Lineage Logistics estimates it will spend between $80 million and $100 million to remediate a Boyle Heights cold storage warehouse site following a June 17 fire, as air quality regulators demand stricter legal action to address ongoing odor and vermin issues. The company released its cost projection hours before a scheduled hearing with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
The SCAQMD has received over 4,000 odor complaints since the 500,000-square-foot warehouse caught fire, leading to at least 20 violation notices for public nuisance against Lineage. Air district attorneys petitioned the SCAQMD's hearing board to impose more than 80 new requirements for ongoing remediation, including measures to mitigate the pervasive stench and attractant for pests.
During the hearing, over 100 attendees voiced concerns, with residents from Southeast Los Angeles County reporting sickness due to the constant odor of rotting food. Tiff Sanchez, an organizer with East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice, described the aftermath as a "public health catastrophe" and urged the SCAQMD to implement permanent abatement orders to ensure Lineage's accountability.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, in a video statement, supported the proposed cleanup mandates, acknowledging the crisis facing Boyle Heights residents. She emphasized the urgent need for actionable measures, noting her direct engagement with the community and the severity of the odors, which she described as unprecedented.
Lineage has been tasked with removing approximately 88 million pounds of spoiled food and debris. Company officials stated their commitment to rapid remediation, indicating the cleanup is about 80% complete, and highlighted deployed measures such as odor-control systems and pest traps. Food waste has been transported to multiple landfills.
Teenage resident Bella Hernandez shared her summer project of surveying neighbors about health issues linked to the smoke and odors, expressing concern for the upcoming school year. She reported that nearly everyone surveyed experienced negative health impacts, including respiratory and ocular irritation, and sleep disturbances, stating, "We deserve clean air and a safe place to live."
