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.

Below is a map of the Skypark Commercial Properties site:
Click here to view larger version of map

View pdf map of the Skypark Commercial Properties site

Below is a timeline of the investigation, including links to additional resources, beginning with the most recent updates in the 2023 tab:

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.