At a recent Talega Board meeting, several members raised concerns about the recently published Public Review Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the Prima Deshecha Landfill operations expansion. This report is available for public review at https://oclandfills.com/sites/ocwr/files/2026-01/_Public%20Review%20SEIR%20to%20EIR%20575_Compiled.pdf
Is this of concern to you?
The SEIR evaluates a proposal to double the landfill’s permitted daily waste intake from 4,000 tons per day to 8,000 tons per day, with up to 36 emergency days allowing up to 10,000 tons per day. This increase would occur gradually without expanding the landfill’s physical footprint or requiring new construction at the 1,530-acre facility adjacent to our community.
The environmental review assesses potential impacts across multiple categories, including air quality, noise, odors, traffic, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology, and biological resources. While the report concludes that no significant new impacts beyond those previously analyzed are anticipated with existing mitigation measures, concerns remain regarding potential effects on quality of life for Talega residents, particularly related to odors, air pollution, and cumulative environmental impacts.
The Talega Maintenance Corporation provides this information for Owner consideration.
A copy of the letter that Talega Maintenance Corporation sent regarding Prima Deshecha Landfill operations expansion can be viewed HERE.
The public review period of this proposed expansion is currently ongoing, with the public comment period open until March 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Final SEIR certification and project approval by the Orange County Board of Supervisors is expected in spring or early summer 2026. Members who wish to express questions, comments, or concerns should contact the appropriate authorities directly:
- Leila Barker, CEQA Manager, OC Waste & Recycling: OCWR at CEQAReview@ocwr.ocgov.com
- Thomas D. Koutroulis, Director, OC Landfills at tkoutroulis@oclandfills.com
- Katrina Foley, Fifth District Supervisor at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
Thank you for your engagement in matters affecting our community.
Footnote: Please note that the Talega Master Association’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) expressly prohibit the Association from engaging in any political activities, including those intended to influence governmental actions affecting areas inside or outside our community boundaries. As a result, the Association is unable to take any direct action, provide recommendations, or coordinate collective responses on this matter.