Thursday, June 25, 2009

Breaking News: City of Cerritos Issues Statement Regarding EPA Findings. Residents urged to attend City Council Meeting TONIGHT at 7 p.m.

Seen:
Suspected Toxic Site in Santa Fe Springs, California.
Randy Economy Photo

Here is more Breaking News regarding the EPA Findings about the City of Cerritos. This was issued this afternoon by the City of Cerritos. I want to urge all residents to attend tonight's meeting.
Randy Economy
City of Cerritos investigating EPA findings

From the City of Cerritos, CA:
The City of Cerritos is investigating the Environmental Protection Agency National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment report that indicates a Cerritos neighborhood has the greatest national potential risk for cancer caused by pollution.

The issue will be discussed at the City Council meeting to be held at 7 p.m. on June 25 in the Cerritos City Council Chambers. The meeting will be cablecast live on Cerritos TV3 and streamed over the City’s website.

According to EPA officials, the source of the pollution is a company based in Santa Fe Springs. The affected area is limited to a small area in the northeastern section of the City.

Sam Atwood with the South Coast Air Quality Management District said, “At this point we don’t see any indication that the cancer risk and air pollution would be any higher in the City of Cerritos than in the surrounding areas.”

The City was not informed in advance about the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment.

The City will take every possible action to investigate the issue and ensure the safety of the community.

The City of Cerritos constantly works to protect the environment. The City’s environmentally progressive programs are outlined below.

Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station at the Corporate Yard: The City constructed a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the Corporate Yard in 2007.

Compressed Natural Gas Trucks: The City has purchased three fleet vehicles through Clean Air Grants and is awaiting a contract to receive a $25,000 Clean Air Grant to purchase a new boom truck for tree trimming and traffic signal repair.

Compressed Natural Gas Street Sweepers: All vehicles used by the City’s Street Sweeping contractor are CNG powered.

CalMet Trucks Powered by Compressed Natural Gas: The City’s trash hauler CalMet is operating only CNG or other alternative fuel refuse collection vehicles in Cerritos.

COW Buses Run on Propane: All City buses under the COW program are propane dedicated vehicles.

Recycled Water: Each year, the City conserves approximately 815 million gallons of potable drinking water through the Cerritos Recycled Water Distribution System.

Electric Utility: The Magnolia Power Project is recognized as one of the cleanest producers of electricity anywhere. The City receives 10 mega-watts from the facility, which is enough power to provide energy for at least 2,000 average homes. The facility replaces two older power plants in Burbank. The new plant is twice as efficient and produces 90% less emissions than the old plants.

Tree City USA: In February 2009, the City of Cerritos was named Tree City USA for the eleventh consecutive year. The award is given by the United States Department of Forestry and the Arbor Day Foundation to cities who practice proper tree maintenance and preservation techniques, and for outstanding community forestry programs. In Cerritos, nearly every home has a City tree planted in its parkway and approximately 250 young trees are planted each year to replace those that are damaged or aged.

Cerritos Forestation Project: The City has received a $100,000 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Grant to provide funding to plant 900 trees throughout Cerritos.

Streets Paved with Rubberized Asphalt Made From Used Tires: Several of the City’s arterial streets were paved with rubberized asphalt made partially from used tires mixed into the asphalt. Artesia Boulevard, South Street, Bloomfield Avenue, Studebaker Road, Carmenita Road and Marquardt Avenue were all paved using the method, diverting literally tens of thousands of used tires from landfills.

Walking Tracks Made From Used Tires: Two rubberized walking/running tracks at CPE and Liberty Parks are made partially from recycled tires. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 used tires were used to make these two tracks.

Solid Waste Recycling Program: New diversion rates in Cerritos exceed the State’s mandated 50% diversion requirement. In fact, residential diversion numbers in the City are now running at about 62%.

Traffic Signal LED Lamp Replacement Program: The City recently completed a program to change out all of the traffic signal lamps with LED lamps, which save at least 60% in energy.

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