U.S. to Investigate Toxic Dumping in Placerita Canyon

Federal health officials said Friday they will investigate allegations that public health was endangered by a defense contractor that illegally dumped toxic chemicals in Placerita Canyon.

The decision, based on the results of a preliminary study begun in July, was announced Friday in a telephone call to Rep. Carlos Moorhead (R-Glendale), who had requested the investigation.

Investigators will review allegations that chemicals dumped by Space Ordnance Systems contributed to the deaths of four members of a family living about a mile from the plant. The company, which produces explosive devices and flares, was fined $300,000 after it pleaded no contest in 1986 to 10 misdemeanor charges of improperly storing, transporting and disposing of toxic chemicals.

The review, called a “health assessment,” will be conducted over two to four months by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, said Bob Cochran, executive assistant to Moorhead. The agency will hold a public hearing to discuss its findings, he said.

“The purpose of this is . . . not because they have discovered any health risk based on any data or interviews,” Cochran said. “It’s moving forward because there is community concern.”

Among other things, the study will try to determine if there is an unusually high incidence of cancer or other diseases in the community, and if so, whether that is attributable to the toxic dumping, officials said.

State and Los Angeles County health officials said they have found no evidence that the contamination at the company spread beyond the plant or contributed to the deaths. But the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is reviewing past studies on the plant to determine if a more comprehensive investigation is warranted.