Santa Susana Backgrounder
4
SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY The site of the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory and the surrounding Simi Hills once provided land, wildlife, plants and trees to support Native American tribes who inhabited this region. The modern world has been substantially shaped by technological breakthroughs at the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory. A rocket engine test and energy research site for federal government programs, Santa Susana was where thousands of workers tested rocket engines used to defend the country, land on the moon, and launch satellites for GPS and cell phones. It was also a test site for advanced energy research programs. After more than 50 years of operation, rocket engine testing ceased in 2006. Nuclear research ended in 1988. These past operations, which occupied approximately one-fifth of the 2,850- acre site, left residual chemical and radiological contamination in soil and groundwater. Numerous health studies conclude that there is no evidence that past operations have affected the health of the local community. Boeing, NASA and the Department of Energy are conducting thorough environmental investigations in preparation for the cleanup of the Santa Susana site. They have addressed contamination in soil, groundwater and stormwater with interim cleanups, furthering progress toward restoration. Boeing performs investigation and cleanup work pursuant to a consent order under the direction of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC); the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board regulates its stormwater permit compliance. Santa Susana is home to abundant wildlife, endangered plant species and Native American cultural resources. The site lies within a critical habitat linkage connecting California’s coastal and inland mountain ranges. Boeing’s goal is a cleanup that is protective of people, wildlife, habitat and cultural resources. The company regularly consults with community members, elected officials and environmental groups to achieve this goal. In April 2017, Boeing recorded a conservation easement covering nearly 2,400 acres of the site to ensure it is never developed for residential or agricultural use, and is forever preserved as open space habitat. QUICK FACTS WHAT Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a 2,850-acre former rocket engine and energy test center WHERE Simi Hills, 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles WHO The Boeing Company, NASA and the Department of Energy are responsible parties WHEN Interim cleanup is ongoing and soil cleanup is slated to start in 2019 WHY Protect human health and the environment, and preserve open space to protect natural and cultural resources Santa Susana Backgrounder | 1
Transcript of Santa Susana Backgrounder
SANTA SUSANAFIELD LABORATORY
The site of the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory and the surrounding Simi Hills once provided land, wildlife, plants and trees to support Native American tribes who inhabited this region. The modern world has been substantially shaped by technological breakthroughs at the former Santa Susana Field Laboratory. A rocket engine test and energy research site for federal government programs, Santa Susana was where thousands of workers tested rocket engines used to defend the country, land on the moon, and launch satellites for GPS and cell phones. It was also a test site for advanced energy research programs. After more than 50 years of operation, rocket engine testing ceased in 2006. Nuclear research ended in 1988.
These past operations, which occupied approximately one-fifth of the 2,850-acre site, left residual chemical and radiological contamination in soil and groundwater. Numerous health studies conclude that there is no evidence that past operations have affected the health of the local community.Boeing, NASA and the Department of Energy are conducting thorough environmental investigations in preparation for the cleanup of the Santa Susana site.
They have addressed contamination in
soil, groundwater and stormwater with
interim cleanups, furthering progress
toward restoration. Boeing performs
investigation and cleanup work pursuant
to a consent order under the direction
of the Department of Toxic Substances
Control (DTSC); the Los Angeles Regional
Water Quality Control Board regulates
its stormwater permit compliance.
Santa Susana is home to abundant wildlife,
endangered plant species and Native
American cultural resources. The site lies
within a critical habitat linkage connecting
California’s coastal and inland mountain
ranges. Boeing’s goal is a cleanup that is
protective of people, wildlife, habitat and
cultural resources. The company regularly
consults with community members,
elected officials and environmental
groups to achieve this goal.
In April 2017, Boeing recorded a
conservation easement covering
nearly 2,400 acres of the site to ensure
it is never developed for residential
or agricultural use, and is forever
preserved as open space habitat.
QUICK FACTS
WHAT Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a 2,850-acre former rocket engine and energy test center
WHERE Simi Hills, 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles
WHO The Boeing Company, NASA and the Department of Energy are responsible parties
WHEN Interim cleanup is ongoing and soil cleanup is slated to start in 2019
WHY Protect human health and the environment, and preserve open space to protect natural and cultural resources
Santa Susana Backgrounder | 1
SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY
Where is the former Santa Susana Field Lab?The 2,850-acre site straddles remote hills at the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties between Chatsworth and Simi Valley, about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
What’s special about the site?Santa Susana is a crucial piece of a vital habitat linkage that connects the inland Los Padres National Forest to the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It was occupied by Native Americans, who left artifacts and pictographs; a portion of the site is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Santa Susana was the proving ground for rocket engines that launched America into space and helped win the Cold War. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics identifies it as a historic aerospace site. It is a unique part of the cultural, environmental and technological fabric of California and the United States.
What does it look like today?Santa Susana is a vast hilltop natural area dominated by sandstone cliffs and featuring oak woodlands, scrub and meadows, with valley and mountain vistas. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions and raptors roam wild. A handful of decommissioned rocket engine test stands dot the landscape. Nearly 90 percent of Boeing and DOE buildings were removed as operational activity was phased out between 1988 and 2006. As cleanup progresses, environmental and conservation organizations, community groups, and high school and college students increasingly use the land for environmental research and restoration. Boeing hosts frequent bus tours and guided hikes to share the site’s historical significance and cleanup progress.
Who owns it?Boeing acquired 2,398 acres in 1996 when it purchased Rockwell’s aerospace and defense unit. The DOE leases 90 acres of Boeing’s land, and the U.S. government owns 452 acres, administered by NASA. All three parties are responsible for environmental cleanup.
For what was the site used?Energy research experiments, including leading-edge nuclear, solar and sodium technology development, and rocket engine testing occurred at the site.
From where did the contamination come?Space exploration and protecting the United States during the Cold War were national priorities. Santa Susana was at the center of these efforts. Solvents containing volatile organic compounds were used to clean rocket engine test equipment and ensure testing could be performed safely. Some of these solvents seeped into soil and groundwater.
Santa Susana was also a center of excellence for advanced energy research and testing. Detectable levels of radioactive contamination from this research remains in soil on about one percent of the property.
FAQs
Santa Susana Backgrounder | 2
SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY
What’s being done to clean it up?Boeing is conducting investigations and interim cleanup measures while building the scientific basis for cleanup pending final regulatory approval. Boeing is committed to completing a cleanup that is protective of human health and the environment, consistent with Santa Susana’s future as open space habitat. Thus far, Boeing has accomplished:
What is the timeline for cleanup?
In 2007, Boeing, NASA and the DOE signed a comprehensive cleanup agreement (consent order) with the DTSC. Boeing continues to meet all of its obligations to implement the consent order. Efforts to remove contamination from the site began three decades ago and the final soil cleanup is slated to start in 2019. Here are key next steps in the process:
• Boeing completes risk assessment reports.
• The DTSC releases the draft site-wide Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
• The public provides comments on the draft EIR.
• The DTSC responds to comments and approves the final EIR.
• The DTSC evaluates Boeing’s Corrective Measures Study.
• The public provides comments on the Corrective Measures Study.
• The DTSC responds to comments and makes the final cleanup determination.
• Boeing begins long-term groundwater cleanup and monitoring.
• Boeing completes soil cleanup.
What happens after cleanup?North American Land Trust holds a conservation easement that permanently preserves nearly 2,400 acres of the site as open space habitat. The preservation of Boeing’s property as open space habitat will benefit local plants and animals, and allow for the protection of cultural resources.
Is Santa Susana safe?Yes. Numerous health studies have determined the site does not pose a risk to workers or the community. The DTSC has confirmed repeatedly that Santa Susana is safe for visitors and workers, and does not pose a threat to people in the surrounding community. Boeing completed several interim cleanups while studying the site extensively to identify certain areas that require cleanup. These evaluations show that the current condition of Boeing’s portion of Santa Susana is safe for people to visit for multiple walks and tours over many years. Is the site radioactive?The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a $42 million radiation survey of Area IV, the parcel of land that the DOE is responsible for cleaning up. The survey found low levels of residual contamination from past nuclear energy research in approximately 40 acres in Area IV. Measurements show that the radiation levels are often lower than naturally occurring levels measured in nearby off-site locations. To read the EPA’s study, visit http://1.usa.gov/13XFe6C.
FAQs
45,000 cubic yards of soil removed or treated
38,000+ soil and groundwater samples analyzed
260 monitoring and extraction wells installed
300+ structures dismantled
3 stormwater treatment systems built
900 acres of land restored
1 groundwater treatment system built
Santa Susana Backgrounder | 3
SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY
SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY
Is the site suitable for open space habitat?
Yes. There is substantial precedent for preserving Santa Susana as open space habitat. The U.S. EPA estimates that about one in four contaminated sites nationwide are converted to ball fields, picnic sites, open space and hiking trails.
Boeing partners with established organizations that share its vision. In addition, leading universities are engaged in environmental research at Santa Susana. And the National Park Service is studying the possibility of including the site in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area as part of its Rim of the Valley study.
Will the cleanup be enough?
Yes. Cal-EPA experts have confirmed that cleanup under the 2007 consent order will safeguard public health. Boeing is in compliance with the consent order and is committed to a cleanup that is protective of human health and the environment.
CONTACT
5
Santa Susana Backgrounder | 4
KAMARA SAMSEnvironmental Community Relations
The Boeing Company
w | 818.466.8793
#santasusanaopenspaceFor more information, please visit:www.boeing.com/santasusana
Front page photo courtesy of John Luker, SSMPA.
Copyright © 2017 Boeing. All rights reserved. RMS 307574 7/17
