Wyle Labs has permits to handle, store, generate or use hazardous
chemicals, radioactive materials, and various explosives. Their testing can
include detonating warheads, weapons, rockets, missiles, and high-level
explosives. Since the '50s, the community of Norco, California has been exposed
to Wyle's activities in ways that can threaten human health and safety. In
2001, Wyle performed explosions that released hazardous levels of lead - almost
30 times the allowable limit - 12,000 mg/kg!! This contamination was left
un-remediated and EXPOSED for over 8 months, during some of the highest
windstorms encountered in years!! Wyle Labs has contaminated the State's
groundwater with various VOC's (TCE, DCE PCE, Vinyl Chloride), Perchlorate,
NDMA, etc. The EPA classifies Wyle Labs as a "Large Quantity
Generator" of hazardous waste. According to the Agency for Toxic
Substances Disease Registry, Wyle Labs handles, stores, generates or releases
12 of the top 20 most hazardous substances - most of them likely to cause
cancer.
On Friday, 2/28/03 at 2:15pm and 2:36pm, Wyle performed some
frightening activities. Many residents contacted the City of Norco, Department
of Toxic Substances Control, County of Riverside Hazardous Materials
Department, Sheriff's Department, Bomb Squad, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms, etc. Unfortunately, these agencies failed to investigate.
A bordering resident contacted Wyle's Safety Officer, Gary
Montgomery, to inquire about the tests they were doing. She told him she was
"scared to death". He laughed at her and told her not to worry. This
is not a laughing matter!! Keith Anderson, the Director of Wyle Labs told her
she had nothing to fear. "It's not a bomb or anything", he said,
"we're mixing gases to test combustion and when we get the right mixture,
it won't be so loud".
In August of 2001, Wyle confirmed their requirement to "alert
everyone to a maximum risk potential...because we have the authority to
receive, store and utilize a WIDE variety of hazardous substances, including
explosives". The potential health hazard language is as follows,
"Very short exposure could cause death or serious residual injury even if
prompt medical attention was given". Wyle also displays a Prop 65 warning
that chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer can be found in
AND around their facility. The question is - how far around?
Even
though Wyle Labs has recently sold their property, they will continue to remain
in operation. Wyle admits that they test "explosives, weapons systems and
conventional munitions"...even "detonating ordnance devices".
They can "purchase, store and detonate warheads, rockets, missile
components, sub-munitions, and 'high' level explosives. Also, because the City
of Norco refuses to pull their Detonation Test Permit, Wyle can continue these
hazardous activities without condition.
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