FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts: Cristan Higa, BCHD (310) 374-3426, ext. 117 cristan.higa@bchd.org
Dan Smith, BCHD (310) 374-3426, ext. 156 dan.smith@bchd.org
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (February 28, 2020) -- As part of the environmental studies in preparation for construction of the proposed Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) Healthy Living Campus, BCHD hired Converse Consultants (Converse) to perform an initial assessment of the environmental conditions at the BCHD campus property at 514 North Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach. Converse recently reported on sampling results that, among other things, identified the presence of Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a substance commonly used in the dry cleaning industry, in a number of soil vapor samples.
The highest PCE concentrations were generally detected in samples from locations closest to a former dry cleaner that operated from approximately 1990 to 2018 at the adjoining retail center to the north (1232 Beryl St.).
BCHD has notified the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and will work with the agencies and other public entities to address these sampling results. BCHD also notified the owners of the retail shopping center at Beryl Street and Prospect Avenue, where the dry cleaner was located.
Following BCHD’s longstanding mission to enhance community health, the health district has proposed transforming its Prospect Avenue property into a Healthy Living Campus that provides intergenerational health and wellness services, programs and facilities. BCHD is working with consultants on a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project, which led to the discovery of PCE in the soil. The Draft EIR will address mitigation actions related to construction.
Timeline of Events:
October 2019: Converse Consultants conducts tests on soil samples as part of EIR process for BCHD’s Healthy Living Campus project.
December 2019: BCHD received draft report from Converse Consultants with data showing elevated PCE levels at BCHD Campus on Prospect Avenue. As a result of the findings, more tests were conducted at the Prospect Avenue site and all indoor concentrations of PCE are less than residential screening levels. BCHD sent letters to the appropriate regulatory agencies informing them of report findings. BCHD also contacted the owners of the retail businesses at Beryl Street and Prospect Avenue (adjoining property).
January 2020: BCHD attempted to establish contact with Los Angeles County Fire Department and Regional Water Quality Control Board and adjacent property owner.
February 2020: BCHD established contact with the Regional Water Quality Control Board related to remediation and next steps. Converse Consultants completes final report of soil samples and findings.
About Beach Cities Health District
Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is a healthcare district focused on preventative health and serves the communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. Established in 1955 as a public agency, it offers an extensive range of dynamic health and wellness programs, with innovative services and facilities to promote health and prevent diseases across the lifespan. BCHD also operates AdventurePlex, a health and fitness facility where kids play their way to good health, and the Center for Health & Fitness, a comprehensive fitness center that is the only Medical Fitness Association-certified facility in California. Visit www.bchd.org or call (310) 374-3426 for more information.
