Sunshine Canyon

Re “Sunshine Canyon Extension Is a Clean, Safe Alternative,” April 25.

Dan Tempelis states that recycling programs have diverted more than 47% of materials from landfills but then segues into a discussion of the need for more space in Sunshine Canyon Landfill. What he doesn’t mention is that Browning-Ferris Industries has already destroyed acres of oak forest on the operating county-side landfill--degraded land that can hold 70 million tons of garbage, enough space to last 35 years. Why the rush to add landfill capacity at this time?

Tempelis also refers to Sunshine Canyon as isolated. It is far from isolated but lies close to residential areas of Granada Hills and Sylmar and near Santa Clarita communities. The BFI proposal to expand back into the city of Los Angeles would put it within a quarter-mile of residences and schools. Far from being environmentally sound, the landfill and its consequent traffic pollute the air; leachate from the landfill percolates downhill into water treatment facilities. It’s a terrible site for a landfill!

BARBARA IVERSEN, Granada Hills