Community members protest groundwater proposal at Simi Valley City Council meeting Aug. 13, 2018

The City’s decision came after community demonstrations organized by Parents vs. SSFL, a group founded by parents whose children have cancer and live near SSFL. Community members also expressed concerns at the Simi Valley City Council and neighborhood council meetings.

Perchlorate, a toxic component of rocket fuel used in vast quantities at SSFL, has been found in Simi Valley wells at levels that exceed state drinking water standards. A 2006 report by Dr. Ali Tabidian indicates that Simi’s perchlorate likely came from SSFL. Perchlorate disrupts the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism in adults and helps children with growth and development. In expectant mothers, impaired thyroid function can impact the fetus and newborn, resulting in delayed development and decreased learning capacity. Other contaminants from SSFL have also been found in its groundwater, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and radioactive tritium.

Media coverage of the demonstrations and meetings is below.

Ventura County Star – Simi Puts Groundwater Study on Hold Citing Community Concerns

Simi Valley Acorn – Fresh water supply or pipe dream?

Ventura County Star – Parents, others urge Simi Valley council not to allow groundwater for residential use

Fox 11 – Simi Valley residents outraged over proposal to use potentially toxic ground water to drink

ABC 7 – Simi Valley residents upset over idea to use groundwater they believe may be contaminated during emergencies

Fox 11 – Simi Valley residents protest city proposal to use groundwater over contamination concerns