In what some have described as a cynical attempt by a U.S. government agency to avoid a long-promised cleanup of toxic and radioactive contaminants, NASA has nominated the Santa Susana Field Laboratory for official listing as a traditional cultural property. Holly Huff, left, and Dawn Kowalski, of the Rocketdyne Cleanup Coalition, stand on a ridgeline overlooking the Santa Susana Field Laboratory site. (Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)AdvertisementHidden within the chaparral and rocky peaks of the Simi Hills, the Santa Susana Field Lab conducted research that was critical to the nation’s Cold War ambitions, yet toxic to the Earth. Now, NASA and a coalition of Native American groups have proposed the area be designated a traditional cultural district. Advertisement“The Department of Energy’s decision to remove 10 buildings in the nuclear area of the Santa Susana Field Lab is a positive but small step forward in the cleanup,” she told the L.A. Times.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 13, 2020 12:56 UTC