The Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC) meeting held on May 2, 2025, by the State Water Resources Control Board in California focused on significant environmental remediation efforts at two notable sites: the Ford Aeroneutronics plant in Newport Beach and the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino.

The meeting commenced with a presentation detailing the history and cleanup progress of the Ford Aeroneutronics facility, which was operational from 1957 until its closure in the early 1990s. The facility, once a hub for weapons development, faced challenges due to tightened action levels for trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination discovered years after its closure. The Water Board had to reopen the site for further investigation and remediation due to the discovery of two extensive soil gas plumes affecting nearby residential areas.

Ford Aerospace has cooperated with regulatory agencies to conduct soil gas sampling and groundwater investigations, targeting approximately 600 homes, with access granted to around 400. Remediation efforts include the installation of sub-slab depressurization systems and soil vapor extraction systems to address the contamination. The project has involved extensive community outreach, with over 25 meetings held to inform residents about the ongoing efforts and address their concerns.

The second part of the meeting highlighted the successful cleanup and redevelopment of the former Norton Air Force Base, which closed in 1994. The base, once a major logistics and airlift command center during World War II, underwent extensive remediation of various contaminated sites, including underground storage tanks and landfills. The cleanup efforts were recognized nationally, leading to the transfer of the property to the Inland Valley Development Authority, which has since developed the site into a functioning airport and commercial area.

The meeting concluded with a brief update from Dave Gibson, who discussed the regional board's strategic plan and its updates, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to water quality and environmental protection in California. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration among regulatory agencies and the community in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring public safety.