Public Health Statement on Santa Susana Field Laboratory

DPH News Release

Media Contact: media@ph.lacounty.gov - (213) 240-8144

For Immediate Release:
November 13, 2018

Public Health Statement on Santa Susana Field Laboratory

LOS ANGELES –At the request of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) performed an assessment of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) due to nearby wildfire activity burning through portions of the facility.

Public Health officials traveled to the facility and performed nuclide identification, collected air samples, and operated multiple radiation detection units. There was no discernible level of radiation in the tested area. Public Health has discussed with the California Department of Toxic Substances and partner agencies their preliminary findings, and all found no evidence of discernible radiation in areas they tested around the facility.

Although the SSFL is located in Ventura County and is regulated by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, multiple agencies took measurements of radiation and hazards compounds including the 9th Civil Support Team, the Department of Energy Radiological Assistance Program, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Results reported from the agencies concur with Public Health’s assessment.

Public Health will continue to work with partner agencies to monitor the facility and respond to the fire event. For health information, visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

For updated information on the evacuation centers, animal shelters, road closures and wildfires, visit www.lacounty.gov/woolseyfire or follow @CountyofLA on Twitter.