Since 2016, the Tulare Lake Compost facility has been converting Southland sewage sludge into high-grade organic fertilizer, and sparing L.A. County the bother of burying its waste in local landfills. Area water managers and government officials acknowledge that if Tulare Lake Compost were flooded, the resulting contamination could trickle into groundwater and contaminate streams and rivers throughout the region. Once the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi, Tulare Lake was drained — its waters siphoned and diverted by farmers — at the end of the 19th century. “We’re actively preplanning our [California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection] crews along with our law enforcement,” said Carrie Montero, public information officer for Tulare County. Doug Verboon, a Kings County supervisor, said he has been working closely with Tulare Lake Compost amid larger flood preparations.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 07, 2023 06:27 UTC