Rocketdyne Report a Beginning

If no evidence has been found to link four decades of rocket engine and nuclear reactor testing at Rocketdyne’s Santa Susana Field Laboratory with the health problems of nearby residents, does that mean there’s no connection?

Or does it mean more investigation is needed?

A report released last week by scientists of the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conceded that their preliminary review of available data does not prove that pollution from the lab in the hills between Simi Valley and Chatsworth harmed area residents--a conclusion cheered by Boeing Co.’s Rocketdyne Division. Yet the federal scientists said more data need to be collected before they can unequivocally rule out such a link.

Steps “to further examine the possible pathways of exposure,” as an agency spokeswoman put it, would include further study of airborne chemical releases from the lab, more in-depth analysis of water quality, more sensitive analysis of area radiation and further analysis of cancer data.

Rocketdyne no longer tests nuclear energy at the site but does conduct rocket testing. A multimillion-dollar federal cleanup is underway to rid the site of contaminated water and soil.

Even more daunting is the job of freeing the lab’s neighbors from lingering fear and suspicion about possible health and environmental damage.

The latest report is a step in that direction but it should not be the last. The Times has long argued that a comprehensive and impartial study is needed to put lingering questions to rest. We encourage U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) to continue to press for thorough research, solid information and openness in disseminating that information.