South Coast Air Quality Management District Orders Odor Controls and Expands Port Emissions Deal

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) hearing board approved a modified abatement order for Lineage Logistics, requiring the company to intensify odor‑control measures at its burned‑out cold‑storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The 90‑condition order mandates removal of at least 10% (minimum 8.8 million pounds) of food waste weekly, limits exposed waste to 30 minutes, uses odor neutralizers, maintains negative air pressure, and adds monitoring for VOCs, ammonia, fine particulates, formaldehyde and other contaminants. Lineage must also complete a disinfecting process within seven days of waste removal and provide bilingual public outreach.

In a separate action, the AQMD Governing Board unanimously approved an addendum to its 2025 cooperation agreement with the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The update introduces new incentives for cleaner ships and zero‑emission trucks, and allocates $40 million (split equally between the ports) for regional charging and fueling infrastructure. The board set enforceable deadlines and financial penalties for missed milestones, aiming to further reduce emissions from goods movement and improve air quality for surrounding communities.