News Release

T – 03 – 22
Meredith Williams, Director

Contact: Allison Wescott
(916) 963-6246
Allison.Wescott@dtsc.ca.gov

State of California orders cleanup of Simi Valley’s Sage Ranch Park

Fast-tracked cleanup will remove contaminated soil left by old recreational shooting range

SACRAMENTO – The state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is ordering the cleanup of soil polluted by lead from shot, skeet fragments, and clay pigeon debris in Simi Valley’s Sage Ranch Park, the site of a recreational gun club shooting range that operated from the 1970s through the 1990s.

The cleanup is being fast-tracked 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 is currently fenced off and closed to the public due to contamination.

The land is owned by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (a joint powers agency comprised of the Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District, and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District), but was previously leased by a prior owner to a gun club which consisted of employees of Rocketdyne and their families. Boeing acquired Rocketdyne as part of its purchase of Rockwell International in 1996.

Boeing will fund and conduct the onsite cleanup operation and is currently drafting technical plans for the cleanup tentatively set to begin August 2022. DTSC, the state department charged with protecting California’s people and environment from dangerous chemicals, will supervise the planning and operation.

Simi Valley Mayor Keith Mashburn said, “I am encouraged by the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s order to clean up the former shooting range at Sage Ranch Park. Nearly two years ago, the City reached out to the California Environmental Protection Agency to encourage them to meet with representatives from Boeing and the Department of Toxic Substances Control to explore interim clean up measures at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory site. Clean up is far overdue and this is a step in the right direction to protect our residents.”

Cleaning up soil impacted by lead shot and target debris is critical for reducing their threats to wildlife. One lead pellet can poison or kill a bird; other animals may eat dead or dying birds and become poisoned or die.

“DTSC works vigorously to protect California from the effects of toxic contamination,” says DTSC Director Dr. Meredith Williams. “As part of its commitment to the state’s rigorous and protective environmental laws, DTSC has ordered this cleanup to protect wildlife and the environment from spent ammunition and other pollutants – materials that contain lead and can result in serious health outcomes or even death for birds and other certain types of wildlife that consume the birds.” Williams continued, “We look forward to seeing this space returned to outdoor enthusiasts and families for recreational use.”

The cleanup is expected to take about three months. Once completed, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which operates the site, can choose to reopen the Loop Trail to the public.

Answers to frequently asked questions and details of the contamination and cleanup plan may be found on DTSC’s website.

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FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, or other environmental concerns using the CalEPA Environmental Complaint System.