State Agency Reports Santa Susana Field Lab Burn Pit Interim Excavation Finished in 2026

SANTA SUSANA, Ventura County — The California Department of Toxic Substances Control reports that Boeing has finished interim soil excavation at the Area I Burn Pit within Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a historic rocket and nuclear research facility in the Simi Hills of Ventura County.

DTSC’s 2026 updates describe excavation, testing and appropriate disposal of contaminated soil as part of a broader cleanup effort. The agency says soil removal began in March 2024 and that more than 18,000 cubic yards of contaminated material had been removed since cleanup began. The burn pit was used decades ago in disposal activities involving chemical materials.

Completion of an interim removal action must not be presented as completion of all laboratory cleanup. DTSC says additional soil, groundwater and other site cleanup remains subject to ongoing work, assessment and regulatory decisions. DTSC also describes air monitoring and erosion controls around soil-disturbing activities.

What residents should know

Residents should read DTSC’s site updates and monitoring records rather than assume contamination levels at any offsite address based on proximity alone. The agency publishes contact information and a public question process for people seeking clarification.

Official source: Ventura County, Simi Valley or California state agency.

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