Boeing Demolishes Nuclear Research Buildings at Santa Susana Field Lab
What happened
Boeing is demolishing five former nuclear research buildings at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory near Simi Valley. The former Rocketdyne site, which Boeing acquired in 1996, includes Area IV, where a 1959 partial reactor meltdown and three radioactive accidents occurred at a plutonium fuel facility.
From simivalleyacorn.com
Why it matters
Watchdog groups question the safety of the demolition, citing historical plutonium-239 detections in Area IV soil and an independent review finding 88 readings above natural background at the former plutonium fuel facility. The Department of Energy is monitoring the cleanup of the site.
The Department of Energy is monitoring the cleanup of Santa Susana Field Lab, which includes parts owned by Boeing.
From simivalleyacorn.com
Who's involved
- BoeingAcquired the former Rocketdyne site and is conducting demolition activities near Simi Valley.
- Ventura County Air Pollution Control DistrictIs a local air pollution agency that may require increased monitoring due to potential material release.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- BoeingSpeculative
Regulatory scrutiny over cleanup clearance might increase project costs and risks for the demolition operation.
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The entities involved
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Boeing
American global aerospace and defense corporation
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Simi Valley
city in Ventura County, California, United States
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