Cleanup Process and Regulators
As a result of past operations, in Area IV spills and releases of chemical and radioactive materials are known to have occurred. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is actively engaged in the characterization and remediation as required. The DOE works with the responsible regulatory agencies to achieve our project goals.
Chemical
The DOE entered into Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1989 to address the characterization and necessary cleanup of RCRA materials. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) oversees the Corrective Action process at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory including Area IV. Further information about DTSC oversight of cleanup at SSFL is on their website.
Radiological
The DOE performs characterization surveys to determine the nature and extent of contamination, decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) to remove the contamination, and final status surveys to verify that contamination has removed to acceptable levels. Verification surveys are always performed by third parties to confirm that the cleanup has met the established cleanup levels. The regulatory agencies which have included the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the California Department of Health Services, and the DOE then issues a certification that the building and all land meets the requirements for the release for unrestricted use.
The legal authority for cleanup of DOE facilities is delegated to the DOE by the Atomic Energy Act (AEA). The DOEs responsibility for environmental cleanup is discussed on their website.
