Contaminant Hydrogeological Conditions at the Tajiguas Landfill (2001)

HTO fought against the expansion of the Tajiguas Landfill beginning in 2001. The landfill is sited on the pristine Gaviota Coast and Pila Creek runs through the trash mass and out to sea. We put up a considerable fight, and all we got for our efforts was the agreement by the County Board of Supervisors that Tajiguas would close in 20 years. During the time, Tajiguas was in the process of being expanded.

We hired geologists to study the landfill and potential leakage of pollutants to the ocean through Pila Creek. Meanwhile carefully tracking water quality at nearby streams and beaches. This chart shows groundwater infiltrating the trash mass up to 100 feet. Santa Barbara County Public Works has always taken issue with this geologic chart, because the measurements are approximate, and as the State Geologic Board explained to HTO, approximations are not allowable in studies for projects of this magnitude. In addition, the County maintains it has added efficient dewatering technology as well as energy generation.