The De Garmo Street Dump, also known as the Old North Hollywood landfill, is a long-closed landfill located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California. The site operated as a dump from the 1940s to the early 1960s, and was eventually closed due to concerns about groundwater contamination and other environmental concerns.
History of the De Garmo Street Dump
The De Garmo Street Dump was one of several landfills that operated in the San Fernando Valley area during the mid-20th century. At the time, there were few regulations governing the operation of landfills, and many dumps were located close to residential neighborhoods and other populated areas.
The De Garmo Street Dump was used primarily for the disposal of household trash, but also received industrial waste and other types of refuse. Over time, the landfill grew in size, and eventually covered an area of approximately 70 acres.
Environmental Concerns and Closure
As concerns grew about the impact of landfills on the environment, regulators began to crack down on the operation of dumps like the De Garmo Street Dump. In the early 1960s, the site was closed due to concerns about groundwater contamination, air pollution, and other environmental issues.
Despite the closure of the landfill, the environmental impact of the De Garmo Street Dump continued to be felt for many years. In the 1980s, a groundwater plume was discovered in the area around the site, and extensive testing and cleanup efforts have been ongoing ever since.
Current Status of the De Garmo Street Dump
Today, the De Garmo Street Dump is a largely abandoned site, with little activity taking place on the property. However, the legacy of the landfill continues to be felt in the surrounding area, with ongoing environmental testing and remediation efforts.
In recent years, there has been some discussion about potentially redeveloping the site for other uses, such as parkland or commercial development. However, due to the environmental challenges associated with the property, such efforts are likely to be slow and difficult.
Conclusion
The De Garmo Street Dump is a stark reminder of the environmental legacy of the mid-20th century, when landfills like this one were common and regulations were lax. While the site has been closed for decades, the environmental impact of the landfill continues to be felt, and ongoing cleanup efforts are likely to continue for many years to come.