Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 9
Bass Sets Aug. 13 Deadline for Lineage to Clear 39 Million kg of Rotting Food
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 9

Bass Sets Aug. 13 Deadline for Lineage to Clear 39 Million kg of Rotting Food

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 9

Summary

  • Aug. 13 is the deadline Mayor Karen Bass gave Lineage to finish removing 39 million kg of rotting food left after the June 17 Boyle Heights warehouse fire.
  • 80% of the waste had been removed by Monday, up from 60% on July 31, but Bass said the company's response had "fallen short" on communication, transparency and public engagement.
  • $500-a-day county citations and city public health and safety violation notices have piled up as the stench, flies and reports of large rats disrupted nearby homes and businesses.
  • Lineage said crews are working around the clock and expects bulk food-waste removal next week, with total cleanup costs estimated at $80 million to $100 million.
  • Bass also told city departments to halt any warehouse rebuilding plans until community health and safety concerns are addressed.

Insights

Who will ultimately foot the $100 million bill for the rotting meat disaster that suffocated a Los Angeles neighborhood?
Why were vulnerable residents left breathing hazardous fumes for months while corporations argued over who was to blame?
Could a simple rooftop solar test have triggered the catastrophic fire that left 85 million pounds of toxic decay?