Southern California tribes are banding together to fight a proposed 308-acre landfill that would be located near the Pala Indian Reservation, according to an article published by KPBS on June 4.
The tribes contend the landfill, to be called the Gregory Canyon Landfill and Recycling Center, will destroy the land and contaminate groundwater and the San Luis Rey River. The Pala Band says the land is also a sacred pilgrimage site.
Gregory Canyon Ltd. says the tribe’s “sacred land” claim is false, that tribal members have never had access to the site or used it for tribal gatherings.
San Diego County voters approved the landfill in 1994 and again in 2004.
I would like to say to the Tribes in Southern California to really fight this landfill. There is a landfill adjacent to my tribe - Port Gamble S'Klallam in Washington State and it has leached onto our reservation - whereas we are unable to use almost 400 acres of land. That is a substantial amount, especially since our reservation is so small. Plus there is concern that it may go down to our beaches - where we harvest shellfish. There is the constant worry of cancer and other diseases, in which there have been many many people diagnosed with cancer. Please don't allow it near your reservations if for nothing else - HEALTH AND SAFETY.
ReplyDeleteMarie H.
Thanks Marie! i would love to have you send a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers outlining your experience. I am the environmental director at Pala and can be reached at 760-891-3515 or llamb@palatribe.com
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