March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

PEER Claims Malibu School Contamination May Stem From World War II Uses:

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) on Tuesday said military operations may explain the contaminated soils found on campus during a 2011 environmental assessment and soil removal project at Malibu Middle and High Schools and Juan Cabrillo Elementary School.

PEER said the U.S. Army conducted training on land occupied or adjacent to the current school sites during World War II.

PEER said that contamination had neither been explained nor further investigated.

In a letter today to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), PEER again stressed the need to conduct a site assessment covering the entire three-school campus to determine the extent and the source of toxic chemicals. 

The SMMUSD is in the process of finalizing a contract for environmental testing on the campuses with a firm called Environ International.

PEER said in the months after the attack at Pearl Harbor, concern about a Japanese incursion on the California coast was acute.

“Based upon published reports and interviews with long-time residents who were present during those years, the U.S. Army opened a training center in the area and fenced off much of the coastal area,” a statement from PEER read.

PEER said besides regular beach patrols, military impacts in the area included:

· Artillery training, possibly supported by an ammunition and supply depot located directly atop the present Malibu High School;

· An Army motor pool on the site; and

· The schools were built on fill which may have come from Point Dume where the artillery practice was conducted.

PEER said training films indicate the U.S. Navy conducted target practice for its P-38 fighter planes over Malibu. 

“The area hosted anti-aircraft batteries, a radar station, look-out posts and a Coast Guard base,” PEER’s statement continued. “Even after the war, records indicate that Grumman Hellcat drones were flown over the area as targets for guided missile during the 1950’s.”

PEER Senior Counsel Paula Dinerstein, whose organization is representing teachers at the schools concerned about the lack of toxic remediation in their workplaces, said formerly used defense sites, some dating back to World War I, represented one of the biggest toxic challenges facing the country.

“Chemicals from munitions or other military uses may explain why so many toxins at such dangerous levels were found in the soil on campus,” Dinerstein said.

Nationally, PEER said there are an estimated 16,000 former military ranges, depots and other sites contaminating up to 40 million acres of land, an area larger than the State of Florida, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency briefing papers obtained by PEER. 

While Malibu is not on any current “Formerly Used Defense Site” (FUDS) clean-up list, PEER said new sites are still being discovered across the country.

Dinerstein said the District has spent $500,000 on environmental testing, consultants and lawyers since October but has yet to answer any of the questions raised by teachers, parents or students.

Dinerstein said that neither the contract nor the work-plan for the new testing firm has yet to be publicly released. 

“Before throwing more money at this problem, let’s ensure the new testing will produce tangible results,” Dinerstein.

The Mirror is seeking comment from the SMMUSD relating to PEER’s claims.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...