Roughly 80% percent of rotting food waste has been removed from the Lineage Logistics Inc. warehouse in Boyle Heights that was heavily damaged in a recent fire, company representatives reported Monday.
Cleanup began July 7 following the June 17-24 fire at the cold-storage facility at 1400 Los Palos St., and Lineage’s goal of completing bulk food waste removal from the site is next week, a company statement said.
Work continues around the clock to speed up the cleanup in an attempt to reduce odors, protect public health and provide direct assistance to impacted residents, according to Lineage.
The fire is said to have started because of solar panel maintenance on the warehouse roof by contractor Altus Power Inc., but authorities have not officially determined a cause. The seven-day blaze sent thick smoke into the air and prompted officials to warn nearby residents to stay inside. The city, county and state issued local emergency declarations in the subsequent days, and area residents have complained of noxious odors and other adverse effects from the fire.
The LA County Department of Public Health investigated the warehouse on July 15 and identified violations that remained outstanding. Inspectors discovered an accumulation of decaying organic waste, wastewater and food residue in two different freezers, as well as live and dead flies in several areas of the facility. At least 20 fly larvae were on the exterior plastic sheeting along the northern perimeter wall, on the nearby sidewalk and on the street along Union Pacific Avenue.
The county has ordered Lineage to:
- Remove and properly dispose of all fire-damaged food, putrescible waste, and other decomposing organic materials from the property in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations;
- Eliminate all actual and potential fly breeding sources, including accumulations of organic debris, contaminated liquids, and any other materials capable of supporting fly development;
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to remove residues that may attract or support flies and other vectors;
- Implement effective vector control measures, including treatment of active breeding areas by a licensed pest control operator; and
- Take all necessary measures to prevent flies originating from the property from migrating to neighboring properties or creating an ongoing public health nuisance.
Health officials said they were monitoring corrective actions and conducting regular inspections to make sure Lineage was complying with the orders. The Public Health Department also issued a directive to the company on June 29 requiring mitigation work in Boyle Heights and other communities affected by the warehouse fire and decaying food.
Last week health officials said penalties would increase from $500 for each citation to up to $2,000 a day for ongoing health violations at the site.
The company reported its community support efforts total more than $3.3 million.
Lineage has a webpage with updates and information about the warehouse disaster.
