Legal brief alleges longterm toxicity at Santa Susana field lab (The Acorn)
“A coalition of environmental and public health groups has filed a new legal brief in their ongoing lawsuit against Boeing Co. and the State of California, alleging that a 2022 settlement agreement will leave toxic contamination in place at the Santa Susana Field Lab indefinitely.
The brief, filed July 14 in Ventura County Superior Court, is the latest development in a suit brought by Parents Against Santa Susana Field Lab, Physicians for Social Responsibility– Los Angeles and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.
…
But plaintiffs contend the agreement violates the California Environmental Quality Act by weakening prior cleanup standards and excluding public input. They argue the deal allows the majority of contaminated soil to remain on site, posing long-term risks to the environment, wildlife and nearby communities.
…
Melissa Bumstead, co-director of Parents Against Santa Susana Field Lab, said the agreement reduces protections for surrounding neighborhoods and reverses progress made toward a full cleanup.
‘Boeing is hoping to save millions of dollars through this agreement to get out of their legal obligations to properly clean up the SSFL,’ said Bumstead, whose group represents those afflicted with diseases they believe are associated with contaminants at the site. ‘Boeing knows it’s harming our community, but they care more about profit.'”