California High School Athletic Complex Modernization Project (Ref SCH # 2011128147)

California High School Athletic Complex Modernization Project (Ref SCH # 2011128147)

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) approved a Removal Action Workplan (RAW) for a portion of the California High School Athletic Complex Modernization Project (Project) pursuant to Health & Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.8 as submitted by Leighton Consulting, Inc. (Leighton) on behalf of the Whittier Union High School District (District). The RAW, consists of a removal action (RA) to address elevated levels of arsenic in soil within the removal action area portion of the Project (referred to as Area B or the Site). The RAW evaluated RA alternatives and identified a preferred RA based on comparative analysis of alternatives. The preferred RA alternative proposed for the Site includes soil excavation to address arsenic-impacted soil in select areas of the site. DTSC is overseeing investigation and cleanup at the Site under a School Cleanup Agreement (SCA) (Docket No. HSA-SCA 13/14-036) with the District. The District prepared an Initial Study (IS) and a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and filed a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the County of Los Angeles on July 6, 2013 for the larger school modernization Project. The project description for the Project proposed removal of the existing 5000-seat capacity stadium, turf football field and track, and construction of a 7,000-seat capacity stadium with artificial-turf field and track. It also included reconfiguration of the existing baseball and softball fields, improvement of various outdoor athletic facilities, disturbance of 26 acres and the addition of 2.98 acres of additional impervious surface. Since approval of the MND, additional investigations by DTSC clarified the extent of removal actions that would be required to address elevated levels of arsenic in soil within Area B that was discussed in the MND. The RAW remedial activities will consist of excavation and disposal of approximately 730 cubic yards (912.5 cubic yards with fluff factor) or 1,131.5 tons of soil from five areas of concern (AOCs) at the site. This includes a 10% contingency for any confirmation sample locations requiring further dig. Approximately 2.7 acres (Area B) within the Modernization Project 20.98 acres is subject of this RA. The estimated number of truckloads is 57 (20-ton) trucks. Soil excavation activities will take approximately 10 days to complete. DTSC finds that only minor technical changes or additions to the previously approved MND are necessary to incorporate the activities proposed in the RAW, and that an Addendum to the MND for the larger school Modernization Project is the appropriate document to prepare to fulfill the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Los Angeles