Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Beale Air Force Base (Beale AFB), California

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), pursuant to authority granted under California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 20, Sec. 66270.61, has issued an Emergency Permit to the Beale AFB, (EPA ID# CA7570024508) to treat hazardous wastes through open burn/detonation. Specifically, fourteen (14) Pyrotechnic Cartridge; Explosive Activated, Airbus Helicopters 863085-00 / 863080-00, and sixteen (16) MK-44/M514 Impulse Cartridge; Explosive Activated. These items are currently being stored at US Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco and are awaiting transport to the Beale Air Force Base open detonation disposal range where they will be detonated. DTSC has determined as a safety precaution to prevent an accident or severe injury, an Emergency Permit should be issued to treat the hazardous waste at the nearest safe location, which has been determined to be at Beale AFB’s closed open burn/open detonation (OB/OD) disposal range. Background: The Pyrotechnic Cartridge and MK-44/M514 Impulse Cartridge contain explosive materials. When explosive materials degrade, such as within expired products, the explosives become increasingly unstable. Unstable explosives can unpredictably detonate when improperly managed, making expired explosive materials hazardous. Detonation is the recommended treatment for expired explosives. Treatment will be performed at the Beale AFB’s OB/OD disposal range. The range is a secure and secluded military facility designed for this use. The range is located in a remote area and is approximately forty-five acres and fenced. Beale AFB is a secure government installation, and no unauthorized personnel are allowed on the Base property. During operations, the range facility is secure, and any surrounding activities are monitored. Project Activities: The treatment of the hazardous waste involves the addition of other explosives to trigger detonation of the waste explosives. Only EOD trained specialists will be handling the material. Movement, preparation, and treatment of the items will be in accordance with established military procedures. The area shall be inspected after treatment to ensure there is no release of hazardous waste from the area. Any untreated waste will be immediately re-treated by repeated detonation, as necessary. Within 10 business days of the expiration of this permit, Beale AFB will submit a final report, signed in accordance with Title 22, CCR Sec. 66270.11(d). The report shall include certification that the treatment area has been cleared of all residual hazardous waste generated from this emergency treatment and all generated waste has been properly managed. The Emergency Permit is effective beginning July 3, 2026 and shall expire on October 2, 2026.