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Suit calls Avenal Regional Landfill an ongoing environmental disaster for residents

AVENAL, Calif. (FOX26) — Residents of Avenal have filed a lawsuit against Waste Connections and Madera Disposal Systems alleging an ongoing environmental disaster at the Avenal Regional Landfill.

The landfill is about 500 feet from the nearest residence, and the entire town of about 14,000 people lives within 1.5 miles of the site, according to the lawsuit.

The filing describes the situation as another example of elevated surface temperatures posing urgent risks to the health and safety of nearby residents.

Residents say noxious odors and toxic gases from the landfill have led people living in surrounding city neighborhoods to experience headaches, nosebleeds, respiratory issues, and heart problems, among other harms.

The lawsuit also alleges residents have been forced to stay inside their homes and avoid using their yards to escape the odors and related health effects.The community has been advocating for environmental justice and speaking out about the landfill’s impact, according to the lawsuit.

The community has been advocating for environmental justice and speaking out about the landfill’s impact, according to the lawsuit.