2023-01-17 CC Agenda - Public Communications related to Hyperion....�.-.............................�..........�
HL9HII.....l OOMMN�NIIOA11ON I IE:R...A..i..IED ..I-O TI...II N....q"yII�II................._........._..
I:RN0N
Sandoval, Lili
Subject: FW: Christmas had H2S >70 ppb at Hyperion + headaches/metallic tastes
From: Weaver, Tracy (City Clerk) <tweaver@elsegundo.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2022 7:45 AM
To: Sandoval, Lili <Isandoval@elsegundo.org>; Harada, Patricia <pharada@elsegundo.org>
Subject: Fwd: Christmas had H2S >70 ppb at Hyperion + headaches/metallic tastes
Good morning,
The following string of emails will need to be made public. Please add to the website for residents to view.
Thank you,
Tracy Weaver
City Clerk
Begin forwarded message:
From: Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com>
Date: December 27, 2022 at 7:18:37 AM PST
To: El Segundo Citizens demand clean air <mailto:elsegundo.cleanair@gmail.com>
Cc: Tonya Durrell<mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org>, Adena Hopenstand <mailto:adena.hopenstand@lacity.org>,
mailto:BFerrer@ph.lacounty.gov, mailto:CA37.Casework@mail.house.gov, "Chaaban, Diane"
<mailto:DChaaban @elsegundo.org>, "George, Darrell" <mailto:dgeorge@elsegundo.org>, Hi Sang Kim <mailto:hi-
sang.kim@lacity.org>, mailto:HollyJMitchell@bos.lacounty.gov, mailto:JWaldron@bos.lacounty.gov, John Pickhaver
<mailto:johnpickhaverjr@gmail.com>, Kyle Wheeler <mailto:kyleburtonwheeler@gmail.com>, Lisa Jacobs
<mailto:ljacobs@scng.com>, Michelle Keldorf <mailto:mkeldorf@elsegundoccb.org>, mailto:rad.nowroozi@sen.ca.gov,
Sarah Meyer <mailto:sarahmeyer426@gmail.com>, Timeyin Dafeta<mailto:timeyin.dafeta@lacity.org>, Traci Minamide
<mailto:traci.minamide@lacity.org>, Tyler Evains <mailto:tevains@scng.com>, mailto:WNASTRI@aqmd.gov, ALL
ELECTED OFFICIALS <mailto:ALLELECTEDOFFICIALS@elsegundo.org>, mailto:barbara.romero@lacity.org,
mailto:connor.sheets@latimes.com, mailto:cpc@lacity.org, "Pimentel, Chris (Mayor Pro Tem)"
<mailto:cpimentel@elsegundo.org>, "Pirsztuk, Carol (Council Member)" <mailto:cpirsztuk@elsegundo.org>,
mailto:crangan@ph.lacounty.gov, "Boyles,Drew (Mayor)" <mailto:dboyles@elsegundo.org>, "Sassoon, Elias"
<mailto:esassoon@elsegundo.org>, mailto:Fernando.Campos@lacity.org, mailto:harriet.ryan@latimes.com,
mailto:laura.nelson@latimes.com, "Giroux, Lance (Council Member)" <maiIto: lgiroux@elsegundo.org>,
mailto:matt.hamilton@latimes.com, mailto:mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org, mailto:mhaynes@aqmd.gov, "Nicol, Scot
(Council Member)" <mailto:snicol@elsegundo.org>, mailto:Susana.Reyes@lacity.org,
mailto:tmillerzarneke@elsegundoccb.org
Subject: Re: Christmas had H2S >70 ppb at Hyperion + headaches/metallic tastes Tonya,
I subscribe to the H2S alerts and I've never once gotten an alert. The system does not send out alerts.
This isn't just about H2S, we want to know what other air toxics we are being exposed to which cause a metallic taste in
peoples mouth.
When I talked to the AQMD (some young man, I forgot his name), he said Hyperion hasn't been transparent or easy to
work with. That's very concerning since our town has over 20% of the residents under 18.
-Corrie
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 26, 2022, at 7:45 PM, El Segundo Citizens demand clean air <mailto:elsegundo.cleanair@gmail.com> wrote:
Tonya,
This is actually not a correct statement. The AQMD inspector (Inspector Hayes) was alerted about the H2S by an El
Segundo community member who happened to check the monitors because the stench was so terrible.
Inspector Hayes then came to town, confirmed the odor, and proceeded to the plant to investigate. When he met with
the staff they were unaware that the H2S levels were drastically above your permit guidelines.
It was because of our community members alerting the AQMD of the issue that your staff was alerted..
WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE CONTINUED H2S VIOLATIONS (2 this week!) AND THE NOXIOUS ODORS COMING
FROM THE PLANT AND WHAT IS THE PLAN TO REMEDY?
We are demanding an answer. The plant is poisoning the community, endangering human life, and the continued
negligence and inaction is criminal.
Please advise,
Kyle Wheeler
On Mon, Dec 26, 2022 at 7:16 PM Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Corrie,
As you know, Hyperion did experience a temporary elevation in H2S yesterday. The numbers were back to normal within
an hour and immediately reported to AQMD.
The monitoring system simultaneously relayed the information to El Segundo residents. At the same time, our
operations staff checked odor control equipment and found no issues. Additionally, they conducted an odor survey in
the El Segundo community, and the readings were below five ppb.
Please be assured that these matters have our top priority.
Thank you,
Tonya
On Mon, Dec 26, 2022 at 1:32 PM Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
The press is copied on this email. It's been over a year of inaction and lack of data to what we are being exposed too.
On Christmas Day, it was over 70 ppb H2S and today everyone has headaches and metallic taste in their mouth. There
has got to be other air toxics of concern in the air whenever Hyperion is having operator negligence (see below). There's
a wastewater plant and a biogas plant so you can't tell me I am only being exposed to H2S whenever emission control
equipment breaks down. H2S is not the only pollutant of concern.
Here's an example of sewage causing metal tastes in the mouth and that is why other toxins need to be monitored. My
understanding is a TO-15 was done during an non -odor event for <24 hours, which is a waste of tax payer money. We
want VOCs samples during maintenance upsets so we know what we are being exposed to during breakdowns. This is
criminal to expose our children and seniors to such health hazards for over a year and gaslight us into this just being an
H2S issue:
https://www.cdc.gov/n iosh/h he/reports/pdfs/79-74-
653.pdf?fbclid=lwAROfE_CGvr6gOBCOTH6UTLTnzG89s6v3brR9878ogCmpj9jXOSd3A1HTshU
-Corrie Zupo
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 23, 2022, at 2:59 PM, Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com> wrote:
Okay, thank you. Looks like we all might have a stinky Christmas. Is the pressure gauge also
going to also be fixed and will the water levels be inspected on a maintenance schedule of some sort? That'll let the
operators know ahead of time if the filter is spent. All compliance equipment in the air permit should be stored in the
warehouse at min and max levels. At this point, the system #1 isn't being maintained per the air permit.
-Corrie
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 23, 2022, at 2:20 PM, Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Corrie,
Thank you for your patience as we awaited information from our vendor and AQMD on this issue. The change out of the
saturated activated carbon is scheduled for December 26, 2022. After the change out, the activated carbon filter will be
placed online.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Very best,
Tonya
Tonya Durrell
Public Information Director
LA Sanitation and Environment
Community Services Group
Phone: 213-485-5303
Email: tonya.durrellmailto:pamela.perez@lacity.org
Web: https://Iinkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lacitysan.org%2f&c=E,1,TRTp79uafvj6bnDQiYnD2F3j
xKmIGF-oDI-hTNtJFkQRGIYgReBBL4eZ-8zgbsgLcdMBUMVoXRTcwT9NUkVwSkQZkQmQ9K5ak2H9LrOk&typo=l
24-hour Customer Care: tel://800-773-2489
On Thu, Dec 22, 2022 at 5:11 AM Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Corrie,
I will provide details on any needed repairs and schedule later today.
Thank you!
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Dec 21, 2022 at 11:54 PM
Subject: Re: Hyperion Meeting November 10
To: Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org>
CC: Kyle Wheeler <mailto:kyleburtonwheeler@gmail.com>, Citizens El Segundo
<mailto:elsegundo.cleanair@gmail.com>, George, Darrell <mailto:dgeorge@elsegundo.org>, John Pickhaver
<mailto:johnpickhaverjr@gmail.com>, Michelle Keldorf <mailto:mkeldorf@elsegundoccb.org>, Sarah Meyer
<mailto:sarahmeyer426@gmail.com>, <mailto:barbara.romero@lacity.org>, <mailto:cpimentel@elsegundo.org>,
<mailto:cpirsztuk@elsegundo.org>, <mailto:dboyles@elsegundo.org>, <mailto:esassoon@elsegundo.org>,
<mailto:lgiroux@elsegundo.org>, <mailto:snicol@elsegundo.org>, <mailto:tmillerzarneke@elsegundoccb.org>,
<mailto:mhayes@aqmd.gov>
Hi Tonya,
Thank you for the details but I am unclear on replacement timeline. Will this be fixed before Christmas? My
understanding is activated carbon is just coconut shell material (or filters) that are easily replaced on the day -of (sort of
like a water filter). Usually this item is in the stores inventory. I used to be a contractor at Miller Lite Beer Company and
this was a day -of swap out since it was an inventory item. Any idea when it won't smell like sewage and the filters will be
replaced?
-Corrie
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 21, 2022, at 10:39 PM, Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Good evening all,
In response to the recent inquiries regarding odor complaints at Hyperion, please note that on 12/20, Hyperion staff
became immediately aware of the equipment malfunction of an activated carbon filter installed near the south end of
the Primary Battery D, near the El Segundo side. The unit was installed to augment the Primary Centralized Scrubber
System. Even without the activated carbon filter, the main system-- Primary Centralized Scrubber System, should work
independently for most of the collection and treatment of the foul air from the primary treatment area.
Typically when an activated carbon filter is used up or saturated, it will no longer work properly. The saturated activated
carbon will have to be replaced before the filter resumes its operations. Yesterday, 12/20/2022, the operations staff, in
response to the high H2S reading measured at the Central Monitoring Station, determined that the activated carbon
filter was no longer working effectively. The unit was immediately secured. Hyperion staff are working on replacing the
4
activated carbon and placing the filter back online. Meanwhile, the main, Primary Centralized Scrubber System, is or has
been online doing its function as usual.
As part of our communications protocols, this information was provided to the El Segundo Public Works Director last
night when the event occurred.
Thank you,
Tonya Durrell
Public Information Director
LA Sanitation and Environment
Community Services Group
Phone: 213-485-5303
Email: tonya.durrellmailto:pamela.perez@lacity.org
Web: https:Hlinkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lacitysan.org%2f&c=E,1,0DsD6lK2DoJA8agpb03y9l6
Uayf9fr3iuBgveBRENTXJtF1W_51SzUShZDunV49cfBv5Y-msVbf6f4ogytYlHiGIPVozr9hApAJ_o2dIE_NFgUysfmU,&typo=l
24-hour Customer Care: tel://800-773-2489
On Tue, Dec 20, 2022 at 8:57 PM Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Thank you for your email. We will look into this right away and provide an update as soon as possible.
Tonya
On Tue, Dec 20, 2022 at 8:54 PM Kyle Wheeler <maiIto: kyleburtonwheeler@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi all - adding Mayor Boyles, the El Segundo city council members, as well as the city attorney to this thread because I
want to ensure all are up to speed, as it seems Hyperion doesn't always keep our city in the loop with issues at the
plant.
Tonya,
It's been an awful week on the west side of El Segundo, but today was exceptionally bad. At 10am the entire west side
smelled like human waste. It was nauseating. I called the plant and was told everything was good and they had no idea
why it's been so smelly for the last week or so. Well, at 5pm another wave of the most nauseating odor (human waste)
rolled through town. My second call to the plant today revealed that your NEW scrubber system is no longer operational
and has been completely taken off line. How is this possible? How much tax payer money was wasted on this new
scrubbing system that is no longer in service? And how long will it take to repair?
My question is why does this continue to happen? I run my own business and if I failed my clients as much as Hyperion
has failed El Segundo, and LA city for that matter, I would have been sued so many times I would be out of business.
Where is the accountability? Where is the transparency?
We are not going to just go away. Residents are just getting angrier by the day. As Mrs. Chitlik stated, we are working
closely with Ben Allen, Ted Lieu, and have a meeting with Karen Bass' office to bring them up to speed on the turmoil
the Hyperion plant has put El Segundo through for the last 20 months.
As Mrs. Chitlik previously stated, in short, we are angry and motivated and are in this for the long -haul. I wish that
Hyperion would do the right thing and work with the City of El Segundo.
Sincerely,
Kyle Wheeler
On Mon, Dec 19, 2022 at 9:14 PM Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Tonya,
Happy holidays and happy new year. I don't want to come off rude, because I know you're just doing your job, and I
have been in your shoes when I worked at AES Redondo Beach. It's not fun dealing with angry residents. I don't really
have any questions, but I am angry at the City of LA and LASANS. I think there's a lot of wordsmithing and diluting going
on with the executive teams. The District is systematically complicated, and that is why it's top heavy with upper
management. Usually, the system is designed to wear out and confuse residents, and we eventually give up.
It's winter, so it's not stinky daily, but it was stinky this weekend. I am concerned that this summer time when it heats
up, it's going to be a repeat of 2021 and 2022. This is not going to be our new normal because when I moved here in
2014, it never stunk and the facility was properly maintained (I think). We purchased our home in 2018, and I would
have never invested in a home less than a mile from Hyperion if I new we lived next to a mis-managed facility. The fact
it's the largest wastewater plant in the USA, I just assumed it was properly maintained. Wouldn't you assume the same if
your property tax bill was 5 digits and LASANS increased your sewer rates by 91% in August 2020?
I am angry that every AQMD Hearing Board is a waste of everyone's time. The 12/15 zoom call was uneventful since no
one was prepared and nothing was really resolved. The H2S monitoring system is severely delayed (by hours and
calibrations don't take hours) and unreliable (shows 0 ppm often when it stinks). The H2S limit was last updated in 1969
and it doesn't take into account highly dense residential cities. We don't have fenceline monitoring for other air toxics of
concern (shockingly, I learned in 2019 that this town has a lot of cancer and auto -immune diseases. Two kids have died
since we bought our house).
At this point, this is all just making me more and more angry. We are in conversations with Senator Ben Allen because I
think we are at the point where the State of CA needs to step in. We are also working with USC to study the long-term
impacts of H2S (which isn't my top concern since H2S isn't cancerous, but it's a piece of the puzzle). This is too time
consuming at the local level and we really aren't getting anywhere. I think the City of ES's letters over the past several
months have been rational and fair, but we aren't getting a resolve. The amount of taxpayer dollars that have been
devoted to this on -going issue is highway robbery to the working class and we are just borrowing against our childrens
future.
In short, I am angry and I am motivated to follow this in the long -haul. I wish that Hyperion would do the right thing and
work with the City of El Segundo.
-Corrie
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 19, 2022, at 9:25 AM, Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Good morning all,
6
I hope you are enjoying this season and have a happy new year!
Thank you all again for meeting with us, and let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Tonya Durrell
Public Information Director
LA Sanitation and Environment
Community Services Group
Phone: 213-485-5303
Email: tonya.durrellmailto:pamela.perez@lacity.org
Web: https:Hlinkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lacitysan.org%2f&c=E,1,1RAgWxW8UhhhlbczPJX1Ze
Ohn9plUXtWz8it4pPFFeHTil8aDWctR592lj4eERiTrxesaquEtYa0Hux82R8klstZloVgBzptgTxaToln45zg85WB_SebiGBhg„&t
ypo=1
24-hour Customer Care: tel://800-773-2489
On Thu, Nov 10, 2022 at 11:41 AM Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Oh, no. I hope things are okay. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Tonya Durrell
Public Information Director
LA Sanitation and Environment
Community Services Group
Phone: 213-485-5303
Email: tonya.durrellmailto:pamela.perez@lacity.org
Web: https:Hlinkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lacitysan.org%2f&c=E,l,zlNsfgfMgR4XfsksnKmpTFT2
arG4AX661nBQ7PNEPx3swiytlntCgnr6WSU1CsNsAxYMy8QjcHJKPaOBFrkhlNaH692ukAM13z8WMb4byQ„&typo=l
24-hour Customer Care: tel://800-773-2489
On Thu, Nov 10, 2022 at 11:12 AM Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Tonya,
I had two work emergencies pop up and I can't attend. I apologize for the last minute cancellation. Sarah, John, and
Michelle are still able to attend. We appreciate the meeting!
-Corrie
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 9, 2022, at 12:07 PM, Corrie Chitlik <mailto:corriezupo@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Tonya,
Confirmed and thank you. I copied the other attendees as well.
Best regards,
Corrie Zupo
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 9, 2022, at 10:59 AM, Tonya Durrell <mailto:tonya.durrell@lacity.org> wrote:
Hi Corrie,
This email is to confirm our meeting scheduled for tomorrow, November 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m..
Please see the meeting information below and share it with your guests:
a Enter through Gate C located off the intersection of Vista del Mar and Hyperion Way.
o Security will greet you at the entrance and will request to see your government -issued ID.
o Please notify security that you are part of the Hyperion meeting, and they will direct you where to park.
Thank you so much, and we look forward to meeting with you!
Tonya Durrell
Public Information Director
LA Sanitation and Environment
Community Services Group
Phone: 213-485-5303
Email: tonya.durrellmailto:pamela.perez@lacity.org
Web: https://Iinkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lacitysan.org%2f&c=E,1,67IDllXpv_wGXMa47FXMzo
_FA2XzTAhapu5VjdXXFz5E5tod-mwL_ DBgNGvUviNHPyefZV15mvWJllacBzZoQKery8MuwV6tQhEXgo7cuxT94E,&typo=1
24-hour Customer Care: tel://800-773-2489
Tonya Durrell
Public Information Director
LA Sanitation and Environment
Inline image