T;UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

REGION 9

75 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco , CA 94105-390 1

July 11, 1997

Jerry GaylordRocketdyne DivisionBoeing North Ame rican, Inc.P.0_ Box 7922Canoga Park, CA 91309-7922

Dear Mr. Gaylord :

I have enclosed a copy of EPA's Aerial Photographic Analysis of Rockwell RocketdvneSanta Susana Field Laboratory, Ventura County California, May 1997 (enclosure 1) . EPAwelcomes Rocketdyne's comments or corrections .

EPA prepared this report at the request of the California Department of Toxic SubstancesControl (DTSC). Therefore, DTSC will determine whether and when new areas, identified bythe Aerial Photo Report, need to be included into Rocketdyne's RCRA Facility Investigation(RITl) . However, 1 would like to be involved in discussions between Rocketdvne and DTSC onthe need for further characterization of Area V. based on the Aerial Photo Report .. Because . ifnew areas of contamination are found within2 Area IV. Rocketdynemay need to sample forradionuclides in addition to the contaminants of interest for the R.FL

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact me at (415) 744-2070 .

Sincerely,

Thomas P . KellyProject ManagerRCRACorrective Action Office (WST-5 )

Enclosures

cc: Phil Chandler, DTSC (w/o enclosure)Edgar Bailey, DHS (w/o enclosure)Hannibal Joma, DOE (w/o enclosure)Joshua Workman, RWQCB (w/o enclosure)Daniel Hirsch, SSFL WorkgroupBarbara Johnson, SSFL Workgroup (w/o enclosure)Dr. Jerome Raskin, SSFL Workgroup (w/o enclosure)Dr. Sheldon Plotkin, SSFL Workgroup (w/o enclosure)

005246

07-14-97POI :0

HDMSe00035484

NOTICE

This document has undergone a technical and quality control and assuranc ereview and approval by personnel of the U .S . Environmental Protection Agency ,Office of Research and Development , Characterization Research Division at LasVegas , Nevada , and is for internal Agency use and distribution only .

11

HDMSe00035485

ABSTRACT

This report presents the result s

photographs of the Rom l Rocketdyne Santa Susana Field Laboratory locatedVentura County, California . A series of Solid Waste

of an analysis of historical aerial

Management Units,

,n

Areas ofConcern , and other significant features related to waste management practices

and general site conditions are identified on aerial photographs and discussed

within this report . Six dates of black-and-white and color photographs were

used in the analysis of the study area . The specific years of the photograph sare : 1952-53, 1957, 1965, 1978 1988, and 1995 .

Types of features observed include : engine test stands, landfills, burn

pits, ponds, pits, impoundments, tanks, and open storage areas . No buildings,

structures, associated road networks, or environmentally significant features

wp-n observed within the Buffer Zone (a portion of the SSFL) during the study,

period .

The U .S . Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Characterization Research

Division, Monitoring Sciences Branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, prepared this reportfor the EPA Hazardous Waste Management Division in Region 9, San Francisco,California .

111

HDMSe00035486

CONTENT S

Abstract

Introduction .

Methodology

Analysis Summary

Photo Analysis

January 3, 1953

December 22, 195 2

August, 1957 .

March 1, 196 5

May 16, 1978 . .

October 10, _988 . . .

June 19, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

- Appendix A . List of Solid Waste Management Units and Areas oConcern at the Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site

Glossary . .

References . . . . . . .

FIGURE S

Number

1 Study area location map, California

2 Local study area location map, Calabasas, California

3,4 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site, January 3, 195 3

5 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL.site, December 22, 1952

6-8 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site, August, 1 95 7

9-11 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site, March 1, 1965

12-14 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site, May 16, 1978

15-17 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site, October 10, 1988

120 Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site, June 19, 1995

Page

iii

1

1 2

1 4

15

19

24

28

34

3 8

3 9

4 0

HDMSe00035487

Thi

the .0

approxima

report presents the results of analysis of historical photographs o

,11 Rocket-dyne Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) . The SSFL is

ely 2 , 700 acres in extent and situated in rolling hills in Ventura

County, California (Figures 1 and 2) . The SSFL is administratively divide dinto four Areas and a Buffer Zone . Drainage within the SSFL trends t o

north, south, east, and west . S x dates of black-and-white and color

photographs were used in the analysis

these photographs are : 1952-53, 1957,

of he study area .

.9E5, 1978, .988, a

the

The specific dates o

d 1995 .

The primary task of his study is to identify and document environmentally

significant features associated with Solid Waste Management 'Units (SWMUs) and

Areas of Concern (AO--s) that are included in a Final RCRA Facility Assessment

(&~) Report of the SSFL (SAIC 1994) . The results of analysis also identified

ot ..er env- ronmental_y si nificant feature s . A total of 40 units and area s

cited in the RFA retort were identified on the phonographs and are documented

within this current report (Appendix A) Many SWMDs and AOCs 14_sted in the

assessment reaor~t could not be visually located or identified due to their

physical location or size . Examples of these include : =)undercround tanks,

2)features inside of structures, 3)small above-ground tanks, 4)small sanitary

leachfields associated with individual buildings, and 5)features that existed

only in the time periods between aerial photocraohic dates .

assessment report . During the entire study time period, no structures,associated road networks , or any environmentally significant features werelocated i n the Buffer Zone . A summary of the results of analysis of thisreport is given , by area and feature , in the Analysis Summary Section . Onlythose SWMUs , AOCs, and other features with significant findings weresummarized .

All proper names uti-: ed k ithir. this current report are derived from th

HDMSe00035488

Sources for all maps and aerial photographs used in this report and any

Q,tlateral data consulted are listed in the References section of this report .

A _.Lst of all aerial photographs that were identified and evaluated fo r

usefulness can be obtained by contacting the EPA Work Assignment Manager .

The U . S . Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Characterization Research

Division , Monitoring Sciences Branch in Las Vegas , Nevada, prepared this report

EPA Hazardous Waste Management Division in Region 9, San Francisco ,

HDMSe00035489

METHODOLOGY

This report was prepared using a standard methodology that include s

following steps :

data identification and acquisition,

photographic analysis and interpretation, and

graphics and text preparation .

the

These steps are described in this section . Subsections also address

details related to specific kinds of analyses that may be required to identify

environmental features such as surface drainage and wetlands .

Data identification and acquisition included a search of government andcommercial sources of historical aerial photographs to identify and obtain

photographs with optimal spatial and temporal resolution and image quality fort: study area . In addition, U .S . Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps

were obtained to show the study area location and to provide geographic and

topographic context .

T conduct this analysis, the analyst obtained diapositivestransparencies ) of historical aerial photographs showing the study are a

Diapositives are most often used for analysis instead ofprints because thediapositives havesuperior photographic resolution . They show minute detail sf significant environmental features that may not be discernible on a paper

print .

A photographic analyst uses a tereoscope to view adjacent , overlappingpairs of diapositives on a backlit light table . In most cases , the stereoscopeis capable of various magnifications up to 60 power .involves using the principle of paralla (observing

different positions) to observe a three-dimensiona l

of interest . The stereoscope enhances the photo

a)-wing the analyst to observe vertical as well

relationships of natural and cultural features .

Stereoscopic viewing

a feature from slightly

representation of the are a

interpretation process by

as horizontal spatial

HDMSe00035490

The process of photographic analysis involves the visual examination a

co arison of many components of the photographic image . These component s

include shadow, tone, color, texture, shape, size, pattern, and landscape

d

context of individual elements of a photograph . The photo analyst identifies

objects, features, and "signatures" associated with specific environmenta l

components or characteristics that indicate

of environmental

efers to a combination of

a specific object, condition, o r

significance . The academic and professional training ,

photo interpretation experience gained through repetitive-observation s

similar features or activities, and deductive logic of the analys t

background information from collateral sources ( e .g ., site maps ,

reports , and soil surveys) are critical factors employed in the

analysi s

The

The

set

annotations and terminology to identify objects and features observed in the

diapositives . Significant findings are annotated on overlays attached to th ephotographs in the report and discussed in the accompanying text . Annotations

th,`- are self-explanatory may not be discussed in the text .

are defined in the legend that

first used .

of

as well as

geologi c

photographic

annotation s

accompanies each photograph and in the text whe n

Objects and features are identified in the graphics and text according to

the analyst's degree of confidence in the evidence . A distinction is made

between certain, probable, and possible identifications When the analyst

believes the identification is unmistakable , no qualifier is used . Probable i sused when a limited number of discernible characteristic sb reasonably certain of a particular identification

only a few characteristics

identification

are discernible and the

allows the analyst to

Possible is used when

analyst can only infer an

Photographic enlargements are used in this report . Although the

enlargements allow effective display of the interpretive annotations, they alsoresult in loss of photographic resolution . Therefore, some of the objects andfeatures identified in the original image and described in the text may1 .ly

analyst records the results of the analysis by using a standar d

discernible on the prints in this report .

not be

HDMSe00035491

Study

p tographs

ownership .

or collateral data and do not denote legal property lines or

Surface Drainage

The surface drainage analysis produced for thi s

direction and potential path that a liquid spill or

report identifies the

surface runoff would follow

based on the topography of the terrain and the presence of discernible

obstacles to surface flow . The analyst determines the direction of surface

drainage by stereoscopic analysis of the aerial photographs and by examining

USGS topographic maps . Site-specific surface drainage patterns are annotate d

on the map or photo overlay .

determined, an indeterminat e

flow is ascerta

Where the direction of subtle drainage cannot b

drainage line symbol is used . Regional surface

ned from the USGS topographic maps .

HDMSe00035492

ANALYSIS SUMMARY

The summary ofanalysis of the Rockwell Rocketdyne SSFL site is given

below by Area (I, II, III , and IV ) and feature . The SWMUs , AOCs , and otherfeatures are discussed in the order they were observed (generally from north tosouth) .

1953 - In 1953 Area I is the only area that was developed .

SWMU 4 .2 - Old Area I Landfill

1953 - A small access road was observed, but no waste material .1.7 - An area of fill observed, but uncertain as to correct location .

l>05 - Disturbed ground observed, but no waste material .1978 - No change ; but an- access road to the north had visible solid waste

material

SWMU 4 .1 - Old B-1 Are a

1957 - Rock formation stained ; disturbed ground located north of Service Road1965 - Area is inactive

1988 - A portion of the area being used for open storage1995 - The entire area being used for open storage

SWMU 4 .9 - Advanced Propulsion Test Facility (APTF )

1978 - Three stains observed ; one associated with pipelines

1988 - Stains seen in 1978 not visible

HDMSe00035493

SWMU 4 12 Laser Engineering Test Facility (LETF )

1y57 A horizontal tank had a probable stain adjacent to it

1978 - One empty impoundment visible next to a building ; a stain

1995 - Four new vertical tank s

SWMU 4 .13 LETF Pond

1965 - The pond is visibl e

1978 Pond contains a rust-colored liqui d

1988 Pond filled; a contained tank in its former locatio n1995 - The tank is not present ; contained area filled with liquid

SWMU 4 .10 and 4 .11 ASTF Ponds 1 and 2

1965 - Two ponds are visible and contain light-toned liqui d

1978 - One pond contains rust-colored liquid ; the other pond is empty

1995 One pond has been backfilled and pave d

SWMU 4 .15 Bowl Area

1953 Two engine test stands visibl e

1957 - Standing liquid present in the Retention Pond

1965 - Area is inactive

1988 - A portion has been paved and used for open storag e

SWMU 4 .14 Canyon Are a

1957 Four engine stands and stains visible ; a large denuded area east of theSWMU

1965 - Dark stains associated with test stands

HDMSe00035494

SWMU 4 .5 - Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Plant Waste Oil P and Clarifie r

151 - The plant has been constructed ; stain adjacent to small building

1965 - Stains are present at an excavation west of the plant

1978 - The plant has been dismantle d

1988 - A large accumulation of mounded material at south end of plant

1995 - Mounded material is absent

SWMU 4 .4 - Component Test Laboratory III (CTL-III )

1965 - Three impoundments are visible

1978 - Two impoundments no longer present

1988 - To the north, 19 tanks are stored

1995 - Eighteen of 19 tanks are absent

SWMU 4 .8 - Burn Pit

1965 - Three small liquid-filled pits and one empty pit

1"'I - Three pits and two small bermed area s

15x8 - Revegetated and inactive

AREA I I

SWMU 5 .1- Area II Landfill

1957 - Large area of disturbed ground and grading

1965 - Additional grading observed

1978 - Landfill revegetated ; solid waste visible on steep slope"1988 - Completely revegetated

SWMU 5 .9 - Alfa Test Area

195 7

1965

1'Z

Three engine test stands and associated stains are visible

Extent of staining decrease d

Small area of staining south of the test stands

HDMSe00035495

SWMU 5 . 13 - Bravo Test Area

15 ..1 - Staining is apparent

1965 - No staining visible

SWMU 5 .18 Coca Test Area

next to test stands

1957 - Staining is associated with the test stands

1965 - One new test stand present

SWMU 5 .23 - Delta Test Area

1957 - Three test stands and staining from engine exhaustvisibl e

SWMU 5 . 16 and 5 . 17 - Storable Propellant Area -1 (SPA-1) and SPA-2 Impoundments

1965 - SPA-1 Impoundment berm is under constructio n

1978 - Both impoundments are visible and filled with liquid

198 -Both impoundments are nolonger present .

AREA II I

SWMU 6 .2 - ECL Pond and Suspect Water Pon d

1965 - The vegetated probable Suspect Pond visible

1978 - The new liquid-filled ECL Pond visible

1988 Both ponds empty

1995 Both ponds backfille d

SWMU 6 .5 - Systems Test Laboratory IV (STL-IV) Test Area

1965.Two sets of large horizontal tanks are visible at the laborator y

1978 One set of tanks has been removed and a new impoundment present

1988 - Gray-toned debris present within the impoundment another new

impoundment is present

15 -The two impoundments have been filled

HDMSe00035496

SWMU 6 .4 Compound A

1978 -Small pond of dark-toned liqui d

1988 The small pond has been filled

AREA IV

SWMU 7 .4 Old Conservation Yard

s visible; runoff s to the south

1965 - In addition to the yard itself , six additional storage areas were

observed

1978 -- Additional storage areas not present ; one stain present in east portion

of yard

1988 - All small objects within the yard removed

1995 - No change at yard ; a dirt access road to north has possible solid waste

present

SWMU 7 .8 New Conservation Yard

1978 - Yard is visible

1995 - All objects removed from yard

SWMU 7 .1 Building 56 Landfill

1965 - The landfill is visible ; no waste material observed

1978 - Light- and dark-colored solid waste present

1988 - The landfill is revegetated and inactiv e

1995 - A portion of the landfill has been denuded ; no waste material visibl e

SWMU 7 .5 - Building 100 Trenc h

1965 - Two trenches were observed, no waste material note d

SWMU 7 .10 Building 05 Coal Gasification

A large , dark stain is visible inthe lot north of the main buildin g1968 - Stain is absent

10

H D M Se00035497

SWMU 7 .2 -Building 133 Sodium Burn Facility

1978 - A small dirt access road

west . No objects store d

1988 - A small impoundment

leads from the facility to agraded area to the

at the area

and accumulation of possible d

SWMU 7 . 6 - Radioactive Materials Handling Facility

ums visible

1995 - Staining present on a paved area . A dirt access road leads north of the

facility to a ravine where solid waste or earthen materialis present .

SWMU 7 .3 -Building 886 Former Sodium Disposal Facility

1965 Two impoundments, a small building, and denuded ground visibl e

1978 - Berms are constructed on the ground surface and mounded material present

1988 Large ground stains ; one impoundment filled ; anew ditch on southern and

western side s

1995 Remediation in progress ; southern impoundment filled; ground surface

excavated ; drum overpacks observe d

11

HDMSe00035498

PHOTO ANALYSI S

JANUARY 3, 1953 (FIGURE 3 )

The SSFL is situated in rolling foothills . Drainage from the site flows

from the site to the north, south, east, and west .

The SWMUs and AOCs are discussed in the order that they were analyzed,

i .e ., generally from north to south on each enlargement .

Because of the different alignments of individual photographs , the four,

areas of the SSFL have sometimes been divided into east and west portions .

Since the photography within of each date is unique , east and west designations

are not consistent from year to year and do not correspond to specific

c-'' graphic areas .

When significant features are visible at SWMUs, AOCs, or other locations,

they are annotated and discussed in the text . When no change occurs in

subsequent dates of photography, they are not annotated or discussed . Should

activity be present at a later date, the features will again be discussed .

Area I (East )

SWMU 4 . 2 - Old Area I Landfill

A small access road is observed in this area, but no evidence of waste

material is visible .

SWMU 4 .15 Bowl Are a

Two engine test stands and associated support buildings are visib i

12

HDMSe00035499

JANUARY

Area I (West)

This portion

features

of Area I is not developed and no environmentally significan t

No significant features are visible within these areas

HDMSe00035500

DECEMBER 22, 1952 (FIGURE

AreasII (West) ,

These areas are undeveloped and no significant features are present

HDMSe00035501

AUGUST, 1957 (FIGURE

Area I (East )

SWMU 4 .1 - Old B-1 Area

The rock outcrop immediately east of this area is darkly stained. To

the south is a denuded hillside . A small'drainageway trends west from the

nearby building complex . Disturbed ground is located north of the Service Area

Road .

SWMU 4 .2 - Old Area I Landfil l

An area of fill is visible in this area ; however, it could not be

ascertained if this feature is the landfill .

SWMU 4 .12 - LETF

Adjacent to a horizontal tank is a probable stain . Another stain exists

behind a facility west of the LETF Area .

S`v1MU 4 .14 Canyon Area

Four engine test stands are visible . A large, dark stains is associated

with the two easternmost stands . A large denuded area is visible eastof the

Canyon Area .L-) c-l

SWMU 4 .5 - LOX Plant Waste Oil Sump and Clarifier

This plant has been constructed since 1952 . The RFA Report discusses an

oil sump and clarifier located at the plant, but these features could not be

identified. Disturbed ground is visible adjacent to the plant .

SWMU 4 .15 Bowl Area

Standing liquid is'present in the Retention Pond west of three engine test

rids .

is

HDMSe00035502

AUGUST, 1957 (FIGURE

Area

S

(West )

4 5 LOX Plant Waste Oil S ip a d Clarifier

A large stain is visible emanating

side of the LOX plant .

S 4 .17 - Perimeter Pond

The

from a small building on the wes t

Perimeter Pond is located at the southern end of Area I . Runoff from

the pond flows south eventually into Bell Creek .

Area II (East)

Area II primarily consists of four engine test areas, associated

drainageways, and skim and retention ponds to retain and manage water used

r'-': of engine test firings .

S 5 .1 - Area II Landfill

as

The area of disturbed ground observed in 1952 has been graded ; however ,

waste materials are observed .

lot is a small impoundment of

SWMU 5 .9 - Alfa Test Area

East of the landfill andadjacent t o a parking

standing liquid .

Three engine test stands are visible . A large area

ground surface is stained from engine exhaust .

SWMUs 5 . 13 and 5 .15 - Bravo Test Area

Drainage s

The Bravo Test Area is southwest

?rent around the test stands

0

rock formations and

and Bravo Skim Pond and Associated

of the Alfa Test Area . Staining is

16

HDMSe00035503

SWMUs 5 . 18 and 5 .19

--ainage s

Coca Test Area and Coca Skim Pond and Associated

3A large area of staining is associated with f le

Coca Test Area

ngine test stands at th e

SWMUs 5 . 23 and 5 . 24 - Delta Test Area andDelta Skim Pond and Associated

Drainages

The Delta Test Area has three engine test stands and stains thatare

associated with engine exhaust .

Area III (East)

SWMU 6 .8 Silvernale Reservoir

The reservoir is the only feature in this portion of Figure

significant features are associated with it .

Area IV (East )

SWMU 7 .4 Old Conservation Yard

The yard is apparently used for open storage ; however, less than optimal

photographic resolution precludes a definitive assessment of the identity of

the features within the yard .

17

HDMSe00035504

AUGUST, 1957 (FIGURE

Area II (West)

No significant

Area III (West)

features are observed

SWMU 6 . 5 - STL-IV Test Area

One

rthis small portion of Area I

contained vertical tank is present at STL-IV .

Area IV (West )

Land has been cleared in the central portion of Area IV (West ), probably

for future construction . To the southwest , standing liquid apparently

originates from an adjacent building .

18

HDMSe00035505

MARCH 1, 1965 (FIGURE 9 )

A.,- .--a I (East )

SWMU 4 .1 - Old B-1 Are a

This area appears to be inactive .

SWMU 4 .2 - Old Area I Landfil l

Since 1957, several buildings and other structures have been constructed

north of the Area 1 Road . An area of disturbed ground exists immediately north

of some of the buildings . No visible wastematerialis noted .

SWMU 4 .10 and 4 .11 - ASTF Ponds 1 and 2

Two ponds are visible . The smaller pond is closer to the main building

and the larger pond is partially hidden from view by a large rock and

o'rhanging trees . Both ponds appear to contain light-toned liquid . To the

northeast and adjacent to the road are three small revetted horizontal tanks .

SWMU 4 .13- LETF Pond

A single pond is visible southwest of the LETF main building complex

A small pit is evident behind the facility west of the LETF area .

SWMU 4 .14 Canyon Area

This area appears to be active . Dark stains are associated with the

engine test stands . The skim and retention ponds are also visible .

19

HDMSe00035506

MARCH

AZca

, 1965 (FIGURE 10 )

(West )

4 .5 - LOX Plant Waste Oil Sump and Clarifie r

Four vertical tanks have been constructed . West of the tanks is an

excavated area . Staining is evident near'the excavated face . Other stains, avertical tank, and disturbed ground are noted . No waste oil sump or clarifier

is observed .

SWMU 4 .15 - Bowl Area

The area appears to be inactive . Standing 1

Retention Pond .

SWMU 4 .7 - CTL-III

qu d is visible in the

Three impoundments are visible at this SWMU . One is north of thePeimeter Pond (SWMU 4 .16) along a natural drainageway . A revegetated

impoundment is present east of the Perimeter Pond which receives runoff fromthe pond . Another impoundment is located at the southeastern edge of the

laboratory and discharge from the impoundment flows into a nearby tributary .

SWMU 4 .8 - Burn Pit

Three small pits containing standing liquid are visible west of thePerimeter Pond . An empty pit and an liquid-filled impoundment are alsovisible . Drainage from the impoundment flows to the east .

Area II (East )

SWMU 5 .1 - Area I Landfil l

Disturbed ground is eviden t

t l--- RFA

present .

report .

t the location of the landfill as given in

Some grading or levelling of the surface of the landfill i s

20

HDMSe00035507

Area f Concern (AOC) Building 515 Sewage Treatment Plant (STP )

Two small rectangular ponds are visible at the sewage treatment plant ;

however, no significant features are observed .

SWMUs 5 .9 and 5 .11 Alfa Test Area and Alfa Ponds and Associated Drainages .

The extent of staining within the Alfa Test Area has decreased since 1957

Two new ponds (the Alfa Ponds) - are present to the west of the test stands .

SWMU 5 .16 - SPA-1 Impoundment

The bermof the impoundment is under constructio n

SWMIIs 5 .13 - Bravo Test Are a

No stains are visible adjacent to the test stands .

S 5 .18 and 5 .19 - Coca Test Area and Coca Skim Pond and Associate d

Drainage s

Another engine test stand has been constructed . The Coca Skim Pond has

been enlarged and a berm has been constructed.

21

HDMSe00035508

MARCH 1965 (FIGURE 11 )

Area II (West )

No significant features or changes are observed in this portion of Area

II . SWMU 5 . 25, R-2A and R- 28 are visible .

AREA II I

AOC - Southeast Drum Storage Yar d

An area of disturbed ground is visible at this AOC ; however,

observed .

SWMU 6 .2 - ECL Pond and Suspect Water Pond

drums are

A small impoundment is visible within the ECL Complex . The RFA report,

identifies aSuspect Water Pond at this location . It appears as though a

r'°""`inageway trends from a building north of the pond and continues to the

south .

To the southwest, what appears to be a portion of a berm that has

revegetated is visible .

A manmade impoundment is visible southeast of SWMU 6 . 9, Environmental

Effects Laboratory .

SWMU 6 . 5 - STL-IV Test Area

Two large horizontal tanks are visible adjacent to the STL-IV Road and

another two horizontal tanks are present to the south .

Area IV

SWMU 7 .4 - Old Conservation Yar d

Resolution limits a detailed assessment of the types of featureslocated

22

HDMSe00035509

t16' crr+t d

within the yard ; however, there are six additional areas

t,ba yard . One area contains possible stacked drums . To

d waste is located at the end of a small access road .

storage north o fo f

the north, possibl e

A pipeline i s

visible between the storage areas and an impoundment to the west .

A new small impoundment and an area of disturbed ground are present near

the Radioactive Material Handling Facility(SWMU 7 .6) .

SWMU 7 . 1 Building 56 Landfil l

The landfill is visible , but no evidence of waste material is observed .

very deep, apparently empty excavation-is visible nearby

SWMU 7 .5 Building 100 Trench

Two open trenches are visible at this location ; however , no waste material

is visible within the trenches . To the south , linear stain patterns are noted .One stain originates at an accumulation of mounded material .

. .4U 7 .3 - Building 886 Former Sodium Disposal Facilit y

This unit consists of a large denuded area , two impoundments , and onesmall building .

23

HDMSe00035510

MAY 1 r 1978 (FIGURE 12 )

Area I (East )

SWMU 4 .2 - Old Area I Landfill

No change is evident at this SWMU ; however, to the northeast, a short

access road and visible solid waste is observed. -

SWMU 4 .9 - APTF

A stain is evident immediately west of the main building . It appears to

be associated with a pipeline that runs from the main building to the APTF

Ponds(SWMUs 4 .10 and 4 .11) . Two other stains, one of which are associated

with a pipeline, are visible northeast of the main building . Standing liquid

is also located southwest of the pipeline .

SWMU 4 .10 and 4 . 11 APTF Ponds 1 and 2

One pond contains a rust-colored liquid and the other pond is empty .

SWMU 4 .12 LETF

An empty impoundment is visible adjacent to the LETF Pond (SWMU 4 .13

To the north a long stain trends from a small building toward the Area One

Road .

A new liquid-filled impoundment is visible at the facility west of the

LETF .

SWMU 4 .13 - LETF Pond

The pond contains a rust-colored 1 qu d

24

H DMSe00035511

MAY 16, 1978 (FIGURE

Area I ( West)

1

SWMU 4 .5 - LOX Plant Waste Oil ump and Clarifier

The LOX Plant hasbeen dismantled . Two areas of fill are evident on the

east and west sides of the plant. -

SWMU 4 .7 - CTL-III a

The two impoundments seen in 1965 on the west si e of CTL-III are no

longer present . The impoundment on the east side has been enlarged . A new

area of disturbed ground is present east of the Perimeter Pond (SWMU 4 .17) .

SWMU 4 .8 - Burn Pit

Three pits containing liquid and two small bermed areas are visible a t

t"" s SWMU . A graded area is noted to the southwest . A new horizontal tank is

noted at the facility to the north .

Area II (East

SWMU 5 . 1 - Area II Landfil l

Almost the entire landfill has revegetated indicating inactivity . Solid

waste is visible on a steep slope on the north side of the landfill .

To the west, in a building complex, is a small pit with visible stains .

To the south are two other areas with visible stains .

SWMUs 5 .16 and 5 .17 SPA-1 impoundment and SPA-2Impoundment

These two impoundments are new features . Impoundment 1 is located in Area

III, but the RFA report places it in Area II . Nearby, a stain is visible next

t•°"-a small building .

25

HDMSe00035512

MAY 1 197D ( FIGURE 1

Area II (West )

SWMII 5 . 24 Delta Skim Pond and Associated Drainages

The pond contains no liquid and it is revegetated .

Area III

S j

,C► 0-1 1

At the extreme north end of this area are standing liquid and stains .

SWMU 6 .2 - ECL Pond and Suspect Water Pond

No change is noted in the revegetated suspect pond seen in 1965 ; however,

the new ECL Pond is located nearby .

To the northeast of the ponds is an area of possible drum storage . It

r'-ears to be associated with Storable Propellant Area Impoundments 1 and 2

(SWMUs 5 . 16 and 5 .17) .

Located between the ECL and Suspect Pond and the AOC - Area III Sewage

Treatment Plant is an area that had been cleared of vegetation in 1965 . The

area is now revegetated, but has a hummocky appearance rather than a smooth

texture observed in 1957 . The cause for this could not be determined from the

photography .

SWMU 6 .4 Building 418 Compound A Facility

A small pond of dark-toned liquid is present at this unit . Runoff from

the pond flows south .

SWMU 6 .5 - STL-IV Test Area

Two horizontal tanks have been removed since 1965 and a new impoundment is

T'" sent at the north end of this unit .

26

HDMSe00035513

tf

Area IV

SWmU 7 .4 - Old Conservation Yard

The resolution of this photograph is less than optimal ; therefore, it i s

not possible to identify specific objects within the yard . One stain is

observed in the eastern portion of the yard. The objects within the six areas

to-the north where similar objects were stored in 1965 are no longer present .

A-new vertical storage tank is visible nearby .

SWMU 7 .8 -New Conservation Yard

This yard appears very similar to the Old Conservation Yard . Photographic

resolution again precludes a definitive assessment of objects within the yard .

SWMU 7 . 2 - Building 133 Sodium Burn Facility

No significant features are visibleatthe facility itself ; however, a

s--"'1_l dirt access road connects the facility to a graded area to the west . Nobjects are stored in this location . The use of this area could not be

determined from the photograph .

SWMU 7 .10 - Building 05 Coal Gasification

A large, dark stain is visible in the lot north of the main building .

SWMU 7 .1 - Building 56 Landfil l

Light- and dark-toned solid waste is visible within this landfill , both onthe level surface and the no rtheast-facing slope . A new impoundment under

construction, is visible to the ' southeast .

SWMU 7 3 - Building 886 Former Sodium Disposal Facility

No change is observed the two impoundments ; however, berms have bee ntructed in the open area between the two impoundments since 1965 and

series of small mounds of material are not e

27

d

HDMSe00035514

OCTOBER 1 1988 (FIGURE 15 )

Area I (East )

Very few significant features or changes have taken place

1978 .

SWMU 4 .1 - Old B-1 Are a

This area is being used for open storage .

in Area I since

Open storage and storage of crates arevisible at facilities in the

vicinity of the Area I Road and Service Area Road intersection . To the

southwest, new fill has been placed on the north side of Area I Road probably

to increase the extent of usable land .

SWMU 4 .9 - ASTF

A stain associated with a pipeline in 1978 is no longer visible .

SWMU 4 .13 LETF Pon d

The small pond seen in 1978 has been backfilled and a contained,

horizontal tank is now in its place . A new impoundment is visible to the east .

Anew liquid-filledimpoundment is visible at the facility to the west .

SWMU 4 . 5 - LOX Plant Waste Oil Sump and Clarifie r

Along the southern perimeter of the plant is a large accumulation of

mounded material . The composition of this material could not be determined .

The waste oil sump and clarifier are not visible .

SWMU 4 .15 Bowl Area

A portion of the Bowl Area has been paved and is being used for open

rage .

28

HDMSe00035515

OCTOBER 10, 1988 (FIGURE 16 )

Ara I (West )

SWMU 4 .8 - Burn Pi t

The Burn Pit area is revegetated indicating inactivity . Soil appears t

have been removed at the larger pit . The graded area seen in 1978 has -

increased in size. -

Area II (East )

SWMU 5 .1 Area II Landfill

The unit is completely revegetated and is inactive . Solid waste observed

in 1978 has also revegetated .

Within the building complex to the west, the pit and stains seen in 1978

a- no longer present . Mounded material and open storage is visible tothe

west . To the south, the small area of staining observed in 1978 is not

visibl

SWMUs 5 .16 and 5 .17 - SPA Impoundments 1 and 2

S

These impoundments have been filled since 1978 .

5 .9 - Alfa Test Area

At the eastern end of Alfa Road, staining from engine exhaust is evidentsouth of the test stands .

SWMUs 5 .12 and 5 .15 Alfa/Bravo Skim Pond and Bravo Skim Pond and Associated

Drainages

Vegetation present in the Alfa/Bravo Skim Pond in 1978 has been removedar~- the ground has been cleared and graded . An adjacent area which includes

the Bravo Skim Pond has also been cleared . To the northwest , a new, smal l

30

HDMSe00035516

impoundment is visible adjacent to five vertical tanks .

III (East )

A small portion of Area III is visible on this photograph .

liquid and staining , observed in 1978, is still visible .

HDMSe00035517

OCTOBER 1 I

A-za II (West )

SWMU 5 .24 Delta Skim Pond and Associated Drainages

The pond has been cleared of vegetation and graded ,

Area III (West )

SWMU 6 . 2 - ECL Pond and Suspect Water Pon d

The ECL Pond to the east contains no liquid and the Suspect Water Pond ha sbeen cleared of vegetation cover . Three old tanks are visible in a storage

area to the east .

SWMU 6 .4 - Building 418 Compound A Facility

The small pond seen in 1978 has been filled . A dirt access road leadssu,ith from the facility to a nearby drainageway .

SWMU 6 .5 - STL-IV Test Area

Gray-toned debris is visible within one of the impoundments that contained

liquid in 1978 . A new impoundment is being constructed to the east within the

natural drainageway . It is partially filled with liquid .

North of this unit are seven mounds of material and a small pit that areprobably related to construction of a new drainage channel nearby . To the westare two very large areas of mounded material . The source of this materialcould not be determined .

Area I

SWMU 7 . 4 - Old Conservation Yard

All objects within the yard have been removed with the exception oflarge

32

HDMSe00035518

JUNE 19, 1995 (FIGURE

Area I (East;.

18 )

Very few new features or changes are observed thi s

SWMU 4 .1 - Old B-1 Area

The entire area is now being used for open- storage .

SWMU 4 .10 and 4 .11 APTF Ponds 1 and 2

area .

One pond has been backfilled and paved . Xe Wi, o(O~e d

C,-- I1'- kave &.,&-

SWMU 4 .12 LETF

Four new vertical tanks are visible .

SF""`T3 4 .13 LETF Pond

lx -1t g g

The tank-within the contained area seen in 1988 is no longer present and

the area is filled with liquid .

L. ro i n

34

HDMSe00035519

JUNE 1 9

A~-

SWM

1995 (FIGURE 19 )

West

4 .5 - LOX Plant Waste Oil Sump and Clarifie r

The plant remains inactive . Mounded material seen in 1988 is absen

SWMU 4 .6 - Asbestos and Drum Landfill

A small revegetated excavation is now visible . This excavation may be the

location of the lan

west .

11 . A small area denuded of vegetation is visible to the

Us,,AJ i( +or4 W

SWMU 4 .7 - CTL-II I

North of this unit, 18 of the 19 tanks seen in 1988 have been removed .

ST E[J 4 .8 - Burn Pit

The disturbed area west of the Burn Pit is revegetated .

Area II, (East)

In the building complex west of the Area II Landfill is a linear stain

between a building and an open storage area to the east . The stain appears to

originate at the western boundary of the open storage area .

SWMU 5 . 4 - Swimming Pool W/H202 Treatment Syste m

Five vertical tanks are located at this unit . 3i (Sw 4,-P.

SWMUs 5 .12 and 5 .15 Alfa/Bravo and Bravo Skim Ponds and Associated Drainages

Both the Alfa/Bravo Skim Pond and the Bravo Skim Pond are revegetated and

I) tive .

35

HDMSe00035520

JUNE 1 1995 (FIGURE 20 )

area II (West )

No Significant features are observed this Area .

Area II I

SWMU 6 . 2 ECL Pond and Suspect Water Pon d

The two impoundments seen in 1978and 1988 have been filled .

SWMU 6 . 5 STL-IV Test Area

The two impoundments at the north end of this unit have been filled .

Area IV

N 7 .4 Old Conservation Yard

No significant change has occurred at this unit, but to the-north a dirt

access road leads through the revetted area of a vertical storage tank to aravine . Possible solid waste is visible next to the end of the road .

SWMU 7 . 8 - NewConservation Yard

Almost all stored objects have been removed .

SWMU 7 .6 Radioactive Materials Handling Facility

West of the building complex is a drain that leads across a paved area and

down to the small impoundment . Stains are present on the paved area. Nearby

is a dirt access road the'leads north to a ravine where it appears as though

solid waste or earthen material has been disposed .

36

HDMSe00035521

APPENDIX A. List of Solid Waste Management Units aR,=kwell Rocketdyne SSFL site .

AREA

SWMU 4 .1 Old B-1 Area4 .2 Old Area I Landfil l4 .5 LOX Plant Waste Oil Sump and Clarifier4 .6 Asbestos and Drum Landfill4 .7 CTL-III4 .8 Burn Pit

.4 .9 ASPF

4 .10 and 4 .11 APTF Ponds 1 and 24 .12 LETF4 .13 LETF Pond4 .14 Canyon Area4 .15 Bowl Are a4 .17 Perimeter Pond

AREA II

d Areas of Concern at the

SWMU 5 .1 Area II Landfill5 .9 Alfa Test Area5 .4 Swimmimg Pool UV/H202 Treatment System5 .11 Alfa Skim and Retention Ponds and Associated Drainages5 .12 Alfa-Bravo Skim Pon d5 .13 Bravo Test Are a

5 .15 Bravo Skim Pond and Associated Drainages5 .16 and 5 .17 SFA Ponds 1 and 2.5 .18 Coca Test Are a5 .19 Coca Skim Pond and Associated Drainages5 .23 Delta Test Area5 .24 Delta Skim Pond and Associated Drainages

AOC Building 555 Sewage Treatment Plant

AREA II I

SWMU 6 .2 ECL Pond and Suspect Water Pond6 .4 Building 418 Compound A Facility6 .5 STL-IV6 .8 Silvernale Reservior6 .9 Environmental Effects Laboratory

AOC - Area III Sewage Treatment Plant

AREA IV

SWMU 7 .1 Building 56 Landfil l7 .2 Building 133 Sodium Burn Facility7 .3 Building 886 Former Sodium Disposal Facility7 .4 Old Conservation Yard7 .5 Building 100 Trench7 .8 New Conservation Yard7 .10 Building 05 Coal Gasificatio n

38

HDMSe00035522

AccessRoad - A paved or unpaved route access .

Berm /Dike - An embankment of either natural or man-made materialssolids or other materials, or controls flood waters .

that impounds liquids ,

Dark , Medium, or Light-Toned - Tones of features in question are compared with the darkest andlightest tones of gray (if using B&W photography) on the print .

Disturbed Ground (DG) A rough area where

D

the ground surface has been dug up or overturned .

(DR) - Metal cylinders used for the storage, transportation, or disposal of materials .

Fill (FL) - Earth, stones,ground .

orother material that is used to build up the level of an area o f

Graded Area - An area where the surfacepulling or pushing a wide blade .

of the groundhas been leveled or altered by

Impoundment (IM) - A liquid containment area that appears to be related to activit ynut goes not appear to tie used for waste storage, disposal and/or treatment .

Landfill (LF) - A disposal facility which intermittently employs aonly when identified as a landfill by collateral sources .

Oren Storaae Area - An area of open-air (outdoor) storag eerials, within industrial or manufacturing sites .

Pit - A steep-sided hole in the ground surface .

vehicle

n a site

cover material . To be used

of containerized raw or waste

Pond - A small body of liquid, natural or man- made (e .g .,farm pond), that doe sbe directly related to disposal or treatment activity on the site .

not appear to

Runoff - Water from rain , snow melt, or irrigation that flows over the ground surface andreturns to streams . It can collect pollutants from air or land andcarry them to thereceiving waters .

Solid waste (SW) - Any garbage, refuse, or sludge from a waste treatment, water supplytreatment plant, or air pollution control facility, and other discarded material, includingsolid or semi-solid material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agriculturaloperations, and from community activities ; does not include solid or dissolved material indomestic sewage , or solid or dissolved materials in irrigation return flows or industrialdischarges .

Stain ( ST) - A residue or discoloration resulting from a spill, discharge, orremoved/ dispersed materials .

Tanks - Vertical tanks (VT), horizontal tanks ( HT), pressure tanks (PT), tank farms , and solidwaste management units . A large receptacle, container , or structure for holding liquid orgas .

Trench (TR) - A long, narrow excavation unrelated to drainage .

39

HDMSe00035523

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo Date of Original Film Photo Sourcesource Figure acquisition scale type* I .D . frame #

ASCS' 3,4 . 01-03-53 1 :20,000 B&W AXI 7ASCS 5 12-22-52 1 :20,000 B&W AXI 3 0WHIT2 6-8 08-00-57 1 :24,000 B&W 22926 76,65UCSB3 9-11 03-01-65 1 :36,000 B&W PAI-251V 160,161PAS' 12-14 05-16-78 1 :24,000 CC VEN2 152,153PAS 15-17 10-10-88 1 :24,000 CC PWVEN 103CONAPS 18-20 06-19-95 1 :24,000 B&W CONAP 115,11 4

*Film type identification :B&W Black-and-whiteCC Conventional Color

S

Source Figure Scale Date

USGS 1 United States 1 :2,500,000 197 2USGS 2 Calabasas, CA 1 :24,000 1967

PUBLICATIONS

SAIC . May 1994 . Final RCRA Facility Assessment Report for Rockwell Corporation,Rocketdyne Division, Santa Susana Field Laboratory, Ventura County, California .

'ASCS U .S . Department of Agriculture , Agricultural Stabilization andConservation Service, Washington, D .C.

`WHIT Fairchild Aerial Photography , Whittier College , Whittier, California3UCSB University of California , Santa Barbara , Santa Barbara , California`PAS Pacific Aerial Surveys , Oakland, California5CONAP Continental Aerial Photo , Inc ., Los Alamitos , California

40

HDMSe00035524