Hazardous waste investigation spreads in Monterey County

UPDATE: 2/9/2018 2:48 p.m. Monterey County health officials have found two more sites where people illegally dumped hazardous waste.

In January, the health department investigated two cases of illegal dumping in Marina and Gonzales.

In total, 58 barrels of hazardous waste have been located at four different locations within the county.

“Thanks to the call we received from the public, we are aware that there may be as many as 70 barrels total disposed,” said the Monterey County Health Department.

The public is advised to not touch the barrels or any liquids that may be leaking from the drums.

If you have any information regarding the illegal dumping call the health department at 831-755-4639.

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1/22/2018 4:50 p.m.: The Monterey County Health Department is investigating two cases of steel drums being dumped on the side of the road.

Sometime between January 16-17, someone dumped 34 drums off of Blanco Road near Reservation Road in Marina. Another 18 drums were found east of the landfill on Johnson Canyon Road in Gonzales.

The Monterey County Health Department believes the two cases could be related.

“The drums themselves look similar, they’re old, rusted,” said Maria Ferdin, supervisor of the Solid Waste Services division of the Monterey County Health Department. “There are no markings, specifically what the material inside the drums were and where they originated. And the proximity of the reporting, we kind of think they are related. The material that was found, dark, black tar like substances, viscus in material, it had a petroleum odor to them, that’s why we think they’re related.”

Health department inspectors responded to both sites, secured it against public exposure and removed the contaminated soil.

Samples were taken to help identify what the waste is, but no word yet, only that they think it could be hazardous waste.

They also want the public’s help identifying whoever is responsible for something they called “shocking.”

“I’ve seen solid waste, you know just simple garbage that people throw out and just the frequency of the disposal of solid waste,” Ferdin said. “But this specific disposal, was kind of shocking to me and this is one of the reasons why we’re asking the public for help.”

The health department said it now has to properly dispose of the waste, which can be costly and come out of the pockets of taxpayers.

If you saw anything in those areas on January 16 or 17, or recognize the drums, the health department wants to hear from you. You can call (831) 755-4505.

ORIGINAL POST: The Monterey County Health Department said it needs the publics help tracking down who’s responsible for illegally dumping 55 gallons of hazardous waste in the county.

Someone left 34 drums filled with hazardous waste off of Blanco Road near Reservation Road in Marina and an additional 18 drums were found on Johnson Canyon Road in Gonzales, according to health officials.

“Most rums, at both sites, were found on their sides leaking black tar-like material onto the ground,” said Monterey County Health.

The Health Department is investigating and asking the public for help identifying the car(s) and or people responsible for the illegal disposals. Officials believe the hazardous waste was dumped between January 16 and 17.

Anyone with information can contact the health department at 831-755-4505.