Hyperion Sewage Spill

What Happened?

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 11, 2021, sewage overflowed to the surface of the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (“Hyperion Plant”) and covered the surface operations and streets. The surface release of raw sewage creates hazardous by-products and releases harmful chemicals like hydrogen sulfide directly into the atmosphere. The polluting gases, chemicals, and odors are blown from the Hyperion Plant to nearby properties in El Segundo. Many families are now sick from the odors, and some are being forced to relocate.

Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, LA Sanitation (LASAN) also released 17 million gallons of contaminated sewage and wastewater directly into the Pacific Ocean where residents continued to use the beach and send their children to beach camp without any knowledge of the release into the ocean. The cleanup of the raw sewage at the surface will continue for weeks and thus continue to create noxious odors that cause residents to suffer from irritation and discomfort while at home.

What Are My Options?

The noxious odors may make living in your home unbearable. LASAN is required to compensate you for the costs to relocate or install air conditioning. LASAN should also be required to compensate you for the loss of your ability to enjoy your home and for the adverse health impacts caused by the noxious odors. Our law firm will help you obtain full compensation.

While relocating may seem extreme, it might be the best option for short-term exposure. Relocation is not easy or cheap. That’s why you need to speak with a lawyer. Joining the lawsuit against LASAN can help protect your rights.

Time is of the essence because there is a short six-month window to act against LASAN to protect your rights. If you fail to act quickly, you may lose the ability to collect maximum compensation for your suffering.

How To Get Protection From the Raw Sewage Release At The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant

Contact Bloom Injury law to protect your family and recover from the loss of your ability to live peacefully and comfortably in your own home. Contact us today for a free review of your case if you believe LASAN exposed you or your family members to noxious odors.

What is the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant?

The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant (“Hyperion Plant”) has been operating since 1894 and is the oldest and largest sewage treatment facility in the city of Los Angeles. Hyperion is located in southwest Los Angeles, adjacent to the city of El Segundo. On average, more than 280 million gallons of wastewater is processed and treated daily at the Hyperion Plant.

What Did They Know?

LASAN operates the Hyperion Plant and discovered overwhelming quantities of debris that caused sewage to overflow onto the surface. LASAN then released 17 million gallons into the ocean 18 hours before public disclosure, leaving people using the beach subject to untold exposures. Without notice of the release into the ocean, people continued to swim in the water, and children participated in summer camps at the beach. As a result of the surface release and the release directly into the ocean, residents near the Hyperion Plant were exposed to unknown chemicals, bacteria, and viruses.

Why Is Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure Dangerous?

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smell. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. In addition, hydrogen sulfide is produced by bacterial breakdown of organic materials and human and animal wastes (e.g., sewage).

Hydrogen sulfide is both an irritant and a chemical asphyxiant with effects on both oxygen utilization and the central nervous system.

Moderate concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can cause severe eye and respiratory irritation (including coughing, difficulty breathing, accumulation of fluid in the lungs), dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

What Are Symptoms of Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure?

Nausea
Vomiting
Respiratory Distress
Anxiety
Dizziness
Eye Irritation
Nose Irritation
Throat Irritation

What Is Bloom Injury Law Firm Fighting For?

On August 2, 2021, Bloom Injury Law Firm filed a government claim against LASAN for its release of raw sewage at the surface and into the ocean. The release of raw sewage created noxious odors, which are making residents sick when at home, and forced some families to relocate.

Anyone living in El Segundo may be impacted. The lawsuit seeks to recover monetary damages for your loss of the ability to live in your home and for your health care now and in the future and to remediate homes contaminated by noxious odors. Contact Bloom Injury Law Firm to discuss your claim against LASAN.