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CALIFORNIA TO PERFORM WORK AT STRINGFELLOW

Release Date: 8/28/1996
Contact Information: Paula Bruin, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-1587

   (San Francisco)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has decided to authorize the state of California to complete a final study for the cleanup at the Stringfellow Superfund site, Glen Avon, Calif.

      "After careful consideration and consultation with community members and the responsible parties, U.S. EPA is convinced that the state is committed and capable of carrying out the work involved," said John Wise, U.S. EPA's deputy regional administrator. "I strongly urge the state to assume a leadership role in bringing all the responsible parties together in developing cleanup options that are acceptable to all."

     "We stand ready to implement a workplan that will ultimately result in the Stringfellow Acid Pits finally being rendered safe to the public and the environment," said Jesse R. Huff, director of the California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control.  "We know it may take a long time, but we intend to stand with the community throughout the process.  U.S. EPA is to be commended on their thoughtful decision and it is our commitment to provide them with the information necessary to determine the final remedy for this site."

     In a letter to Huff, Wise said U.S. EPA has decided to grant the state's request to assume responsibility for funding and performing the feasibility study if the state is able to meet U.S. EPA terms and conditions.

     U.S. EPA's decision means the state will develop and evaluate cleanup options for the final cleanup at the Stringfellow site.  All work will be coordinated with the community and the responsible parties involved with the site.  U.S. EPA will then prepare the proposed cleanup plan and after a public comment period, will select the final plan.

     U.S. EPA's decision was also based on the new responsibilities the state has assumed.  Over the past six months, the Department of Toxic Substances Control has assumed operations of the Stringfellow pretreatment plant, installed new diversions to prevent clean water from becoming contaminated, and expedited field work.  The state has obtained additional financial appropriations and staffing for the site.

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