The Department of Energy’s quarterly newsletter, CleanUpdate, provides community members and stakeholders with information about activities at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL).
Below, read the newest issue of CleanUpdate released in August 2024 that includes a note about transition at the Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC), including Candice Robertson stepping into her new role as the head of the Office of Environmental Management. Other stories include a feature on a new solar-powered automated groundwater pump system, ETEC's new website and western spadefoot toads.
Visit the ETEC News page for more stories about the site.
Contact us at [email protected] to be added to the newsletter distribution list. If you would like to receive the newsletter in the mail, please send us your name and address.
Past Issues
Other News
October 2021
ETEC Building Demolition Completion
Completion of building demolition at ETEC reflects DOE's strong and continuing commitment to the cleanup of Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone at SSFL.
The demolition has been conducted in a manner that is protective of the public and the environment, and that ensures the site remains safe for the surrounding communities.
View the official EM NewsFlash about the work and read the ETEC Building Demolition Fact Sheet. Watch videos of the demolition in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
November 21, 2018
Dear Community Member,
On November 19, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors completed an initial assessment of impacts from the Woolsey Fire on DOE-administered Area IV of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). This assessment confirmed that no DOE facilities were impacted by the fire although an undeveloped portion of Area IV known as Milk Vetch Hill did burn. Air filters from air quality monitors have been sent to an offsite laboratory for analysis and results will be shared with regulators and stakeholders and the public. In addition, a multi-agency response team has taken radiation, air and soil measurements at SSFL including Area IV. According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), preliminary results indicate no radiation or hazardous materials were released from the fire. The response team included the California DTSC; the California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment; California Department of Public Health; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Response; U.S. Department of Energy Rapid Assessment Unit from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; the Civil Support Team of the United States National Guard; and Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The multi-agency response team will continue to monitor Area IV and the SSFL.
Area IV of the SSFL is distinct from three other administrative areas of the SSFL site. The majority of Area I is owned and operated by Boeing. Area II and a 42-acre parcel within Area I are owned by the Federal Government and administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Areas III, IV, and contiguous buffer zone areas to the north and south are owned by Boeing. DOE does not own any land at SSFL. It is the owner of 18 buildings in Area IV that comprised the former Energy Technology Engineering Center, and the Department is responsible for building demolition and cleanup of soils and groundwater in Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone (NBZ).
November 13, 2018
Santa Susana Field Laboratory Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone Remain Safe from the Woolsey Fire
The U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors, along with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) re-entered the Santa Susana Field Laboratory on Sunday, November 11 and confirmed that Area IV and the Northern Buffer Zone have not been impacted by the Woolsey Fire. All DOE facilities are untouched. The Department continues to conduct routine monitoring on-site and is providing raw data to DTSC and other state and federal agencies, as requested. The Department is continuing to watch the Woolsey Fire closely and will provide updates as needed.