The City was informed in late 2018 that a parcel of land in the City of Torrance leased by Hi-Shear Corporation was a source of pollution that may be spreading into the City of Lomita. In areas of Torrance where the pollution has been found, it has entered the soil, groundwater and is emitting soil vapors that consist of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), petroleum hydrocarbons and metals.
Hi-Shear is one of a number of parties that currently or previously owned or operated on the Skypark Commercial Properties, west of Crenshaw Blvd. The Skypark Commercial Properties investigation is focused on testing the extent of any VOCs on and around properties in Lomita and Torrance. While groundwater has been tested as part of the investigation, it is important to note that drinking water in the City of Lomita continues to meet state and federal drinking water standards and is safe to drink.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board is the regulatory agency charged with overseeing the Skypark Commercial Properties investigations and clean-up. The City has also engaged Advisian, a Hydrogeology firm, to analyze the scientific data, review past reports produced related to this pollution matter and advise our community through the process. Dr. Mark Trudell of Advisian, briefed the City Council and community on the issue during the Council’s consideration of the issue. (View a video of the presentation or access a PDF version)
The City of Lomita has two top priorities on the Skypark Commercial Properties pollution matter: protect our residents and hold the responsible parties accountable for all costs incurred by the City. The City is focused on ensuring a thorough and complete investigation is completed as quickly as possible and that our residents have all of the information they need throughout the process.
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Below is a timeline of the investigation, including links to additional resources, beginning with the most recent updates at the top:
On January 30, 2023, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board denied Hi-Shear Corporation’s request to extend the deadline to submit tri-annual groundwater and semi-annual soil vapor monitoring reports for the Skypark Commercial Properties site in Torrance. The Board cited inadequacy and vagueness in its denial. View document.
On January 17, 2023, the Water Board submitted a review of the Interim Remedial Action Plan for East Adjacent Properties (EAP IRAP). The Los Angeles Water Board conditionally approves the EAP IRAP with requirements that include consideration of catalytic oxidation in lieu of GAC during the SVE system installation and implementation, the installation of perched and regional groundwater monitoring wells, notifying the Los Angeles Water Board case manager at least ten working days in advance of field work, and more.
On January 13, 2023, Hamrick & Evans, LLP submitted a letter on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation to request a 60-day extension of the January 15, 2023 deadline for submission of the third tri-annual 2022 groundwater monitoring report and the January 31, 2023 deadline for submission of the second semi-annual soil vapor probe monitoring report. Hi-Shear also requests that the sampling frequency for soil vapor monitoring be reduced to annually, with reports due on September 15.
On December, 19, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted a Draft Remedial Action Plan (RAP) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The RAP has been prepared as required in Cleanup and Abatement Order No. R4-2021-0079 (“CAO”). The components of this RAP include: ongoing investigation and monitoring, previously proposed investigations, investigations to fill data gaps, ongoing and approved interim remedial actions, and more.
On October 31, 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board submitted a review of the revised Off-site Assessment Work Plan. The Water Board conditionally approves the Off-site Assessment Work Plan with requirements that include ensuring vapor results from the newly installed soil
vapor probes are not combined with results from the existing 85 ft-bgs soil vapor probes, submitting a report documenting the results of the soil and soil vapor investigations by April 7, 2023, notifying the Water Board at least seven days in advance of field work, and more.
On October 18, 2022, the Water Board submitted a review of the Groundwater Interim Remedial Action Plan (IRAP). The Los Angeles Water Board conditionally approves the Groundwater IRAP with requirements that include injection well replacements, submissions of reports by May 2023, notifying the Los Angeles Water Board case manager at least ten working days in advance of field work, and more.
On October 12, 2022 Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted the Amsler Street Source Investigation Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The objectives of the Amsler Street Source Investigation were to:
- Confirm whether the elevated concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) identified in soil vapor along Amsler Street east of Crenshaw Boulevard were from releases at source areas that are not part of the Skypark Commercial Properties; and
- Determine soil vapor impacts on individual properties to establish source area location(s).
On October 5, 2022 Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted the Soil Vapor Extraction (“SVE”) System Operation – Second Quarter 2022 Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The report contains data on the operation of the SVE system during the Second Quarter of 2022 (April through June) and its overall effectiveness at the removal of the constituents of primary concern (“COPC”) and other volatile organic compounds (“VOC”) at the Site.
On September 20, 2022, Hamrick & Evans, LLP–on behalf of Hi-Shear–submitted a letter stating their willingness to assume the obligation of drafting a framework for the final RAP for the entire Skypark Commercial Properties (SCP) site, to be submitted on or before December 16.
On September 20, 2022, the City of Lomita sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board in response to the High-Level Evaluation of Potential Impacts from Chlorinated Solvents on Lomita Well #5 Report prepared by Advisian. In light of this report, the City specifically requests that the Los Angeles Water Board order the Responsible Parties:
1.) To expedite off-site groundwater remediation for the SCP plume near and within the City of Lomita to prevent further migration of contaminants into Lomita neighborhoods and potential migration into Lomita’s drinking water supply.
2.) To install sentry wells between the plume and Lomita’s groundwater source to track migration of the plume and to trigger further action if contaminants are detected.
3.) To fill the data gaps that exist, including conclusive determination of the flow directions and merging of Gage and and Silverado Aquifers, as well as additional deep (Silverado) groundwater monitoring.
On September 15, 2022, Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment requested an extension–on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation (“HSC”)–for the
requirement in the June 18, 2021 Cleanup and Abatement Order No. R4-2021-0079 (“CAO”) for submission of the Second Tri-Annual 2022 Groundwater Monitoring Report. The current submission date is September 15, 2022 and they are requesting an extension to September 30, 2022.
ENGLISH – This Project Update and Notice of Opportunity to Comment provides information to community members, other stakeholders and interested persons about the ongoing environmental investigation and the proposed Removal Action Workplan for the East Adjacent Properties (EAP IRAP) associated with the Skypark Commercial Properties site (Site), a commercial/industrial area located at 24701 – 24777 Crenshaw Boulevard and 2530, 2540, and 2600 Skypark Drive in the City of Torrance.
The Los Angeles Water Board is providing this Opportunity to Comment on the proposed EAP IRAP. The Los Angeles Water Board will make a final decision about the EAP IRAP after the public and interested parties have had a chance to review and comment. Your participation is encouraged. The proposed EAP IRAP can be found online at: https://documents.geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/esi/uploads/geo_report/4510502517/T10000014333.PDF
You are encouraged to submit your comments via email to kevin.lin@waterboards.ca.gov on or before October 14, 2022. If you want to submit via regular mail, please send to:
Kevin Lin, P.E.
Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
320 West 4th Street, Suite #200
Los Angeles, CA 90013
ESPAÑOL – Esta Actualización del Proyecto y Aviso de Oportunidad para Comentar proporciona información a los miembros de la comunidad, otras partes interesadas y personas interesadas sobre la investigación ambiental en curso y el Plan de Trabajo de Acción de Remoción propuesto para las Propiedades Adyacentes al Este (EAP IRAP) asociadas con el sitio de Propiedades Comerciales de Skypark (Sitio), un área comercial / industrial ubicada en 24701 – 24777 Crenshaw Boulevard y 2530, 2540, y 2600 Skypark Drive en la ciudad de Torrance.
La Junta del Agua de Los Ángeles está brindando esta oportunidad para comentar sobre el IRAP EAP propuesto. La Junta de Agua de Los Ángeles tomará una decisión final sobre el IRAP de EAP después de que el público y las partes interesadas hayan tenido la oportunidad de revisar y comentar. Se fomenta su participación. El IRAP EAP propuesto se puede encontrar en línea en: https://documents.geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/esi/uploads/geo_report/4510502517/T1000001433 3.PDF
Le recomendamos que envíe sus comentarios por correo electrónico a kevin.lin@waterboards.ca.gov en o antes de: 14 de octubre de 2022. Si desea enviar por correo ordinario, envíelo a:
Kevin Lin, P.E.
Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
320 West 4th Street, Suite #200
Los Angeles, CA 90013
On August 19, 2022, the Water Board submitted a Project Update and Notice of Opportunity to Comment regarding the Interim Remedial Action Plan for East Adjacent Properties (EAP IRAP). The public is encouraged to submit comments by September 30, 2022 via email to kevin.lin@waterboards.ca.gov. Those who would like to submit comments via mail may send to:
Kevin Lin, P.E.
Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
320 West 4th Street, Suite #200
Los Angeles, CA 90013
On August 11, 2022, Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment requested an extension–on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation (“HSC”)–for the requirements in the February 28, 2022 letter the Evaluate Need for Action (“ENA”) Zone – Interim Completion Report. Based on the current field investigation schedule, Genesis requests that the submission be extended to September 30, 2022.
On July 27, 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (“LARWQCB”) submitted a review of the revised Removal Action Workplan (RAW) for the Hi Shear Corporation (“Hi-Shear”) property at 2600 Skypark Drive (“Hi Shear Property”) and the east and adjacent properties (“EA Properties”) at 24701–24777 Crenshaw Boulevard and 2530 and 2540 Skypark Drive in Torrance, California. The investigative component of the Revised EAP IRAP is approved
with requirements regarding soil vapor sampling, applicable permits, notifying LARWQCB prior to starting fieldwork, and a submission of a technical report for the implementation of the investigative component of the Revised EAP IRAP (Report) to the Los Angeles Water Board by December 30, 2022.
On June 24, 2022, Terraphase Engineering Inc. (“Terraphase”)–on behalf of the City of Torrance–submitted a revised Removal Action Workplan (RAW) for the Hi Shear Corporation (“Hi-Shear”) property at 2600 Skypark Drive (“Hi Shear Property”) and the east and adjacent properties (“EA Properties”) at 24701–24777 Crenshaw Boulevard and 2530 and 2540 Skypark Drive in Torrance, California based on comments received from the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (“LARWQCB”) on May 19, 2022.
On June 20, 2022, Cermak & Inglin, LLP sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (“RWQCB”) on behalf of Esterline Technologies Corporation (“Esterline”). The correspondence included Esterline’s comments to Torrance’s Groundwater RAW, requesting additional detailed characterization of the project area and a reassessment of the remedial actions currently in place.
On June 17, 2022, Hamrick & Evans, LLP sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (“RWQCB”) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation (“Hi-Shear”). The correspondence included Hi-Shear’s additional comments to Torrance’s Groundwater RAW, emphasizing their request for RWQCB to refrain from approving the proposed Groundwater RAW.
On June 17, 2022, MK Environmental Consulting, Inc (MKECI) sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board (RWQCB) on behalf of Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc. (Middletown). The letter was in connection with RWQCB’s notice of opportunity to comment on the Groundwater Removal Action Workplan (Groundwater RAW) and East Adjacent (EA) Properties Removal Action Workplan. In their letter, MKECI expresses their disagreement with the proposed Groundwater RAW. They also discuss their desire to see more focus on these two aspects of Property 1’s site characterization.
On June 17, 2022, the City of Lomita sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board in response to their reviews of the Groundwater Removal Action Workplan (Groundwater RAW) and East Adjacent (EA) Properties Removal Action Workplan–both prepared by Terraphase.
Upon review of the two reports, the City notes that Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board’s proposed actions will leave a positive effect, but will not adequately achieve the remediation action objectives and lower the observed soil and groundwater impacts to the community in Lomita. The City also suggests a human health risk assessment (HHRA) should be conducted to identify whether the current soil vapor and perched groundwater conditions pose a potential risk to human health and/or require removal or treatment action.
The Water Board has published a “Review of Review of Off-site Assessment Work Plan” in response to an Off-Site Assessment Work Plan (Work Plan), submitted on behalf of the Hi-Shear Corporation (HiShear) by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment (GER) for review on September 9, 2021.
In its review, the Water Board outlines the following requirements: installation of additional vapor probes in two locations; additional investigation, assessment, and confirmation sampling of subsurface soil and soil vapor beneath former Buildings No. 10, No. 11, and 12; and a revised Work Plan addressing Water Board’s comments by August 5, 2022.
The Water Board has published a “Review of Interim Remedial Action Plan for East Adjacent Properties” in response to the Removal Action Workplan for the East Adjacent Properties (EAP IRAP) prepared by Terraphase Engineering Inc. (Terraphase) on behalf of the City of Torrance. In its review, the Water Board outlines the following requirements: soil sample collections, figures showing locations for the soil vapor extraction (SVE) and proposed injection locations for in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and enhanced in-situ bioremediation (EISB), assessment of whether a pilot test is warranted for the selected remedial alternative for perched groundwater (i.e., ISCO) prior to the full-scale implementation, and a revised EAP IRAP addressing Water Board’s comments by June 24, 2022.
On May 11, 2022, Water Board published an update to the Groundwater Removal Action Workplan (Groundwater IRAP), noting its environmental findings up to this point and announcing that two completion reports are required for the Off-Site Vapor Intrusion Assessment portion of the plan. The Los Angeles Water Board is also providing this opportunity for the public to review and comment on the proposed Groundwater IRAP, details of which are outlined in the project update.
On April 19, 2022 during the regular City Council Meeting, the Regional Water Board provided an update on the Skypark Commercial Properties Investigation. The presentation is available on the Lomita City Council Streaming Media Archive.
On April 25, 2022, Hamrick & Evans, LLP sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (“RWQCB”) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The letter requested that the RWQCB convene a meeting between Hi-Shear, Torrance, and any other interested parties, including other Dischargers, to discuss the City of Torrance’s Groundwater Removal Action Workplan (RAW) and East Adjacent Removal Action Workplan (EA RAW).
Based on the categorizations, labeling, and analyses done by Terraphase Engineering, Inc. (“Terraphase”), Hamrick & Evans, LLP requests that Terraphase and the City of Torrance revisit their approaches toward the RAW and the EA RAW. These requests may be further discussed at the proposed meeting.
On April 15, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The letter announced that the soil vapor extraction system was inoperative between January and March, 2022, due to an accumulation of wastewater and additional technical difficulties. Thus, there was an insufficient amount of data available for a first quarter report. With the SVE system having resumed operation on March 30, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment anticipates sufficient data for a second quarter report.
April 18, 2022 - Hi-Shear Corporation Submits Supplemental On-Site Vapor Intrusion Assessment Report
On April 8, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted a Supplementary On-Site Vapor Intrusion Assessment on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. Based on the findings from the February 2022 investigation of Building No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, Genesis recommended an indoor air assessment in all of the buildings. Additional vapor intrusion assessments were deemed unnecessary for the office areas of Building No. 1.
On February 28, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted the SVE System Operation – Fourth Quarter Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The operation of Hi-Shear’s soil vapor extraction system was originally approved by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board in a letter dated February 18, 2020. This report contains performance data for the system from October through December 2021.
On February 28, 2022, Terraphase Engineering Inc. submitted the Removal Action Workplan for East Adjacent Properties (EA RAW) on behalf of the City of Torrance for the sites located at 24701 – 24777 Crenshaw Blvd. and 2530 and 2540 Skypark Drive. The EA RAW addresses the specific releases at the Hi-Shear Property that have impacted the regional groundwater that flows beneath the EA Properties.
On February 28, 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board sent a letter in response to the Revised Evaluate Need for Action Zone Plan that was prepared by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. The plan was conditionally approved by the Regional Water Board, and Hi-Shear Corporation must submit an Interim ENA Zone Completion Report by August 15, 2022, and an ENA Zone Completion Report by March 17, 2023.
On February 28, 2022, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board approved Hi-Shear Corporation’s extension request to submit the Tri-Annual 2021 Groundwater Monitoring Report by February 25, 2022. The Regional Water Board also agreed to Hi-Shear Corporation’s extension request to submit the Second Semi-Annual 2021 Soil Vapor Monitoring Report by March 26, 2022.
On March 3, 2022, the Regional Water Board approved Hi-Shear Corporation’s extension request to submit the Additional On-Site Vapor Intrusion Assessment Report by April 8, 2022.
On February 11, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted an Extension Request for Submission of Additional On-Site Vapor Intrusion Assessment Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. Based on the current field investigation schedule, Genesis requests that the submission be extended to April 8, 2022.
On January 31, 2022, Terraphase Engineering Inc. submitted the Groundwater Removal Action Workplan (RAW) on behalf of the City of Torrance for the sites located at 24701 – 24777 Crenshaw Blvd. and 2530, 2540 and 2600 Skypark Drive. The RAW addresses the entire Hi-Shear Pume in the regional aquifer, and focuses on remediating volatile organic compound (VOC) containment mass in the regional groundwater migrating from the Skypark Commercial Properties into the City of Lomita.
On January 24, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted an Extension Request for Submission of Second Semi-Annual 2021 Soil Vapor Monitoring Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. Based on the current monitoring schedule, Genesis requests that the submission be extended to March 26, 2022.
On January 17, 2022, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted the Revised Evaluate Need for Action Zone Plan on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. The ENA Zone Plan outlines the activities that will be implemented to comply with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board’s requirements.
Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment also submitted a Technical Memorandum on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation regarding the soil vapor extraction (SVE) system located at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The memorandum proposes removing and replacing the SVE piping and shallow extraction wells from the western side or the facility.
On January 6, 2022, Skypark Commercial Properties submitted a Groundwater Modeling Work Plan on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. The work plan includes groundwater modeling for 2600, 2540 and 2530 Skypark Drive, as well as 24747 and 24777 Crenshaw Blvd. These models will help evaluate and implement potential remedial measures for groundwater and soil vapor.
On December 8, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted the SVE System Operation – Third Quarter Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The operation of Hi-Shear’s soil vapor extraction system was originally approved by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board in a letter dated February 18, 2020. This report contains performance data for the system from July through September 2021.
On November 24, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted an Updated Site Conceptual Model (SCM) with accompanying appendices on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The SCM was required by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board and provides a comprehensive overview of the Site and surrounding conditions.
On November 15, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board sent two letters to the Responsible Parties in response to the Soil Vapor Monitoring Work Plan and On-Site Indoor Air Assessment Work Plan that were prepared by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. Both work plans were conditionally approved by the Water Board.
On October 11, 2021, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. submitted a Screening Level Vapor Intrusion Human Health Risk Assessment Report on behalf of Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc, located at 24701, 24707 and 24747 Crenshaw Boulevard and Robinson Helicopter Company, located 2530 and 2540 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The reports include an evaluation of the current vapor intrusion risk to on-site workers and potential vapor intrusion risk to the hypothetical future worker.
On October 6, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment submitted an Additional On-Site Vapor Intrusion Assessment Report on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation for the site at 2600 Skypark Drive in Torrance. The report includes the results of the second round of indoor and ambient air and soil vapor samples, an additional Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) and site-specific Attenuation Factors (“SSAFs”).
On September 7, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board sent a letter via email to the State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Chief Counsel requesting that three of the six Dischargers who have petitioned the Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) be taken out of abeyance to proceed along the same timeframe as the remaining three petitions.
On September 29, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board sent a letter to the Responsible Parties in response to the documentation received for the requirements of the CAO. To date, the Water Board received responses from Esterline Technologies Corporation, Excellon Acquisition, LLC, Excellon Technologies, LLC, Dasco Engineering Corporation, Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc. and Hi-Shear Corporation.
Although a few of the Responsible Parties have submitted some of the required documents, the Water Board deemed that no party has complied with the CAO requirements to submit Revised Plans and Interim Remedial Action Plans. All Responsible Parties are encouraged to collaborate and must ensure full compliance immediately.
On September 7, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board sent a letter via email to the State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Chief Counsel requesting that three of the six Dischargers who have petitioned the Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) be taken out of abeyance to proceed along the same timeframe as the remaining three petitions.
On August 27, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board posted the Community Fact Sheet No. 3 in English and Spanish. The responsible parties must distribute the fact sheet in accordance with the mailing instructions sent by the Water Board on August 6, 2021.
On August 17, 2021 during the regular City Council Meeting, the Regional Water Board provided an update on the Skypark Commercial Properties Investigation. The Board reviewed the Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) that was issued on June 18, 2021, provided information about key milestones of the investigation and answered questions from the City Council. The presentation is available on the Lomita City Council Streaming Media Archive.
On August 6, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board sent the Community Fact Sheet No. 3 to the responsible parties to provide the community with an update on the investigation. The responsible parties must prepare and submit an interested person contact list and a translated Spanish Fact Sheet to the Regional Board by August 12, 2021.
On July 19, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board sent a second formal access request to the property owner at 2420 Amsler Street, Torrance for the investigation and assessment of potential vapor intrusion. To date, the Board, Hi-Shear and its consultant, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment, have been unable to reach the property owner. This notice requests a response by August 19, 2021.
On June 18, 2021, the Regional Water Board released the finalized Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO). This Order establishes requirements and deadlines for investigation and cleanup and abatement actions on the part of responsible parties.
On April 1, 2021, the Regional Water Board required revisions to and resubmittal of the Decision Flow Charts (DFCs) prepared by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment (GER) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation (HSC) for the subject site and required the submittal of a plan, sequence, and schedule for requesting access to the properties located in the current Evaluate Need for Action zone (ENA Zone Plan). Based on the information provided by GER in the Response Report, the Regional Water Board has now provided new comments and requirements.
On May 27, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board issued a Notice of Violation to Hi-Shear for failing to submit the First Triannual 2021 Groundwater Monitoring Report by the required due dates. Hi-Shear is required to ensure full compliance with the Board’s Investigative Order and submit future groundwater monitoring reports by the due dates established in the Order.
On May 17, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board sent formal access requests to three commercial property tenants for the investigation and assessment of potential vapor intrusion. To date, the Board, Hi-Shear and its consultant, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment, have been unable to reach the three tenants. This notice requests a response from the tenant by June 11, 2021.
On April 30, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment (on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation) provided the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board with a response to the Board’s comments in this document. The appendix of this letter also includes revised Decision Flow Charts and the ENA Zone Plan.
On April 30, 2021, respective attorneys submitted a letter in response to the Water Board’s April 1 letter on behalf of five parties: Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc. (“Middletown”), Esterline Technologies Corporation (“Esterline”), Dasco Engineering Corporation, Excellon Technologies, LLC ) and Robinson Helicopter Company (collectively, the “East Adjacent Properties Parties”).
On April 14, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board published a response to the Request for Extension letter prepared by Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment (GER) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. To allow for additional time to consider and evaluate the ROI testing data, the Regional Water Board has approved the extension request to submit the SVEE Work Plan from December 18, 2020, to May 28, 2021.
April 13, 2021 - Water Board Responds to City of Lomita’s Letter Inquiring About Ambient Air Samples
On April 13, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board responded to the City of City of Lomita’s letter that inquired about the “Vapor Intrusion Response Plan – Interim Summary Report” (Interim Report) findings, which included the detection of several VOCs in ambient (meaning outdoor) air above residential screening levels. The Board provided data on the VOCs detected in ambient air above residential screening levels in this phase of the investigation. Based on data, the ranges of detected soil vapor concentrations from these VOCs in the subsurface are unlikely to have contributed significantly to the ambient air VOC concentrations. Lastly, the Board notified the City that it has reached out to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regarding the VOC detections in ambient air and will share with the City any information provided by SCAQMD.
On April 1, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board provided the responsible parties (CT Corporation System/Esterline Technologies Corporation, City of Torrance, Dasco Engineering Corporation, Excellon Technologies LLC, Lisi Aerospace/Hi-Shear Corporation, Magellan Aerospace, and Robinson Helicopter Company) with a response to a technical memo titled Requests for Extension prepared by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment (GER) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. The tech memo provides responses to comments and requirements set forth by the Board in its letter to Hi-Shear addressing Decision Flow Charts for the Skypark Commercial Properties investigation. The Board provides eight comments to address the feedback, identify areas of agreement with these comments and reinforce existing requirements. Specifically in its eighth comment, the Board notifies all parties of the requirement for a plan to assess vapor intrusion in the Evaluate Need for Action zone east of Crenshaw Boulevard. Because the original due date of December 21, 2020 was not extended, the Board is requiring all parties to submit the plan immediately. To date, the investigations in Lomita have been completed by Hi-Shear (and no other responsible parties).
On March 30, 2021, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (on behalf of Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc. and Robinson Helicopter Company) submitted reports from a Vapor Intrusion Study for the 24701, 24707, and 24747 Crenshaw Boulevard property and 2530 and 2540 Skypark Drive property in Torrance, California.
On March 29, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board responded to the technical memo titled Requests for Extension prepared by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment (GER) on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. The tech memo provides Hi-Shear’s responses to the comments and requirements of the Board laid out in their amendment letter to Hi-Shear’s Onsite Vertical Groundwater Investigation Work Plan. The Board specifically addresses six comments from Hi-Shear that contest various activities required by the Board. Of note, in its response to Comment 6, the Board denies an extension request for the delivery of the technical report documenting the implementation of the Work Plan. Because the original due date of January 4, 2021 was not extended, the Board is requiring Hi-Shear to submit the report immediately. In the meantime Hi-Shear has continued field work and will be preparing the report for submission.
On March 9, 2021, the City of Lomita sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board expressing concern over the “Vapor Intrusion Response Plan – Interim Summary Report” (Interim Report) findings, which included the detection of several VOCs in ambient (meaning outdoor) air above residential screening levels, including benzene. The City also inquired whether these detections are anomalies and whether action or further investigation is warranted.
On March 1, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a Notice of Violation to Hi-Shear for failing to submit groundwater monitoring reports from its facility in Torrance by the required due dates (the report due on Jan 15, 2021 was submitted on Feb 18, 2021). Hi-Shear is now required to ensure full compliance with the Board’s Investigative Order and submit future groundwater monitoring reports by the due dates established in the Order.
On February 25, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment (on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation) provided the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board with an Addendum to the On-Site Indoor Air Assessment Work Plan, which covers indoor air sampling in additional buildings at the Hi-Shear Corporation facility.
On February 25, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment (on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation) sent a report to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board that provides the details of the modifications and restart of the soil vapor extraction system at the Hi-Shear Corporation facility.
On February 25, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment (on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation) sent a Technical Memorandum to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board that details the data supporting the request to abandon the sub-slab depressurization system portion of the soil vapor extraction system at Hi-Shear Corporations’ facility.
On February 24, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a response to requests for extensions to submit indoor air sampling and/or vapor investigation reports. The Board approved the extension request for submitting the indoor air sampling report for Property 1 from January 20, 2021 to February 12, 2021, and they approved the extension request for the submittal of vapor intrusion reports for Property 2 and Property 3 from January 20, 2021 to March 31, 2021.
On February 24, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a review of technical documents provided by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment on behalf of Hi-Shear, including a “Soil, Soil Vapor, and Groundwater Delineation – Module I” (Module I Report) and an “Additional Soil Vapor Delineation Investigation Scope of Work” (Additional Scope).” The Board concurs with the recommendations made in the Module 1 Report and approves the Additional Scope with comments and requirements outlined in their review document.
On February 11, 2021, FREY Environmental, Inc. (on behalf of Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc.) submitted the results of an Indoor Air Quality Investigation for the property 24751 / 24777 Crenshaw Boulevard in Torrance, California.
On February 11, 2021, Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment (on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation) sent a Technical Memorandum to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board responding to each of the requirements from the Board’s September 2020 letter approving Hi-Shear’s Onsite Vertical Groundwater Investigation Work Plan. According to the document, Hi-Shear anticipates having a report on the Work Plan implementation approximately 8 weeks following the February 11 publication date of the memo.
On February 2, 2021, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board published a response to time extension requests submitted by Genesis Engineering and Redevelopment on behalf of Hi-Shear Corporation. The Board approved an extension for updating the Decision Flow Charts from December 7, 2020, to February 3, 2021. Because the Evaluate Need for Action (ENA) Plan is not contingent on the approval of the Decision Flow Charts, the Board maintained the original due date of December 21, 2020 and is requiring the ENA Plan be submitted immediately.
On January 11, the Hi-Shear Corporation issued Comments to the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Draft Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO). The Regional Board is currently reviewing feedback on the draft document before publishing a final CAO. On January 7, 2021, Hi-Shear published the Vapor Intrusion Response Plan – Interim Summary Report. According to the report, data collected to date shows that vapor intrusion is not occurring in the 18 properties assessed so far.
On December 31, 2020, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board granted the responsible parties an extension on the due date for feedback on the Draft Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO). Comments regarding the Draft CAO are now due January 11, 2021 – one week later than the original due date of January 4, 2021. In addition, Hi-Shear’s contractor Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment has submitted a request for an extension to submit the Vapor Intrusion Response Plan Decision Flow Charts (originally due December 7, 2020) in order to discuss some outstanding issues with the Regional Board before finalizing the Flow Charts. Genesis has also submitted a request for an extension to submit various required work plans including the Evaluate Need for Action Plan (originally due December 21, 2020) to ensure the most recent data from field sampling is incorporated into the Regional Board’s next steps.
On December 21, 2020, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board published a document titled “Partial and Conditional Approval of Work Plan for Property 1; Notice of Deficient Technical Work Plan for Properties 2 and 3.” In the document, the Board explains that the Site (the east adjacent properties of Hi-Shear Corporation) has been compartmentalized into Property 1, Property 2 and Property 3. The Board approves the Parties’ work plan for Property 1, with conditions, and requires a technical report for the implementation of the Property 1 Work Plan by March 19, 2021. The Board further notifies the Parties that they must also submit a technical work plan for Properties 2 and 3.
During the December 1, 2020 City Council Meeting, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board presented an update on the Skypark Commercial Properties environmental investigation. Following the presentation, City Council Members and members of the public shared their questions and received responses from Water Board leadership and staff. See a PDF of the presentation delivered during the meeting, and watch the Dec. 1 Council Meeting video (from around 00:28:26 to 2:46:00) to watch the presentation and follow-on discussion.
The City of Lomita has been informed of a public notice of upcoming soil vapor sampling in the City of Lomita. According to the public notice, on November 28, Lomita residents can expect to see representatives from Genesis Engineering performing soil vapor sampling at varying points throughout the city. This is a second round of sampling in order to confirm previous findings related to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) underground. See the public notice for the sampling locations and additional details.
On September 22, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board provides comments to Hi-Shear on its onsite vertical groundwater investigation work plan. In their comments, the Water Board orders Hi-Shear to submit a technical report of their onsite
The Water Board has published a “Review of Technical Documents” in response to documents prepared by Genesis Engineering & Redevelopment. In its review, the Water Board outlines the following new requirements: Updated Decision Flow Charts, revised based upon the Water Board’s comments, must be resubmitted to the Water Board by December 7, 2020; a plan, sequence and schedule for requesting access to the properties located in the current ENA zone (“Evaluate Need for Action” zone) must be submitted to the Water Board by December 21, 2020, and status reports documenting the implementation and results of the ENA investigation are due on a tri-annual basis, with the first status report due to the Water Board on January 15, 2021.
On November 6, 2020, the City of Lomita sent a letter to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Los Angeles Regional Board) requesting greater communications from the Board to residents affected by the Skypark Commercial Properties environmental investigation. For additional information, residents may view the letter signed by City of Lomita Mayor James.
On September 22, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board provides comments to Hi-Shear on its onsite vertical groundwater investigation work plan. In their comments, the Water Board orders Hi-Shear to submit a technical report of their onsite groundwater sampling by January 4, 2021.
On September 15, the City announces a community info session scheduled for Sept. 17, the first in a multi-part information session series regarding the ongoing environmental investigation associated with the Skypark Commercial Properties. During the information sessions, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board representatives will be available to discuss a series of topics with Lomita residents. Details are available in the meeting invitation.
On September 14, the responsible parties begin conducting soil vapor testing in the Accelerated Response Zone, an area between Crenshaw Blvd. and Pennsylvania Avenue and 247th and 248th Streets. The samples will be analyzed, reviewed by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and shared.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board holds a public information meeting (virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions) to update the community on the ongoing environmental investigation associated with the Skypark Commercial Properties (previously referred to as “Hi-Shear Corporation and the EA Properties”). See a PDF of the presentation delivered during the meeting, watch a video of the presentation, or listen to audio of the Q&A session.
The City of Lomita issues an encroachment permit to Hi-Shear to conduct additional sampling of their 10 wells in Lomita.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board announces an online Public Information Meeting scheduled for July 30 from 6 – 8 p.m. regarding the ongoing environmental investigation associated with the Skypark Commercial Properties (previously referred to as “Hi-Shear Corporation and the EA Properties”). Details are available in the meeting invitation.
The City of Lomita issues a press release regarding initial investigation findings and next steps. The City shares its continued commitment to the health and safety of Lomita’s residents and to holding responsible parties accountable for continued testing and cleanup.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board publishes Community Fact Sheet #2, its second fact sheet on the environmental investigation related to the Hi-Shear Corporation Site. The fact sheet addresses initial investigation work by Hi-Shear, outlines the responsible parties, describes the next steps, and announces a public meeting to be held at a future date.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board approves a technical memorandum from Hi-Shear on restarting the soil vapor extraction system and requests results by June 12, 2020. The Board also issues a memo commenting on a March 2019 letter from Hi-Shear and requiring the submittal of a groundwater investigation work plan by April 1, 2020.
Hi-Shear completes probe installations; sampling and data collection ongoing.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board hosts a Public Information Open House to answer questions and share information about the ongoing investigation, and the City later issues a press release recapping the event.
Hi-Shear investigation work begins within public right-of-way in Lomita.
After receiving all the required documentation from Hi-Shear, the City of Lomita issues the initial encroachment permit to Hi-Shear.
The City of Lomita and Hi-Shear sign the agreement, and the City later issues a press release announcing the signed agreement.
The City of Lomita issues a press release correcting errors in a letter the Hi-Shear Corporation sent to Lomita residents.
Per direction from City Council, staff negotiates an agreement with Hi-Shear to expedite the necessary encroachment permits and drafts a letter to the City of Torrance outlining the expectations of Lomita that Hi-Shear or the City of Torrance should be responsible for pollution-related costs.
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board publishes a fact sheet and frequently asked questions on the Environmental Investigation at the Hi-Shear Corporation Site.
The City of Lomita is informed of the potential pollution.
For additional information on the Hi-Shear site environmental assessment, going back to the early 1990s, residents may visit the State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker webpage for the Hi-Shear Corporation.
Residents with questions about this matter may contact the City of Lomita Public Works Department at (310) 325-7110.
This page will continue to be updated as more answers become available or common questions and new information is identified.
