Welcome to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) website for cleanup at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). Our agency mission is to make sure that the land that held the former Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC) in Area IV at SSFL is cleaned up so that it is safe for future use.
This site includes resources about the history of the site, the extensive analysis conducted by multiple agencies, and the current state of remediation.
Quick Links
- CONNECT Series
- Final Environmental Impact Statement
- Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
- CleanUpdate Newsletters
- Document Library
- 2024 Programmatic Agreement Annual Report
- Characterization & Cleanup
- Annual Site Environmental Reports
- Study Evaluating Soil Treatment Options
- Study Evaluating Chemical Contamination
- Groundwater activities at SSFL
- EPA Study on Radioactivity
- Community

SSFL is located in eastern Ventura County, California, close to the cities of Simi Valley, Chatsworth, West Hills, and Woodland Hills. The site is comprised of four distinct operational areas with two adjacent undeveloped properties.

DOE recognizes that there is contamination onsite that needs to be addressed and removed. Through comprehensive analyses and studies, DOE has mapped where the contamination is located and is working with the state to finalize cleanup plans.

DOE is committed to an open and transparent cleanup process of Area IV and public participation is a crucial part to this process. DOE has worked extensively with the community to review onsite conditions through a series of programs and events in addition to quarterly newsletters.

SSFL neighbors several local communities and serves as a habitat for native plants and animals. While extensive analysis by federal and state agencies shows communities near Area IV are safe, there is contamination onsite that needs to be addressed. Learn about environmental monitoring, cultural and biological studies, engagement with local communities, and former worker health and safety.
More than 65,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater has been removed from the Former Sodium Disposal Facility since 2024 when DOE installed an automated pump system. This represents nearly 70% of the total 94,000 gallons extracted since 2017.September 22, 2026
Early results are promising for an innovative groundwater treatment pilot study in Area IV at SSFL, where DOE previously conducted liquid metals and nuclear energy research.September 22, 2026
The western spadefoot toad, which was rediscovered at SSFL in 2024 after more than a decade, is now a candidate to be listed as a threatened or endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act.September 22, 2026
Learn about the native dudleya, a California native succulent that grows at SSFL.September 22, 2026
Learn about wildland fire facts and get instructions on how to build a carbon filter at home.September 22, 2026
At ETEC's CONNECT Series meeting in August, Ventura County Fire Division Chief Matt Falat gave a presentation on wildfire response near SSFL and emergency response in general. He also received an award for the department's efforts during the Sandy Fire.September 22, 2026
The CONNECT Series meeting on August 12 focused on DOE's response during the Sandy Fire in May 2026, air monitoring wildfire response and other recent activities at SSFLSeptember 22, 2026
Josh Mengers, ETEC's federal project director, thanked the community for attending the recent CONNECT Series meeting, which featured a special presentation from Ventura County Fire Department. He also shared activities and upcoming community engagement.September 22, 2026

ETEC Office
980 Enchanted Way, Suite 108
Simi Valley, CA 93065
For directions, click here.
Email
etec@emcbc.doe.gov