SACRAMENTO – To protect California’s environment and public health from ongoing releases of a large group of hazardous chemicals, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has adopted a new rule that requires manufacturers of certain after-market treatment products to consider safer alternatives. The regulation applies to treatments containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), such as cleaners, […]
California Department of Toxic Substances Control
State of California Orders Redwood City Metal Recycler to Investigate Extent of Pollution From its Operations
SACRAMENTO, March 28, 2022 – California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announced today that it has ordered the operators of Sims Metal Management in Redwood City to determine the extent of toxic pollution coming from their facility and to clean it up. The facility is within two miles of several day care centers, parks, hospitals, schools […]
California Emergency crews take major steps forward in wildfire hazardous waste cleanup
SACRAMENTO, November 9, 2021 – In an effort to continue rebuilding after the 2021 wildfire season, emergency crews from the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) are moving quickly to clean up contaminated debris from four more fires that raced across the state this year. At the direction of the Governor’s Office of Emergency […]
DTSC Emergency Response Crews Begin Cleanup After Caldor Fire
SACRAMENTO – As wildfire season reaches its peak in California, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) continues to help communities rebuild and recover by removing toxic waste from fire-damaged areas. Starting today, DTSC will remove household hazardous waste in areas of El Dorado County devastated by the Caldor Fire. The Caldor Fire began on […]
California Seeks Input on Proposal to Regulate Tire Chemicals that can Harm Aquatic Life
SACRAMENTO – The state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is taking the next step in its investigation of chemicals in motor vehicle tires that can harm aquatic life by holding a virtual Zoom public workshop July 28 and 29. Media may find the agenda and workshop materials, along with a registration link on the […]
California to Tire Makers: Please Remove Harmful Chemicals that Threaten our Aquatic Life and Waterways
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) today put tire manufacturers on notice that California wants them to explore alternatives to using zinc, a toxic chemical that harms aquatic life and burdens waterways. Zinc helps make rubber stronger, but also wears off tire tread and washes into storm drains, streams, rivers and lakes, […]
DTSC orders DOE to remove 8 more buildings at Santa Susana Field Laboratory
SACRAMENTO, November 6, 2020 – DTSC is requiring the U.S. Department of Energy to remove its final eight contaminated buildings at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a former nuclear research and rocket engine test facility in Ventura County. Removal of these deteriorating buildings will avoid a release of hazardous substances and minimize risk to the […]
California Issues Legal Order for Cleanup of Santa Susana Toxic Site
SACRAMENTO, May 20, 2020 – California has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to remove contaminated buildings at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a former nuclear research and rocket engine test facility in Ventura County. This action requires DOE to remove all 10 buildings within the Radioactive Materials Handling Facility Complex. Removal […]
DTSC Seeks Public Comments on Potential Permit Denial of Sacramento-Area Hazardous Waste Facility
SACRAMENTO August 9, 2019 – The Department of Toxic Substances Control is asking the public to review and comment on DTSC’s tentative decision to deny a hazardous waste facility permit renewal application for Stericycle Environmental Solutions Inc., which conducts business as General Environmental Management (GEM) in Rancho Cordova. DTSC has taken this action because of […]
DTSC Director Applauds Recognition of McClellan Transformation
SACRAMENTO, CA, Sept. 19, 2018 – Department of Toxic Substances Control Director Barbara Lee today applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recognition of the former McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento County for its exemplary transformation from a Superfund site into a successful business park. “McClellan is a model for how coordinating site cleanup with […]
State Investigation into Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal by Water District Leads to Arrests
SACRAMENTO, Calif. February 22, 2018 – A year-long Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) investigation has led to the arrest of three former employees and one current employee of the Panoche Water District (PWD), located in Firebaugh. A fourth former employee is expected to surrender Friday. The five individuals were charged in a felony complaint […]
Community Projects Funded Through DTSC Enforcement Action
SACRAMENTO February 14, 2018 – The Department of Toxic Substances Control has reached an $89,142 settlement with the University of Southern California over hazardous waste violations. Two community projects, one that provides community-based information on air quality in real time and another that connects students with nature, will receive funding to offset some of the […]
DTSC Releases Exide Draft Residential Cleanup Plan
SACRAMENTO – Today the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released the draft plan for cleaning up lead-impacted soil in residential neighborhoods near the closed Exide Technologies plant in Vernon. “The Department and Governor Brown are committed to holding Exide and other responsible parties accountable, safeguarding the communities and workers around the former Exide […]