Councilmember Lee asked the City Attorney to seek an immediate halt to acceptance of potentially hazardous soil and ash from recent wildfire debris at the Sunshine Canyon Landfill, saying new test results indicate the material may contain hazardous heavy metals and other contaminants.

“Based on new information that has been reported, I believe this warrants an immediate consideration under rule 23,” Lee said, asking that the city seek to stop landfill acceptance pending additional testing and oversight. Lee cited reporting that the California Department of Toxic Substances Control found ash with high concentrations of heavy metals — including lead — and said residents living near the landfill are alarmed.

Council voted to make the Rule 23 findings needed to hear the special motion and to take public comment on it; the roll call on the findings was recorded as 13 ayes. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Monica Regas. Members debated whether to continue the matter for further committee review.

Lee told colleagues that the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) had said it would test for asbestos and remediate if found, but would not test certain materials left behind on private properties; Lee said that raised concerns about the six-inch scrape-and-collect method the Corps planned to use. He also cited a rise in complaints about the landfill and notices of violation received by the operator over recent years.

After public comment and discussion, the council voted to continue the related agenda item to Feb. 25 to allow more public input and to give staff, outside agencies and the City Attorney time to coordinate next steps. The continuation vote in the chamber was close and reflected split views about process and urgency.

Why this matters

Sunshine Canyon serves areas of the northern San Fernando Valley; residents in nearby Granada Hills and Sylmar raised concerns about air quality and hazardous material handling. The issue involves multiple jurisdictions and agencies, including the Army Corps, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, county regulators and the landfill operator, Republic Services.

What’s next

The City Attorney will coordinate with outside agencies and staff to produce a written report and proposed next steps before the item returns to the council on Feb. 25. Councilmembers asked for more testing details, a clearer chain of custody for debris, and stronger oversight before any landfill acceptance resumes if hazardous material is suspected.