Council Calls Hearings on Toxic Cargoes

Voicing fears that a “major disaster� is possible on Los Angeles freeways, the City Council on Tuesday called for public hearings to assess the shipment of hazardous materials in highly populated areas.

Several council members said disclosures about the transportation of rocket fuel along the Ventura Freeway have left them wondering how many other potentially lethal materials are being trucked through Los Angeles.

The council’s action was prompted by recent reports that the Air Force had been using the Ventura Freeway to ship nitrogen tetroxide, a highly toxic fuel used in rockets. Although Mayor Tom Bradley says he has received assurances from Department of Defense officials that such shipments will cease, the council approved a petition to the U. S. Department of Transportation demanding an immediate halt.

The City Council has not set the hearing dates.