gabriel River Bikepath, frequented by bicyclists. To the north are the San Gabriel Canyon spreading grounds and Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area to the south.

The EPA has outlined measures to minimize the impact of the debris to be processed at the site, including spill control measures, continuous perimeter, air monitoring, water trucks to reduce visible, dust emissions and plastic lining to be applied to all material processing areas.

Debris will be sorted into appropriate waste streams and packaged for proper shipment and disposal.

Duarte officials are working with Senator Rubio’s Office to host a town hall in Duarte and allow residents to voice their concerns. More information about this forum is underway, according to Duarte officials.

In the meantime, residents concerned about the processing site are urged to express concerns by calling the USEPA at 1-833-798-7372.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

IRWINDALE - Police jailed another arson suspect, the second to reportedly ignite a fire in less than a week.

The suspect, Maninder Singh, a 33-year-old Baldwin Park resident, allegedly ignited a fire in a flood control channel that runs under Arrow Highway just east of the 605 freeway January 17. First responders were sent to the fire around 7 a.m., according to the Irwindale Police Department.

Los Angeles County Firefighters doused the blaze.

Singh was booked on suspicion of arson and possession of drug paraphernalia. Los Angeles County Fire Department Arson Investigators later joined the investigation, according to the Irwindale Police Department.

“This marks the second arson-related arrest in Irwindale this week. With ongoing fires and a state of emergency in Los Angeles County, we urge all residents to avoid using flammable materials in riverbeds and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of our community,” according to the Irwindale Police Department in a written statement.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call Irwindale Police Detective Leonard Garza at 626-430-2290.

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The arrest record in this article is being redistributed by SGV CityWatch and is protected by constitutional, publishing and other legal rights. Arrest information is public record and was distributed by government sources. The person named in this article has only been arrested on suspicion of the crime(s) listed and is presumed innocent.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

IRWINDALE - A Toyota Corolla crashed, killing the front passenger and injuring the driver early Monday morning.

The crash occurred in southbound lanes of Irwindale Avenue just north of Ornelas Street just before 12:30 a.m. January 13. The Corolla struck the western curb and rolled over in front of a business in the 5400 block of Irwindale Avenue, according to the Irwindale Police Department.

Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics declared the passenger dead at the scene. The driver was taken to a hospital.

The driver and passenger were the only people inside the crashed car. No other vehicles were involved.

It is unclear what caused the driver to crash.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is urged to contact Irwindale Police Traffic Investigator Officer Shawn Cory at 626-430-2244 or by email at [email protected].

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

IRWINDALE - A Baldwin Park man is accused of lighting multiple fires near the 605 freeway Sunday afternoon.

The suspect, 29-year-old Ruben Montes, was witnessed by firefighters as he was lighting flames along Rivergrade Road and the 605 Freeway January 12. Firefighters were originally called to the area around 12:30 p.m., according to the Irwindale Police Department.

It is unclear if the fires Montes allegedly lit caused any damage.

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The arrest record in this article is being redistributed by SGV CityWatch and is protected by constitutional, publishing and other legal rights. Arrest information is public record and was distributed by government sources. The person named in this article has only been arrested on suspicion of the crime(s) listed and is presumed innocent.