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The Site Mitigation Unit’s (SMU) goal is protection of public health and the environment while facilitating completion of site clean-up projects in an expeditious manner. SMU staff oversees the work of private environmental consultants to verify that contaminated sites are adequately characterized, appropriate remedial actions are implemented and cleanup standards are met. Upon completion of site assessment and implementation of the required remedial action a Closure Letter/No Further Action (NFA) Letter is issued to the responsible party. The NFA is recognized by financial institutions, insurance companies and other regulatory agencies.

The Los Angeles County Certified Unified Program Agency (LACoCUPA) established its Site Mitigation Unit (SMU) in 1986. Since 1986 SMU has issued closure for over 750 sites. SMU's voluntary oversight program operates per Health and Safety Code §101480 which allows oversight of certain contaminated sites. In addition, in May 2008, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) delegated corrective action oversight authority to LACoCUPA under chapter 6.5 of Division 20 of California Health and Safety code to implement corrective action under consent agreement at CUPA facilities within its jurisdiction. SMU voluntary oversight and corrective action oversight programs are options in addition to DTSC and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) oversight programs for residents and businesses of Los Angeles County seeking oversight in a cost effective and timely manner for cleanup of their contaminated properties.

At present, SMU oversight is limited to soil-only remediation. Verified groundwater contamination requires additional oversight by the RWQCB or DTSC. Oversight authority for underground storage tanks (USTs) is provided by RWQCB, local City Fire Departments or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Oversight services are provided on a fee for service basis. Service is provided in all cities of Los Angeles County except El Segundo, Glendale, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and Vernon. Please contact Shahin Nourishad, Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist at (323) 890-4106 for additional information.

For additional information, click on the following:

• SMU Fact Sheet
• SMU Guidance Document
• Corrective Action Article
• Consent Agreement
• Consent Agreement Attachments
• SMU Reference List

Additional Information from other Goverment Agencies:

• LA County Ordinance
• Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) DTSC Cal/EPA
• http://www.oehha.ca.gov/risk/Sb32soils05.html
• U.S. EPA Preliminary Remediation Goals
• Advisory Active Soil Gas
• Regional Water Quality Control Board
• Department of Toxic Substance Control