California regulators are asking the public to weigh in on Boeing's latest proposal to clean up toxic contamination at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a 2,850-acre former rocket and nuclear research site above Simi Valley that has long drawn concern from nearby residents and environmental activists.
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control opened a public comment period Sept. 15 on draft documents outlining how Boeing intends to address contaminated soil and soil vapor across its portions of the site. The comment period runs through Oct. 30, with a virtual public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 7.
The draft cleanup plan targets pollution in soil, sediment, surface water, air, vegetation, wildlife and weathered bedrock.
Boeing's proposal recommends leaving some areas in place as "exception areas" to protect sensitive cultural and biological resources. DTSC is consulting with state and federal wildlife agencies, as well as tribal representatives, before deciding which exceptions might be allowed.
Alternatives in the plan instead include long-term monitoring and measures to reduce potential chemical exposure.
Boeing noted in its filing that community feedback has been divided, with some residents favoring less ground disturbance and others demanding the most aggressive and complete removal of toxics possible, regardless of cost.
"As such, Boeing cannot determine a consensus community position," the company wrote.
Activist groups, including Parents Against SSFL, say Boeing's proposal falls far short of its original pledge to fully clean up the site and protect human health. They argue the plan would save the company millions of dollars while leaving the public to bear the cost in cancer and other long-term health effects.
The parents' group is holding a protest in Simi Valley the same day as the meeting, calling it "the death of the Santa Susana Field Lab cleanup."
"We're hosting a funeral because Boeing killed the (original) SSFL cleanup agreements," said the group.
Boeing owns about 80% of the site, including much of Area IV. NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy are responsible for separate portions of the remaining land.
Rocket engine testing at the lab ended in 2006, and nuclear research concluded in 1988.
DTSC is the lead state agency overseeing the investigation, cleanup, and long-term management of contamination at the SSFL. DTSC said it will review all public comments, summarize them in a report and issue a final decision on
Boeing's cleanup plan in winter 2026. The public meeting will be held via Zoom. Details on how to submit comments and register for the meeting are available at tinyurl.com/5ddjuxdz.