Emergency Permit for Management of Hazardous Waste, Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, El Centro, 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 Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, (EPA ID# CA6170090017) to treat hazardous wastes through open detonation for two (2) fuses, unknown nomenclature; thirteen (13) MK 124 Mod 0 marine signal, smoke and illumination; eight (8) MK 137 Mod 0 Recall Signal; six (6) M18 smoke grenades; sixty (60) Handheld orange smoke signals; forty (40) Orion 12mm signal flares; one (1) MK 25 Mod 2 marine location marker; one (1) MK 16 Mod 0 hand grenade, yellow, smoke; one (1) MK 174 Mod 1 5” projectile; one (1) MK 419 Mod 0 fuse; one (1) 0.50 Cal cartridge; fourteen (14) 0.40 Cal small arm rounds; one (1) MK 18 Mod 0 blasting cap; and one (1) grenade, unknown nomenclature. These items are considered hazardous waste items because they are not safe for transport. They are currently being stored at the Naval Base Coronado (EPA ID# CA7170090016) in San Diego, California. 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 NAF El Centro’s Bombing Range R-2510 (EPA ID# CA6170090017). Background: The items 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 NAF El Centro’s Bombing Range R-2510 on an active Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) bombing range area. The range is a secure and secluded military facility designed for this use. The range is located in a remote area and the nearest residential community is eight miles away. NAF El Centro is a secured 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, NAF El Centro 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 January 30, 2026 and shall expire on April 30, 2026.