Soil Cleanup Order by the State of California at Former Shooting Range

California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) recently ordered the fast-tracked cleanup of soil polluted by lead from shot, skeet fragments, and clay pigeon debris in Simi Valley’s Sage Ranch Park. The location was the former site of a recreational gun club shooting range that operated from the 1970s through the 1990s.

The cleanup is expected to take several months and according to DTSC, it is needed to protect the area’s birds and other wildlife from potential exposure to hazardous waste and to allow the reopening of the popular hiking area, the Loop Trail. The entrance to the trail has been fenced off and closed to the public due to contamination concerns.

“Throughout California and the rest of the country, EPA estimates there are around 9,000 non-military outdoor shooting ranges,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The agency reports that millions of pounds of lead, used in bullets and shot, make their way into the environment at these ranges. This is why when a former shooting range is going to be put to use for new purposes, the area needs to be assessed to determine if it poses a threat to the environment and people. LA Testing helps in these efforts by offering laboratory services to identify lead exposure risks form outdoor and indoor samples. These tests can help to determine contamination levels, as well as be used for post-remediation clearance testing. With laboratories across California, LA Testing also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and even personal protective equipment.”

LA Testing sponsored an educational video years ago about lead exposure risks at shooting ranges several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/OmjzmbbPxk0

To learn more about this or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. For access to lead test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

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