Laboratory for Energy-Related Health Research Superfund Site

The Laboratory for Energy-Related Health Research Superfund Site encompasses a 15-acre area that includes a former research facility for low-level radioactive studies and several landfills for campus waste of University of California, Davis (UCD). Currently, the site is undergoing cleanup processes by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA, also known as Superfund). Site cleanup was jointly operated by the Department of Energy (USDOE) and the University of California, Davis (UCD), under an agreement negotiated among the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the University of California.

History
The superfund site is situated approximately 1.5 mi south of the UCD campus in Solano County, California. Research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy at the site commenced in the 1950s, with full-scale operations beginning in 1958, focusing on chronic, low-level exposure of skeletal structures to beta particle irradiation from bone-seeking radionuclides, strontium-90 and Radium-226. Over 1000 beagles were used as test subjects. Subsequent expansions led to the establishment of new laboratories on site, including a cobalt-60 irradiation field.

Additionally, the site comprises three former landfills for UCD campus waste, waste disposal trenches and pits, and a chemical dispensing area. In 1988, the Department of Energy's Environment Survey Preliminary Report pointed out several chronic environmental issues at the site. Consequently, in 1989, the department terminated the project.

Environmental Impacts and Contaminants
Various types of contaminants have been identified at the superfund site, with potential contamination of the local water sources through leaching from the contaminated soil, including groundwater and Putah River, which collects runoffs from the UCD area. Eating fish from the Putah River and drinking water from nearby wells are two potential exposures of the contaminants to the residents.

The primary contaminants identified by UCD include Chloroform, Hexavalent Chromium, and Nitrate. Chloroform, from the group of volatile organic compound, has infiltrated the shallowest aquifer. Hexavalent Chromium has also been detected in shallow groundwater, though it is currently not used for drinking purposes. Nitrate levels have been detected in on-site wells, already stabilized. Many carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and neurotoxic substances have also been identified on-site, including 1,2,3-trichloropropane, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,4-dioxane, Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, Radium-226, Dieldrin, Strontium-90, Silver, and Mercury, etc.

Remediation
Both the Department of Energy and UCD share responsibility for the cleanup of the site, with significant progress achieved since its designation as a Superfund site in 1994. All structures have undergone decontamination and decommissioning, and the majority of contaminated soil and debris have been treated and removed by Department of Energy. UCD has implemented multiple facilities to enhance the drainage system and mitigate further leaching of contaminants from the soil. Both organizations are continuing to evaluate the groundwater at the site. The anticipated cleanup completion is September 2024 for sitewide reuse.