Since early 2022, the Chiquita Canyon Landfill (CCL) has been experiencing a subsurface reaction in an inactive area of the landfill. This reaction has interfered with the gas collection and control system, leading to increased emissions of landfill gases and odors. Nearby community members have reported thousands of odor complaints, along with health complaints such as headaches, dizziness, irritation of eyes, nose or throat, coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sleep problems. In addition, ongoing exposures to these unpleasant odors from landfill gases may cause mental stress, including feelings of anxiety, helplessness, discouragement, sadness, or depression.

In response, multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue working together with the owners of Chiquita Canyon Landfill and have taken actions to control, monitor, and reduce the landfill gases and unpleasant odors from the reaction area.