Waste Management Statement Regarding CDPH/CALEPA Meeting
Kettleman City, CA, April 15, 2010 — In response to the California Department of Public Health and California Environmental Protection Agency’s meeting with Kettleman City residents tonight, Helen Herrera, community relations manager for Waste Management’s Kettleman Hills Facility, issued the following statement:
“Waste Management continues to support the state’s efforts to investigate the community’s health concerns and examine all potential environmental exposures in the area. Our highest priority is the health and safety of all residents in Kettleman City and Kings County.
WM’s Kettleman Hills Facility is one of the most highly regulated sites in California and is in compliance with all local, state and federal standards and requirements. Data collected to date consistently shows that no adverse health impacts to the community exist as a result of WM’s facility or proposed project.
As the investigation continues, WM is standing by to assist the state agencies, including providing data or helping with public education efforts locally.”
Waste Management’s (WM) Kettleman Hills Facility has been an integral part of the Kings County Community for more than 28 years. The facility is permitted to handle municipal solid waste and hazardous waste, both of which are heavily regulated, monitored and controlled by more than 10 local, state and federal government agencies. The facility’s staff includes 60 full-time employees, many of whom are active in the community. In addition to its community contributions and significant volunteer efforts, Waste Management provides a benefit to the local economy of more than $17million annually with a $3.7 million annual payroll. WM also contributes nearly $3 million per year directly to the Kings County General Fund through disposal fees. For more information, visit our website at www.kettlemanhillsfacts.com.