BURBANK : Lockheed Plan Cuts Vapor Emissions

The Lockheed Corp. has modified its controversial plan for building a “vapor extraction system” that would emit potentially cancer-causing substances that had seeped into and contaminated soil at the firm’s former B-1 plant site.

Instead of pumping up to 40 pounds a day of vapors into the air as originally planned, the amount will be reduced to as little as 10 pounds a day, Lockheed representatives told the Burbank City Council on Tuesday.

The former aerospace giant is under state orders to remove contaminants left behind after 63 years of building military aircraft at the site, located at 1705 Victory Place near Burbank Airport.

Lockheed officials say the vapor extraction system of wells, pipes and charcoal filters is typically used by gas stations and dry cleaners, and is the most effective way to clean up the 90-acre site.

The level of emissions “is down so far (that) it’s not unlike having a gas station or dry cleaners on that site,” said William Sorenson, Lockheed’s vice president of operations.

The idea of pumping chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and methylene chloride into the air had raised a storm of protest from residents living nearby. Opponents of the project reserved judgment on the latest changes.

“It’s not their (Lockheed’s) final position,” said attorney David Casselman, who represents 350 residents who oppose the plan. “It does reflect a significant reduction in emissions. On that basis, we’re somewhat optimistic.”

In addition to reducing the emissions, Lockheed officials say they are willing to pay for an independent agency to monitor the system constantly, among other things.

Among other developments Tuesday, City Treasurer Jim Rogers reassured the council that municipal funds were unaffected by the financial crisis in Orange County.

Council members also identified three projects they are determined to find funding for under the five-year Capital Improvement Program: construction of a new Buena Vista Library, refurbishment of McCambridge Park and building a roller hockey rink.