The cleanup of a fire-damaged Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights has produced intense odors and health complaints from neighbors. Lineage is removing about 85 million pounds of decomposing food after work began July 6, with a 45-day deadline. The South Coast AQMD has logged over 900 odor complaints, issued multiple citations, and on July 17 demanded more than two dozen additional odor-control measures, ordering an implementation plan by July 21 or possible court action.
Los Angeles Cites Lineage Logistics After Boyle Heights Cleanup Emits Foul Odor; Residents File 900+ Complaints
Photo Credit: iStock
Residents near a fire-damaged Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, say the site's cleanup has become an ongoing health and quality-of-life crisis as the smell of decomposing meat blankets the neighborhood.
What officials say
Crews began removing roughly 85 million pounds of spoiled food from the damaged facility on July 6. Lineage's Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Rivera, told a town hall that the company was working as quickly as possible and expected to meet the 45-day removal deadline set by Mayor Karen Bass.
Regulatory action and complaints
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has stepped up enforcement after receiving more than 900 odor complaints connected to the site and after residents filed more than 720 complaints directly to local outlets. The AQMD has issued multiple citations (reports cite six) under public-nuisance rules that bar emissions causing injury or widespread annoyance; those violations can carry fines from $1,000 to $75,000 per day.
On July 17 the AQMD sent Lineage a formal demand letter requiring more than two dozen additional odor-control measures—such as using neutralizers on waste-hauling trucks, daily cleaning of loading surfaces, applying a crusting treatment over waste, and sealing decomposing food before removal. Regulators ordered the company to submit a detailed implementation plan by July 21 and warned they could pursue court action if the parties cannot reach a settlement.
Impact on residents
Neighbors report persistent foul odors so strong they keep windows closed, keep children indoors, and sometimes experience breathing difficulties. Jaime Ramirez described the smell bluntly: "Have you ever smelled a dead animal in the street? It's like that."
Sabino Soto, 70, who lives next to the warehouse, said: "It stinks in the house in the morning." He told reporters the odor made him so nauseated he missed work as a school crossing guard. Residents also report increased pest activity—rats entering and exiting the site after dark and fly traps filling quickly with hundreds of insects. Many say porches sit empty, streets are quieter, and they fear the smell may persist when students return to school in August.
Company response and next steps
Lineage says crews are working to remove waste and control odors using enclosures and misting systems, but residents and regulators say current measures have not been sufficient. The AQMD's demand letter prescribes more stringent controls and daily oversight; the agency has reserved the option to escalate enforcement in court if Lineage’s implementation plan does not address the violations.
How to report
Officials urge anyone experiencing odor, smoke, or dust issues to report them to the South Coast AQMD by calling (800) 288-7664, filing a report at www.aqmd.gov/complaints, or using the AQMD mobile app.
Bottom line: Cleanup of the Boyle Heights warehouse is underway, but residents, regulators, and Lineage remain at odds over whether odor-control measures are adequate. The AQMD has set a short deadline for a firm plan and could pursue legal action if the company fails to comply.
Help us improve.
