Offsite studies
SSFL > OFFSITE > STUDIES
UCLA Study
The UCLA study, “Potential for Offsite Exposures Associated with SSFL,” shows that contaminants migrated from the Santa Susana Field Laboratory to nearby communities. The study was headed by Dr. Yoram Cohen, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of the UCLA Center for Environmental Risk Reduction.
Soil and sediment monitoring studies were conducted in four main areas off the SSFL site. These include the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Ahmanson Ranch, and the Bell Canyon areas. Samples were analyzed for a variety of chemicals and radionuclides. Although sampling in offsite areas was limited, the detection of radionuclide and chemical contaminants in the samples suggests that contaminants migrated from SSFL to these offsite locations (Appendix H).
Maps show soil and sediment samples that were collected in areas of Bell Canyon that were likely to have been impacted by surface water flow from the SSFL site.
Centex Study
In 2006, Centex Homes found incredibly high levels of perchlorate in Dayton Creek. Perchlorate is a water-soluble component of rocket fuel. According to the CDC, high levels of perchlorates can affect the thyroid gland, which in turn can alter the function of many organs in the body. The fetus and young children can be especially susceptible. The preliminary results indicated the presence of perchlorate in the lower portion of Dayton Canyon Creek, with one sample registering at 62,000,000 parts per billion (ppb). In California, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for perchlorate in drinking water is 6 ppb, and the Public Health Goal is 1 ppb for perchlorate.
Potential for Offsite Exposure
The Potential for Offsite Exposures Presentation by Louisiana State University’s School of Public Health shows areas surrounding the lab that are at high-risk from SSFL contamination. The study was funded by the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Woolsey Fire
Independent scientists at Fairewinds Energy Education found radioactive contamination from the SSFL had migrated off-site after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which began at the Santa Susana Field Lab.
