The Signal

10/1/2004

Perchlorate Cleanup Isn’t Over When Wells Reopen
by Maria Gutzeit

Editor:

 

Regarding the cleanup of contaminated groundwater, some additional facts would be helpful to clarify both the recent letter and op ed pieces.  First, the most recent report¹ released by the Army Corps of Engineers states that the polluted area “appears to be laterally extensive” (a direct quote) in both the Saugus Formation (deep aquifer) and in the Alluvial Aquifer that is typically used for drinking water.  The contamination in the Saugus aquifer has spread to at least the Pony Field area, where recent sample results showed higher levels of pollution than the prior round of sampling.  The contamination in the Alluvial Aquifer has spread from the Bermite property near the Saugus Speedway to at least the intersection of Bouquet Canyon Rd. and Valencia Blvd.  The Army Corps recommended that more studies be done as the outer edge of the contaminant plume is not yet defined in either aquifer.

 

Progress has been made in efforts to begin the first phase of soil cleanup.  More public comment on that cleanup plan will be happening this fall.  Studies are also underway regarding treating the water from the water supply wells that had to be turned off.  It had been projected by some water agencies that these wells would be turned back on by the end of 2004.  It now appears that will be slightly delayed.  It is important to remember, however, that complete definition of the extent of the contamination still needs to be completed.  Without knowing where the pollution ends, engineers can’t be sure their system will capture all the contamination in the most safe and effective manner. Approval for well-head treatment at the impacted wells is an important step, but it isn’t where work ends.  The Department of Toxic Substances Control projects a draft cleanup plan for the groundwater will be available in August 2005, and full cleanup of the water is estimated to take until 2010.  Getting wells back on line is essential, but it does not constitute completion of remediation by any measure.

 

Maria Gutzeit is a chemical engineer and director with the Newhall County Water District.

 

¹ The report referenced is dated 6/29/04 and the full title is "Eastern Santa Clara Subbasin Groundwater Study; Santa Clarita California; Conceptual Hydrogeology Technical Memorandum."  It is available from either CLWA or NCWD.