Carson has decided to speed up the implementation of rules regarding air pollution.
Late in 2017, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), put a new rule in place requiring the eight refineries located in Los Angeles County to install monitoring systems by 2020.
However, Al Robles, the mayor of Carson, is dissatisfied with the measure, and demanded that the fence-line monitoring devices be installed at the Andeavor refinery, previously Tesoro, sooner than the date required by SCAQMD. The Carson City Council agreed with him in a 5-0 vote, and the city is ready to sue the district if it refuses to comply.
Carson’s leaders are considering the action because they are concerned that pollution in Carson is not currently monitored, and that Carson residents could be exposed to toxic chemicals from nearby refineries.
Mayor Robles started the resolution because the district is already working on a monitoring project for a refinery in Torrance. Robles says it is easy for pollution to cross city boundaries, and he wants Carson to get the same priority that Torrance is receiving.
Sunny Soltani, the city attorney for Carson, wrote that the city is considering taking action against the district to compel it to install monitors in line with projects already installed or ongoing in nearby communities.
Measures like this can have a significant impact on a community, so officials might consider working with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for residents, to keep them updated on developments.
