Santa Susana Field Laboratory Environmental Cleanup and Closure News Feed

DTSC Letter in Response to City of Simi Valley

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 PST

DTSC April 3, 2013, letter citing no evidence of off-site contamination from SSFL. Letterhead copy of the original email. (PDF)

Clarification of facts pertaining to NASA-administered property at SSFL

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:00:00 PST

NASA provides clarification (PDF) to recent inaccuracies made in letters and by media.

NASA Office of Inspector General Releases an audit regarding NASA’s Environmental Remediation Efforts at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:00:00 PST

The NASA OIG has released an audit (PDF) regarding NASA’s Environmental Remediation Efforts at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory.

NASA Releases 2012 Year in Review

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:00:00 PST

The 2012 Year in Review summarizes the activities of a year of progress in the cleanup of land NASA administers in two areas of Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). We continue to make frequent contact during the year with community members and interested stakeholders.

Meeting notes from the NASA SSFL Consulting Party Meeting October 30, 2012

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wednesday, 30 Jan 2013 08:00:00 PST

Notes from the October 30, 2012 NASA SSFL Consulting Party Meeting have been posted.

SSFL FieldNOTE – January 2013

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:00:00 PST

Our third update (FieldNOTE) about cleanup at SSFL is now available. This one highlights field surveys that help us characterize the natural habitats on the site and provides information for our Environmental Impact Statement.

ISRA Excavation and Removal of "ELV" Soils Has Begun

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Tue, 13 November 2012 08:00:00 PST

To undertake some Interim Source Removal Action (ISRA) activities in the Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) Service area in NASA-administered Area II before the onset of seasonal rains, NASA has begun excavation and removal of some surface soils. The area being excavated is the southwestern portion of the ELV-1C area.

NASA Has Received Closure Certification from DTSC for Three Groundwater Treatment Units

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:00:00 PST

NASA has received Closure Certification from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for three Hazardous Waste Management Units on NASA-administered property at Santa Susana Field Laboratory. The Bravo Groundwater Treatment Unit (GWTU), the Delta GWTU, and the RD-09 GWTU, including the associated pipelines between the groundwater extraction wells and the GWTUs are considered closed by DTSC under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

NASA posts links to RFI reports

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:00:00 PST

The previously submitted RFI reports for Groups 2, 3, 4, and 9 (which include the NASA sites at SSFL) can be found in the RFI - Soils section of the DTSC Document Library

Meeting notes from first NASA "Section 106" Consultation Meeting March 1, 2012

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:00:00 PST

Notes from the March 1, 2012 Section 106 Consultation Meeting have been posted.

Update on NASA’s National Environmental Policy Act Compliance for Santa Susana Field Laboratory

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 18 Jul 2012 08:00:00 PST

NASA remains committed to a proposed cleanup to background that will meet the Administrative Order on Consent between DTSC and NASA.

We received comments from Senator Boxer and the Council on Environmental Quality regarding the evaluation of alternatives for the preparation of our Environmental Impact Statement. As a result, NASA has chosen to streamline its review in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and analyze only the alternatives of (a) cleanup to background and (b) the “no-action” alternative.

Complete Update

SSFL FieldNOTE – May 2012

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 PST

We are now providing periodic updates about our cleanup at SSFL. This one is about our Field Sampling Plans, which we have undertaken at the direction of, and in coordination with, DTSC.

Slides from NASA Community Informational Meeting of March 27, 2012

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 PST

At the March 27, 2012 Community Informational Meeting, these slides were presented.

NASA's NEPA Community Informational Meeting - March 27, 2012

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

This meeting will provide updates on the results of surveys and other data NASA is gathering as it prepares its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Draft EIS is expected to be provided to the public for review and comment in late summer 2012.

NASA Releases 2011 Year in Review

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST

The 2011 Year in Review summarizes the activities of a year of progress in the cleanup of 451.2 acres that NASA administers in two areas of Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). NASA is committed to a cleanup of these areas to a level protective of public health and the environment and to ongoing outreach to and communication with the public.

NASA NHPA Section 106 Consultation Process Has Begun

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 PST

NASA is preparing for the NHPA Section 106 consultation process and is seeking interested community groups and members of the public to become consulting parties. Individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in the effects of the undertaking on historic properties may request to become consulting parties. For more information on this process and to request consulting party status, please see the NHPA Section 106 page on this site.

EIS Comment Period Has Closed

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 PST

The official comment period to submit remarks on NASA's 'scoping' of its Environmental Impact Statement ended September 19, 2011. If you have questions on any aspect of NASA's EIS process or about NASA's cleanup of the site, or if you would like to be added to the distribution list for future electronic updates, please contact Merrilee Fellows at 818.393.0754 or by email at mfellows@nasa.gov.

Federal Register Publishes SSFL NEPA Notice of Intent

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 PST

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)’s required Notice of Intent (NOI) to conduct public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NASA-administered portion of Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) has been published in the Federal Register.

NASA Announces On-site Project Manager for the Santa Susana Field Lab (SSFL)

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 PST

NASA is pleased to announce our selection of Peter Zorba as NASA’s Remedial Project Manager for Santa Susana Field Lab. This selection reflects the need for a highly qualified full-time NASA presence at the site as we continue to move into increasingly active remediation of the site.

SSFL FieldNOTES – April 2011

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 PST

The April edition of the SSFL FieldNOTES newsletter is now available online.

Santa Susana Community Bus Tour – April 16, 2011

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:00:00 PST

Boeing, NASA, and DOE invite you to attend a bus tour of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory on Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NASA Releases 2010 Year in Review

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 PST

NASA reviews a year of progress in the cleanup of federally-administered lands at Santa Susana Field Lab. We are grateful for the involvement of so many local residents and we look forward to an active year of cleanup in 2011. The Year in Review 2010 contains a brief summary of highlights of the past year.

NASA Signs an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with DTSC

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 PST

NASA signed an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) on Dec 6, 2010. The AOC defines the process for characterization and the cleanup of soils at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL).

NASA Completes Interim Soil Removal Action Excavation at Ash Pile/Sewage Treatment Plant

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:00 PST

In recent months, NASA has been excavating soils on the federally-administered property known as the Ash Pile/Sewage Treatment Plant area. The initial excavations were completed in October and confirmation samples were taken to confirm that all soils with levels above the targeted levels (known as “soil remediation goals” or, more colloquially, “ISRA cleanup goals”) had been removed. Those sampling results required a few additional removals. That was completed and again confirmation samples were taken. On November 22, 2010, NASA presented this most recent ISRA confirmation sample data to the RWQCB and DTSC. Results for NASA primary samples and split samples analyzed by the RWQCB were below (that is, better than) ISRA cleanup goals. Site restoration (recontouring the excavated areas and hydroseeding) for these ISRA excavations is planned to be completed by early December.

NASA Interim Soil Removal Action Update Nov. 9, 2010

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 PST

On November 9, 2010, NASA presented an update on recent and future Interim Soil Removal Action ("ISRA") actions. The presentation, by Randy Dean, a NASA contractor with CH2M Hill, emphasized recent actions at the area known as AP/STP (Ash Pile, Sewage Treatment Plant) which targeted dioxin removal. The work is nearly completed, awaiting the results of confirmation samples. Should the samples indicate that minor excavation is still necessary, that will be performed, followed again by confirmation samples. The three targeted "removal" areas each contained some oak trees or included area below the drip lines of oak trees. In response to requests from the public, this presentation shows the particular care that was taken to protect the oak trees as excavations were performed.

NASA Announces Additional Soil Cleanup at Santa Susana Field Lab

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:00:00 PST

NASA Press Release SSFL10-002 announcing additional soil cleanup at Santa Susana Field Lab.

DTSC announces public meetings on the Agreements in Principle between DTSC and NASA and between DTSC and DOE

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:00:00 PST

The California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) invites public comment on the draft Agreements in Principle (AIP) and draft Confirmation Sampling Protocol that have been negotiated with the Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA. For more information on the upcoming public meetings on the agreements in principle, please read the Notice of Public Comment Period.

Joint Settlement Framework between NASA and the State of California

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:00:00 PST

A "Joint Settlement Framework Agreement in Principle between The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the State of California Regarding Cleanup of Areas I and II of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory Administered by NASA" was announced on September 3, 2010. The elements of this framework will be implemented following development of an Administrative Order on Consent.

The Final Version of the ICRMP Is Now Available

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:00:00 PST

The Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP) for federally owned property at Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) is NASA's mechanism for complying with historic preservation requirements set forth in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The final version of this ICRMP (PDF) is now available.

Santa Susana Community Tours Available – June 26, 2010

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:00:00 PST

Boeing, NASA, and DOE invite you to attend a tour of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory on Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1 - 4:30 p.m.

NASA Information on Disposal of ELV Soil

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:00:00 PST

The DISPOSAL of NASA ELV AREA SOILS sheet outlines the technical basis and supporting evidence for NASA's conclusion that the soils identified for cleanup and disposal adjacent to the Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) Area are hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, and that the out-of-state disposal facilities identified are appropriate for disposal of these wastes.

Update: Additional Soil Cleanup at Santa Susana Field Lab ELV Postponed

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:00:00 PST

Questions regarding waste disposal have been raised. NASA voluntarily postpones the start of cleanup. NASA and Boeing are working with DTSC to resolve concerns and move forward.

NASA Community Information Session, May 4th in Chatsworth 6-9pm

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:00:00 PST

NASA announces a community information session on the NASA Environmental Investigations & Cleanup of areas it administers at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory. For more information, please see the Community Information Session announcement. (PDF)

NASA Announces Additional Soil Cleanup at Santa Susana Field Lab

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:00:00 PST

NASA Press Release SSFL10-001 announcing additional soil cleanup at Santa Susana Field Lab.

NASA's Draft Group 9 RI Report Now Posted by DTSC

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:00:00 PST

The Group 9 Remedial Investigation (RI) report was submitted by NASA to the DTSC on November 30, 2009. The public comment period has not yet begun. Here is the link to the Document on the DTSC webpage: DTSC Group 9 RI Document List

Draft Cultural Resources Management Plan now available

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 08:00:00 PST

The Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) for federally owned property at Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) is NASA's mechanism for complying with historic preservation requirements set forth in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

SSFL 2009 Year in Review is Now Available

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 PST

NASA has released the Year in Review 2009 (PDF) describing the activities related to the environmental investigation and cleanup activities completed at SSFL in 2009.

Interim Source Removal Action Fact Sheet Now Available

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 PST

Currently, NASA is implementing a short-term action used to prevent or mitigate risks to human health or the environment before a final remedy has been selected. NASA’s Interim Source Removal Action (ISRA) is designed to remove potential sources of contaminants and improve the quality of surface water discharge.

Historic Resources Survey Fact Sheet Now Available

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 PST

Federal statutes guide federal agency stewardship of historic resources under their control and provides direction for establishing programs to manage their historic resources.

DTSC's Public Comment Period for the Group 3 RI Report Has Begun

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:00:00 PST

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Public Comment period for the NASA Group 3 Remedial Investigation report began on October 21 and will end on December 4, 2009.

GSA Conditionally Accepts NASA Report of Excess

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 PST

On September 14, 2009, NASA submitted to the General Services Administration (GSA) a "report of excess" regarding the property administered by NASA at the Santa Susana Field Lab. GSA has conditionally accepted that report.

DTSC Issues for Public Comment a Draft Consent Order between DTSC and Respondents DOE and NASA

mfellows@nasa.gov (Merrilee Fellows) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 PST

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has issued public notices announcing a public comment period on draft Consent Orders between DTSC and respondents the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The public comment period ended October 2, 2009.