Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is pressing for the immediate removal of 85 million pounds of rotting food from a destroyed Boyle Heights warehouse, citing an “unbearable” odor and ongoing health concerns for nearby residents. While the city has mandated a 45-day cleanup window, progress has stalled due to a dispute between the site operator, Lineage Logistics, and Altus Power, which owns the solar panels on the roof and has demanded a halt to demolition to preserve potential evidence.
Did You Know? The warehouse fire, which began on June 17, resulted in a tripling of emergency room visits in the surrounding Boyle Heights area during the days the facility burned.
Why the Cleanup is Stalled
Lineage Logistics, which operates the cold storage facility, claims it was prepared to begin demolition on Friday morning to prevent fire flare-ups. According to Greg Lehmkuhl, the president and CEO of the company, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that the company does not need to halt work for fire investigation purposes. However, Lineage reports that Altus Power has demanded a work stoppage to protect the solar array as potential evidence.
The city, meanwhile, maintains that it has not ordered a halt to operations. In a response to Lineage, the mayor’s office stated that no court order is preventing the company from removing debris. The city is urging both parties to prioritize the removal of the food waste, which officials identify as the primary source of the ongoing environmental impact on the neighborhood.
The Impact on Residents
The odor from the decomposing food has persisted, affecting the daily lives of those living near the site. Resident Jose Leyva reported experiencing headaches and nausea, expressing uncertainty about the progress of the remediation efforts. Public health data confirms a spike in hospital visits during the initial fire, and city leaders are now calling on Lineage to provide support for health centers and community organizations, as well as funding for temporary housing for those most impacted.
What Happens Next
Lineage has stated that debris is pre-treated and ready for transport to landfills, with plans to work through the holiday weekend if permitted. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado has called for all involved parties, including Altus Power and property owners, to cooperate immediately to ensure the community is not held hostage by ongoing liability disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the odor in Boyle Heights?
The odor is caused by 85 million pounds of rotting food remaining inside the cold storage warehouse that was destroyed by fire on June 17.
Why has the cleanup work stopped?
Lineage Logistics reports that Altus Power, the owner of the rooftop solar panels, demanded a halt to demolition to preserve evidence. The city maintains that no court order prevents the removal of the food waste.
What is the mayor’s current position?
Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order requiring the cleanup to be completed within 45 days and is demanding that Lineage Logistics provide support for residents and local health organizations.
How should the city balance the need for a thorough fire investigation with the immediate health concerns of the surrounding community?
