The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is looking to take the next step in cleaning up one of Southern California’s most closely watched groundwater sites.

On March 16, 2026, EPA released a proposed plan to expand remediation efforts at the San Fernando Valley (Area 2) Superfund site, a large groundwater contamination zone near Glendale. The agency is now opening the plan up for public comment before finalizing how the next phase of cleanup will move forward.

At its core, the proposal is about scaling up what’s already working—and reinforcing a system that has been treating contaminated groundwater in the region for more than two decades.

Area 2 is part of a larger network of Superfund sites across the San Fernando Valley, covering roughly 6,680 acres. The groundwater beneath the area was contaminated decades ago by aerospace and industrial operations, leaving behind a mix of hazardous chemicals that required long-term management.

Since 2000, EPA’s treatment system has processed more than 58 billion gallons of groundwater, bringing it up to drinking water standards before it’s delivered to the public. Officials say the water currently being served meets all state and federal health requirements.

The new proposal is designed to strengthen that system—not replace it.

What the Plan Would Do

EPA’s approach focuses on increasing capacity and improving reliability across the treatment network.

Key elements of the proposal include:

• Pumping more groundwater through existing extraction wells

• Installing a new well in the southern portion of the site

• Adding an activated carbon treatment unit

• Upgrading the chromium treatment system

• Reducing ongoing maintenance demands

Together, these upgrades are intended to better contain the contaminated plume beneath Glendale while gradually reducing overall pollution levels in the aquifer.

In practical terms, it’s about moving more water through the system, treating it more efficiently, and making sure the infrastructure can keep up over the long haul.

Like many Superfund sites, the San Fernando Valley project is measured in decades, not years.

The site was first added to EPA’s National Priorities List in 1984, placing it among the most complex hazardous waste cleanup efforts in the country. Since then, the strategy has focused on containing contamination, preventing its spread, and steadily improving groundwater quality through continuous treatment.

The latest proposal reflects how those efforts evolve over time. As conditions change and technology improves, cleanup plans are updated to keep progress moving forward.

Public Input Now Open

EPA is now inviting community feedback on the proposed plan during a 30-day public comment period running from March 16 through April 14, 2026.

Two public meetings are scheduled:

• An in-person session on March 25 at the Glendale Arts & Culture Library

• A virtual session on April 1 via Zoom

The in-person meeting will include opportunities for attendees to provide verbal and written comments, while the virtual session will focus on sharing information and answering questions.

Community input will play a role in shaping the final cleanup decision, which EPA will select after reviewing feedback.

Protecting a Critical Resource

Groundwater remains a vital part of Southern California’s water supply, especially in a region where long-term drought and water scarcity are ongoing concerns.

Efforts like the San Fernando Valley cleanup are about more than addressing legacy contamination—they’re about maintaining access to safe, reliable drinking water for millions of people.

The proposed upgrades signal that the work is far from finished, but also that progress is being made. With billions of gallons already treated and more improvements on the table, the focus remains on strengthening a system that communities depend on every day.