Bonding, Monitoring : Panel Approves Rules for SOS Waste Cleanup

The county Regional Planning Commission has tentatively approved requirements that Space Ordnance Systems dispose of 1,800 barrels of hazardous wastes by Nov. 30, and that the company post $3.7 million in bonds to guarantee removal of the barrels and cleanup of ground-water contamination in Santa Clarita Valley.

The list of conditions also requires that SOS, an explosives manufacturing company with plants in rural Sand and Mint canyons, pay for an independent monitor to regularly inspect the plants and ensure that hazardous wastes are disposed of properly.

The requirements also would affect Special Devices Inc. and a handful of other companies that manufacture explosives at three Santa Clarita Valley sites.

Under the requirements, approved by the commission Monday, the companies must prove within 180 days that they are complying with industrial-waste laws, and within 90 days must submit an emergency plan for dealing with hazardous materials. Special Devices also would be required to test soil and ground water at its Placerita Canyon facility for chemical contamination.

Could Operate Through 1991

If the commission formally adopts the requirements, SOS and the other firms will be allowed to continue operating in the Santa Clarita Valley--assuming they comply--until Dec. 31, 1991, a county spokesman said.

Environmental problems at SOS date to March, 1984, when the company was ordered by county and state agencies to dispose of more than 1,800 barrels of illegally stored explosive wastes. Company officials also have been charged by the district attorney’s office with illegally dumping hazardous wastes into nearby soil, contaminating the local ground water.

Under the commission’s latest plan, the bonds posted by the company would be used to pay for the cleanup if the company fails to do the work.

During a series of six public hearings, the company successfully fought revocation of its permits by the commission, which had threatened to shut down SOS unless the company complied with environmental laws and cleaned up problems.

The Regional Planning Commission has not set a date for final approval of its requirements.