In an effort to reduce the pollution of stormwater runoff from the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board issued an order to Boeing last week requiring the company to remove contaminated soil from two areas on the site.

According to the board, Boeing has violated previous orders by discharging stormwater, which contains wastes that have chronically exceeded limitations, to local rivers and creeks.

"We felt that it's important that the regional board use its authority to have a cleanup of the soil so when the next rainy season comes (Boeing) won't exceed any effluent limits," said David Bacharowski, assistant executive officer for the board.

The regional board is responsible for the protection of ground and surface water quality within major portions of Los Angeles and Ventura County.

Agency spokesperson Steve Cain said the order is not uncommon nor is it a reason for public concern.

"This is not an emergency order," he said. "It is not unusual for the board to issue these orders."

Cain explained that the board's job is to review data and evaluate site conditions to decide if additional activities are necessary to protect water quality and human health.

Located in the hills south of Simi, the 2,850-acre lab is a former rocket engine test site and nuclear research facility that was taken over by Boeing in 1996. Rainwater runoff from the lab flows into a dozen creeks and rivers, including Bell Creek, a tributary of the Los Angeles River, and the Arroyo Simi.

Most recently, the only wastewater generated on site and discharged to the streambeds is treated groundwater associated with the Department of Toxic Substances Control's ongoing cleanup activities.

However, stormwater traversing the site—which is discharged to stormwater outlets 008 and 009—has exceeded water quality limits established by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the facility.

While the stormwater tested from 2005 through 2008 did show that levels of certain contaminants were higher than permitted, the amounts in excess are very small, some measured in the parts per billion, Cain said.

"The water that is leaving the site exceeds water quality (limits), but it doesn't pose an immediate threat to human health," he said.

Historically, lead, copper and cadmium predominate in the runoff from the two stormwater outlets. Although the heavy metals are just slightly over allowable limits, Bacharowski said, "they are exceedances of the permit, and we want to rectify that."

Boeing must submit work plans to the regional board by Feb. 15, identifying the type of treatment to be used during the soil removal. An action plan is due May 1.

Implementation of the order will likely take place during the dry season, from April to October, Bacharowski said, as review and approval of the plans cannot be accomplished in time for the current rainy season.

He added that it will be much easier for Boeing to remove the soil during the dry season. At this time, Bacharowski does not have an estimate of how much dirt needs to be moved.

Once the soil is removed, Boeing must submit a report documenting the removal process and detailing the results of soil samples from the 008 and 009 watersheds.

Bacharowski and Cain are confident that the soil removal will be successful in lowering the level of contaminants present in runoff water from the site.

"Once you take care of the source, the problem goes away," Cain said.

Though Boeing has the right to appeal the order, the company will go through with the soil removal.

"We will move forward to carry it out as directed by the regional board," said Boeing spokesperson Blythe Jameson. "Boeing remains committed to a thorough and timely cleanup of the site."