If you’ve been affected by the Avenal Regional Landfill disaster, seek medical care, track your symptoms, keep copies of medical records and other documentation, and contact Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys to learn about your legal options.
We are available 24/7. Reach out to us to speak with an Avenal personal injury lawyer to learn more about the situation and what you should do.
What Is Happening at the Avenal Regional Landfill?
In September 2026, residents of Avenal, California, filed a lawsuit against Waste Connections US, Inc. and Madera Disposal Systems, Inc., alleging ongoing environmental problems connected to the Avenal Regional Landfill that have impacted their health and quality of life.
The lawsuit says the landfill is about 500 feet from the nearest residence and that about 14,000 people live within 1.5 miles of the site. Residents have reported health concerns and disruptions to their daily lives.
The Avenal Regional Landfill is a permitted municipal solid waste facility located at 1200 Skyline Boulevard in Avenal. CalEPA says the landfill is subject to federal, state, and local requirements involving air emissions, water quality, hazardous materials, and waste. Multiple agencies have been involved in inspections, enforcement, and community concerns related to the facility.
Avenal Regional Landfill Complaints
In 2025, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District investigated 26 complaints, most about the odors coming from the landfill. The investigation identified surface leaks, which led the agency to issue a notice of violation. The facility was reported to have returned to compliance in September 2025.
While state records show that regulators have investigated the landfill for several years for odor complaints, landfill gas concerns, and other environmental issues, this is separate from the allegations made in the 2026 lawsuit.
How Has the Avenal Landfill Affected Residents?
The lawsuit filed by Avenal residents alleges that noxious odors and gases from the landfill have affected people living nearby. According to the lawsuit and local reporting, residents have reported headaches, nosebleeds, respiratory problems, heart-related concerns, and other health issues.
These reported health problems should not automatically be treated as proof that the landfill caused a particular condition. Health symptoms can have many possible causes.
If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be related to environmental exposure, it is important to speak with a medical professional and explain the conditions you have experienced.
The issue may also affect a person’s quality of life. Persistent odors or concerns about air quality may affect how residents use their homes and outdoor spaces. If you believe your health, property, or daily life has been affected, keeping records of what you have experienced can be important. Omega Law Group can also explain your legal options.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed?
If you believe you have been affected by conditions at the landfill, start documenting what you experience. A detailed record can help show when problems occurred and how they affected you.
Keep a Record of Symptoms and Odors
Write down when you notice strong odors and how they impacted you and others who may live with you. Include things like the date, time, location, how long the problem lasted, and any symptoms you experienced. Photos and videos may also be useful when they can safely document conditions around your home or property.
Seek Medical Care
If you or your loved ones are experiencing health issues that may be related to the landfill, it’s important to seek medical care. Be specific with your health care provider about the environmental impact.
Keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, test results, and other documents related to your care.
Save Other Records
Keep copies of complaints you make to government agencies, communications with the landfill or other organizations, and any responses you receive. You should also save property records, cleaning expenses, repair bills, and other documents that may show how the situation affected you.
Can You Report Problems With the Avenal Landfill?
Residents can report environmental concerns to the agencies responsible for overseeing different aspects of the landfill. CalEPA says several agencies have been involved in the Avenal Regional Landfill matter, including:
- The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
- California Air Resources Board
- State Water Resources Control Board
- Kings County Local Enforcement Agency
- CalRecycle
- Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
- CalEPA
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Keeping records of complaints and agency responses may help document what residents like you have experienced.
Could You Have a Legal Claim Related to the Avenal Landfill?
Whether you will have a legal claim will vary based on the landfill’s impact on your life and the losses you’ve incurred. Environmental cases can involve different types of losses, including health-related expenses, property damage, loss of use or enjoyment of property, and other documented harm.
These cases can also require more evidence than a typical personal injury claim. Medical records may need to be reviewed along with environmental information, agency records, property records, and evidence about when and where a person was exposed.
The current lawsuit involves allegations against Waste Connections US, Inc. and Madera Disposal Systems, Inc. Being a resident of Avenal or living near the landfill does not automatically mean that someone has a claim or is part of that lawsuit. Your circumstances will need to be reviewed individually.
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(310) 526-8383 What Evidence Could Help With an Avenal Landfill Claim?
If you believe you have been affected, preserve the information you already have. Useful records may include:
- Medical records and bills.
- Prescription and treatment records.
- A written symptom or odor journal.
- Photos and videos.
- Property records.
- Cleaning, repair, or other related expenses.
- Environmental complaints.
- Communications with government agencies.
- Communications with the landfill or other organizations.
- Air-quality or environmental testing results.
- Statements from people who witnessed the conditions.
Do not assume that you need to conduct your own environmental testing or determine what substance caused a symptom. Instead, preserve the information available to you and let qualified professionals evaluate and gather further evidence.
How Can You Get Help if You’ve Been Affected by the Avenal Regional Landfill?
If you believe the Avenal Regional Landfill has affected your health, property, or quality of life, contact Omega Law Group to learn more about the situation and available options.
Omega Law Group offers free consultations, has more than 20 attorneys, and is available around the clock to receive calls from prospective clients. Spanish-language assistance is also available.
An attorney can review the circumstances of your situation and help you understand whether the evidence supports a potential legal claim. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing up front. You do not need to determine the cause of an environmental problem or identify every potentially responsible party on your own.
Get in Touch With Omega Law Group If You’ve Been Affected by the Avenal Regional Landfill Disaster
If you live near the Avenal Regional Landfill and believe you have been affected, start by taking care of your health and keeping records of what you experience. Document odors and other conditions, preserve medical and property records, and keep copies of complaints and communications.
The Avenal Regional Landfill is still being reviewed by government agencies, and a lawsuit has also been filed. Because the claims in the lawsuit have not been proven in court, it is important to keep records of what happened and get legal advice before deciding what to do next.
If you believe you have been affected, contact Omega Law Group, a firm that emphasizes individualized attention and a client-first approach, to learn more about the Avenal Regional Landfill issue and whether you may have options to pursue a claim.
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