An elaborate treatment system is set to be constructed in Newport Beach to eliminate the remaining gases in the soil at the site of a former Ford Motor Co. facility. The facility, known as Ford Aeronutronics, operated from 1957 to 1993 and used volatile organic compounds to clean metal parts. Despite previous cleanup efforts, recent testing has revealed the presence of these compounds in the soil. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board has determined that these gases could potentially impact the indoor air quality of nearby homes, prompting the need for a more advanced treatment system.
To address this issue, the Newport Beach City Council has granted a temporary permit for the construction of a treatment plant, which is expected to be completed within the next year. Some residents in the neighboring community expressed concerns about the venting location and objected to the appearance of the 10-foot-tall building that would house the treatment system. However, the Planning Commission denied their appeal, and the council unanimously decided to prioritize the cleanup efforts.
Councilmember Will O’Neill acknowledged the complexities of addressing environmental issues in cities with former aeronautics sites but stressed the importance of taking remedial steps. Ford’s vapor extraction project, approved by the water quality board, will extract vapor from the soil through wells and treat it using granular activated carbon before releasing it into the atmosphere. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has approved their plan, ensuring compliance with regulations.
While nearby residents recognize the necessity of removing the gases, concerns about the facility’s appearance and proximity to their homes have been raised. City officials have reassured the public that the planned location has been chosen carefully to ensure aesthetic compatibility and minimal obstruction. The facility will be designed to blend in with the surrounding community, featuring a gabled roof and exterior siding painted to match nearby buildings. Additionally, landscaping measures will be implemented to soften its overall impact.
Safety concerns are also being addressed by Ford’s engineers who are overseeing the project. The release of chemical vapors will be located as far away as possible from the nearby condos in the Bayridge Park community on Hartford Drive. Monitoring and supervision by the South Coast Air Quality Management District will ensure the adherence to safety standards.
Construction on the facility is expected to commence within the next three months, with every effort made to minimize disruptions to the community.
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