CCAEJ Applauds Jurupa Valley City Council for Passing North Pyrite Canyon Development Moratorium

Jurupa Valley, CA — The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) applauds the Jurupa Valley City Council for taking decisive action to protect public health and environmental safety by passing a moratorium on new development within the North Pyrite Canyon area.

The moratorium halts new land-use approvals and development activities while the City undertakes a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and further analysis of potential risks associated with the area’s proximity to the Stringfellow Superfund Site—one of California’s most significant hazardous waste cleanup locations. The North Pyrite Master Plan Area encompasses approximately 215 acres downstream from the Stringfellow site, which received millions of gallons of liquid hazardous waste over several decades.

“This decision reflects responsible governance and a clear commitment to community health,” said Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of CCAEJ. “For too long, residents have raised concerns about environmental contamination, land-use compatibility, and cumulative impacts in North Pyrite Canyon. By approving this moratorium, the City Council is sending a strong message that development should not move forward until we have full transparency, scientific analysis, community engagement, and assurance that people and the environment will be protected.”

CCAEJ has long advocated for precautionary approaches to land-use decisions in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly those adjacent to legacy contamination sites. The organization emphasized that pausing development allows for meaningful public engagement, rigorous environmental review, and informed decision-making based on health and safety—not speculation or pressure to fast-track projects.

“The moratorium creates the space needed for facts to guide policy,” Gonzalez added. “Communities deserve confidence that decisions affecting their neighborhoods, water, air, and land are grounded in science and long-term sustainability.”

CCAEJ looks forward to continued collaboration with residents, City leaders, and regulatory agencies throughout the EIR process and urges transparency, community input, and accountability as the City evaluates the future of North Pyrite Canyon.

About CCAEJ

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental justice, community empowerment, and the protection of human health in underserved communities. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing, CCAEJ works to address environmental issues and create sustainable and equitable communities for all. For more information, please visit www.ccaej.org or follow us on social media platforms @ccaej.