environment that also pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.
Historical records indicate a 500-gallon waste oil underground storage tank (UST) was located at the former Montgomery Ward Auto Express in 1971. A large resurfaced concrete patch located west of the building was visible during the site visit indicating the feature was likely removed. Conditions of the tank and analytical results of the excavation samples at the time of removals are unknown. Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) records indicate an above ground storage tank (AST) containing waste oil was located on the northern exterior of the former Montgomery Ward Auto Express. DTSC recommends the City of Torrance adhere to the following:
1. A Soil Management Plan (SMP) not be implemented as a primary cleanup plan as stated in the Environmental Site Assessment, “F ollowing building
demolition and during Site excavation and grading, any impacted soil that may be present could be identified and addressed via procedures outlined in a soil management plan.” DTSC recommends that any potential contamination be fully characterized and then remediated under the oversight of a self-certified local agency, DTSC or Regional Water Quality Control Board. A SMP alone cannot sufficiently identify and document the potential contaminants that may pose a threat to human health and the environment.
DTSC recommends that a cleanup plan, a Removal Action Workplan (RAW) or Remedial Action Plan (RAP), be prepared to adequately address all site impacts after complete characterization.
2. T
he City of Torrance enter into a voluntary agreement to address contamination at brownfields and other types of properties or receive oversight from a self-certified local agency, DTSC or Regional Water Quality Control Board. If entering into one of DTSC’s voluntary agreements, please note that DTSC uses a single standard Request for Lead Agency Oversight Application for all agreement types. Please apply for DTSC oversight using this link: Request for Agency Oversight Application. Submittal of the online application includes an agreement to pay costs incurred during agreement Leo Oorts
October 16, 2024
preparation. If you have any questions about the application portal, please contact your Regional Brownfield Coordinator.
3. DTSC recommends that all imported soil and fill material should be tested to assess any contaminants of concern meet screening levels as outlined in DTSC's Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) Guidance Manual.
Additionally, DTSC advises referencing the DTSC Information Advisory Clean Imported Fill Material Fact Sheet if importing fill is necessary. To minimize the possibility of introducing contaminated soil and fill material there should be documentation of the origins of the soil or fill material and, if applicable, sampling be conducted to ensure that the imported soil and fill material are suitable for the intended land use. The soil sampling should include analysis based on the source of the fill and knowledge of the prior land use. Additional information can be found by visiting DTSC’s Human and Ecological Risk Office (HERO) webpage.
DTSC appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on the MND for Fashion Square at Del Amo Project. Thank you for your assistance in protecting California’s people and environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or a member of our CEQA Unit Team.
Sincerely,
Dave Kereazis
Associate Environmental Planner
CEQA Unit-Permitting/HWMP
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Leo Oorts
October 16, 2024
cc: (via email)
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
CEQA State Clearinghouse
[email protected]
Scott Wiley
Associate Governmental Program Analyst
CEQA Unit-Permitting/HWMP
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Tamara Purvis
Associate Environmental Planner
CEQA Unit-Permitting/HWMP
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]