RWQCB Rescinds Zeneca and RFS Cleanup Orders

October 19, 2005

As part of the process to transfer regulatory oversight of both the Zeneca and Richmond Field Station (RFS) remediation and restoration projects to the Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC), at today's Board meeting, the Regional Water Quality Control Board unanimously approved uncontested orders to rescind the 2001 Site Cleanup Requirements (Orders). The 2001 Orders required a number of tasks, including site investigation, cleanup, monitoring and recording of deed restrictions. Three phases of cleanup activity were completed at the RFS under these Orders. DTSC expects to issue a new order to UC Berkeley by the end of 2005. The Board documentation includes the staff report and approved order.

In response to public concerns about continuity of deed restrictions at the Zeneca site, DTSC issued a 9/29/05 letter, included as part of the Board agenda item package for the Zeneca site that responds to these concerns. The letter also presents DTSC's anticipated deadline for issuing a new order as the end of 2005.