Another monitoring event, more findings of contamination in the ground, surface, and now soil vapors related to the contamination from the Chatham Barrel Yard. We were very concerned to learn about the presence of the Chatham Barrel Yard Chemicals of Concern (COC) in soil vapor samples collected in the three most downstream soil vapor monitoring locations along Felicita Road.
Please find the comment letter sent to DTSC on February 21, 2025.
ENU members are asking for characterization of the extent of the soil vapor plume which (minimally) runs along Felicita Road next to the Park, posting of Felicita Creek in the public part where contamination is ‘daylighting’ into the surface water, and other matters.
ENU is also raising concerns about the approval of the drainage ‘improvements’ that will increase and concentrate water flows into the Creek from the Oak Creek development.
The County and the city of Escondido came to an agreement on an easement after the city filed for imminent domain over areas of our County Park to accommodate the Oak Creek drainage increases. Copy is here.
Section G of the Easement admits “the improvements will allow a greater volume of water to flow under Felicita Road…” but, goes on to make assumptions that increasing and concentrating flows will “not adversely impact Felicita Park.”. We do not agree, but either way, the document does not state that the contamination plume or the creek will not be impacted. We expect that the Oak Creek development will continue to add significant loads to the creek and may impact the behavior of the plume.
Bottom-line, the heavy rains have started and the flows are huge, as is the sediment transport. Significant continuing and visible sediment loading into Felicita Creek south of Via Rancho continues to occur. We are concerned that this may alter the movement of the contaminant plume and/or contamination. We request that DTSC conduct an independent analysis of whether this increased sedimentation is affecting contaminant transport or exposure risks from contamination in and under the creek.