For greater than 90 years, Avalon Clear has operated quietly, successfully, and compliantly in South Los Angeles. The fourth-generation, woman- and Black-owned enterprise has served as a behind-the-scenes environmental steward, defending LA’s water, economic system, and public well being. Now, its very existence is threatened, not by air pollution or misconduct, however by a controversial zoning reclassification that would power the ability to close down operations.
“Our function locally is that we’re a silent guardian,” stated Reid Lathan, Vice President of Avalon Clear. “We defend the infrastructure that permits us to benefit from the comforts of life. We defend the water that you simply drink on daily basis. We defend the meals that you simply devour on daily basis.”
The guts of Avalon’s operation lies in industrial tank cleansing and wastewater pretreatment, providers important to meals producers, transportation fleets, and public establishments like LAUSD, SoCal Edison, and emergency response groups. When January wildfires struck LA, Avalon stepped in to pre-treat firefighting foam and contaminated pool water. These supplies require particular dealing with; Avalon’s pre-treatment ensured correct dealing with with out polluting native waterways.
The corporate holds a number of permits with LA County Sanitation, Public Works, and the South Coast Air High quality Administration District. Every company has reviewed and accepted Avalon’s operations all the way down to the dish cleaning soap used to wash tank exteriors. “That’s the extent of scrutiny we face,” stated Lathan. “We work hand in hand with Public Works and Sanitation. Our compliance report is robust.”
Regardless of this, Avalon was abruptly flagged by the Division of Regional Planning in 2023, accused of working a sewage remedy and disposal facility and violating zoning legal guidelines. This reclassification occurred after Avalon supported the Chiquita Canyon Landfill with wastewater remedy. All regulatory companies had signed off, besides Regional Planning, which claimed the corporate’s use didn’t align with the positioning’s zoning. “It was a blatant misclassification,” stated Lathan. “We’re not a sewage remedy and disposal plant. And no different corporations within the space which have industrial remedy permits are labeled this manner.” Avalon sends its liquids to a remedy and disposal plant.
This reclassification comes amid broader efforts to rezone industrial land in Los Angeles for potential housing growth. Avalon helps equitable growth however contends that the choice to reclassify its land with out correct dialogue contradicts LA County’s personal commitments to industrial job safety and environmental fairness. “It’s extremely disheartening,” stated Lathan. “To listen to from clients that Regional Planning is telling them Avalon received’t exist quickly, with out ever reaching out to us straight, is devastating. It isn’t simply painful for our household enterprise, its unsettling for all the group and ecosystem that is dependent upon us.”
If the June third zoning listening to doesn’t resolve in Avalon’s favor, litigation often is the solely recourse. However the stakes are greater than one enterprise’s survival. The closure of Avalon would ship 1000’s of gallons of business wastewater tons of, typically 1000’s, of miles away for remedy in much less regulated municipalities. That shift would improve carbon emissions, elevate prices, and undermine California’s environmental objectives.
“We have already got the infrastructure right here,” stated Lathan. “To say ‘simply transfer’ is financially and logistically not possible. This isn’t nearly us. It’s about what sort of environmental technique we would like as a area.”
The corporate employs 25 folks and serves as a coaching floor for native highschool graduates. Operations Supervisor Calvin Pinkoson ensures programs operate at full capability. “My job is ensuring we don’t get complacent,” he stated. “Every thing we do right here is above board, and we do an excellent job.”
Marketing consultant Ezunial Burts III, a USC alum, lifelong resident of LA County, and longtime affiliate of the Lathan household, sees Avalon as important infrastructure for South LA. “This can be a multigenerational legacy rooted in mentorship, training, and group empowerment,” stated Burts. “Avalon treats greater than water, it builds careers, uplifts communities, and protects the well being of individuals throughout South LA. In the event you care about clear water and native jobs, you then care about Avalon.”
The corporate is just not asking for particular remedy, just for recognition, equity, and a seat on the desk. “Let’s make smarter zoning insurance policies that distinguish between polluters and protectors,” Lathan stated. “Let’s not outsource our environmental duties. Let’s maintain options right here, the place they belong.”
To be taught extra, go to https://www.avalonclean.com/
