Boeing irked by California cleanup

SACRAMENTO, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- California environmental law singles out Boeing Co. by imposing unrealistic cleanup rules for its Santa Susana rocket and nuclear test site, the company said.

Boeing is asking a federal court to examine a California law that the company said was passed exclusively to regulate the environmental cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory near Los Angeles.

The company said California law imposes "irrational and arbitrary requirements" on the rocket and nuclear test site.

Boeing said the environmental regulations for the site are so extensive that remediation would cause secondary damage to the surrounding ecosystem.

"We are concerned that this law could cause unintended consequences that would destroy the natural, historic and cultural resources of Santa Susana," said Tom Gallacher, Boeing director of environment, health and safety for Santa Susana.

Boeing said it was committed to restoring the site to a level suitable for suburban residential use. State law, however, requires cleanup for agricultural uses that the company said "will never occur."

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control in a Nov. 3 draft consent order for the Santa Susana Field Laboratory said the provision will protect public health and the environment.

"This draft order brings us one step closer to the long-sought-after cleanup of the Santa Susana site," said Maziar Movassaghi, DTSC acting director.