Intel Magnetics

Overview

Intel Magnetics is a three-acre site in Santa Clara, California, where magnetic products were once manufactured and tested. Nearby facilities also conducted electronics-related work. The site has been on the National Priorities List since June 1986, and the EPA took over lead agency oversight in 2006. Physical construction of the cleanup is complete, and the site is considered ready for anticipated reuse, though it has not yet been deleted from the National Priorities List.

Groundwater is the affected medium, with 19 contaminants of concern identified across the site. These include volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, benzene, and toluene. Chlorinated compounds are also present, including 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, dichloromethane, chloroform, and various dichloroethane and dichloroethene compounds. Bromodichloromethane, ethylbenzene, and several chlorofluorocarbons round out the list.

Past cleanup actions included removing an underground storage tank, excavating contaminated soil, and running a groundwater extraction and treatment system. That system was later shut down because removal rates had dropped, and a monitored natural attenuation approach was approved in its place. Natural attenuation appears to be occurring, and contaminant concentrations have been declining or holding steady. Deed restrictions now prohibit use of shallow groundwater for drinking and control subsurface activities. A vapor intrusion evaluation found no site contaminants pose a risk to human health or the environment. EPA performance measures confirm that human exposure is under control and contaminated groundwater is stabilized within the original area of contamination.

A combined remedial investigation and feasibility study that started in 2013 is estimated to finish between July and September 2028. A Record of Decision amendment and additional remedial design work are expected in the same timeframe. The most recent five-year review was completed in September 2022, and the next is estimated between September and November 2027. One on-site business currently employs 41 people and generates roughly $5.61 million in annual sales, reflecting active economic use of the property.

Community members with questions about site conditions or cleanup progress can contact the Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Key documents, including five-year review reports, are available for public review.