August 2003* 

Introduction

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) prepared this fact sheet to provide general information about DTSC’s role in requiring the cleanup of sites contaminated with perchlorate, a drinking water contaminant. State and federal laws give DTSC authority to require the cleanup of any site in California where a toxic substance has been released.

Corrective Action Orders

Under Chapter 6.5 of the Health and Safety Code, DTSC oversees cleanup activities at hazardous waste generator facilities, hazardous waste management facilities, and illegal operations to protect human health and the environment. Any facility that generates hazardous waste or has a permit or a grant of authorization to store, treat, or dispose of hazardous waste, is required to perform corrective action (cleanup) where hazardous wastes or constituents (including perchlorate) have been released into the soil, ground water, surface water, or air. Cleanup at these facilities involves investigating the extent of contamination, assessing the risks from exposure, and developing and implementing remediation plans with public involvement. There are currently seven known sites that involve perchlorate contamination.

Site Remediation

Under Chapter 6.8 of the Health and Safety Code, DTSC conducts and oversees the remediation of properties throughout the State—including former industrial plants, military bases, small businesses, and landfills—that are contaminated with some level of toxic substances. DTSC’s site evaluation and cleanup process includes the discovery, investigation, and cleanup of properties where uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances (including perchlorate) have occurred. Work is currently underway on hundreds of contaminated properties throughout the State, approximately 15 of which are known to involve perchlorate.

For More Information

The following agencies have additional information on perchlorate.

• California Department of Toxic Substances Control
• California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
• State Water Resources Control Board
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

*Disclaimer

This fact sheet does not replace or supersede relevant statutes and regulations. The information contained in this fact sheet is based upon the statutes and regulations in effect as of the date of the fact sheet. Interested parties should keep apprised of subsequent changes to relevant statutes and regulations.