Agenda Item: 7
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: March 25, 2025
SUBJECT: LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH WHITTAKER CORPORATION AND
EHS SUPPORT LLC
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Amber Rodriguez
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents for the license agreement with Whittaker Corporation and EHS Support LLC, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
BACKGROUND
The Whittaker-Bermite site was used for explosive manufacturing and testing from 1934 to 1987, leading to significant contamination. The Whittaker Corporation (Whittaker) operated the facility from 1969 until its closure, producing various munitions. Industrial activities left behind over 275 contaminants in the soil and groundwater.
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control ordered remediation following the site’s closure. Soil cleanup was completed in 2019, but groundwater monitoring testing and treatment are ongoing. Staff recommends allowing Whittaker to support ongoing cleanup efforts, which requires a license agreement to access adjacent City of Santa Clarita (City) property for groundwater sampling, monitoring, and investigation purposes. Work associated with the agreement includes construction equipment for drilling purposes and installation of monitoring wells. The attached license agreement would be a ten-year term at no cost to either party. As part of the agreement (Section 5.A), any work requires the City’s written consent before beginning.
In addition, Section 2. The agreement outlines that all work must obtain necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, well permits, encroachment permits, and traffic control plans, as required by applicable law. Lastly, Section 5. B allows the City to terminate the agreement at any time with at least 30 days’ notice.
The attached exhibit outlines the City-owned Assessor’s Parcel Numbers included in the agreement. Exhibit A is located near the Santa Clarita Metrolink Station (APN 2836-067-902), and Exhibits B and C are near Valencia Boulevard and Cinema Drive (APNs 2811-067-905 and
906). Exhibit E (APN 2860-003-900) is near Almendra Park.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit
Whittaker Bermite Long-Term License Agreement