This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
City of Industry site will get groundwater contamination cleanup
Listen
0:52
City of Industry site will get groundwater contamination cleanup
City of Industry site will get groundwater contamination cleanup
Federal environmental regulators have ordered Northrop Grumman to spend $20 million to clean up groundwater contamination in the San Gabriel Valley. The EPA says that's fourth of what will be needed to clean up the site.
The contamination is coming from the Benchmark Technology site in the City of Industry. Northrup Grumman has already spent $10 million to help clean up the former facility. The EPA says the site is the largest contributor to groundwater contamination in the area and it wants a new cleanup system built.
Northrop will install wells and a treatment plant that will send decontaminated water to the surface or back into an underground aquifer for valley residents to use.
Contamination from the facility was caused by improper disposal of chemical solvents and cancer-causing compounds.
The EPA says more than sixty companies are responsible for contaminated groundwater in the larger San Gabriel Valley region. Some are bankrupt or no longer exist. And 18 percent of the valley has been declared a Superfund site.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
