The Rockets, Fireworks, and Flares site covers 160 acres in Rialto, California. Decades of military storage and industrial work by defense contractors and fireworks manufacturers left the soil and groundwater contaminated. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in September 2009. Groundwater contamination spreads six miles downgradient from the main industrial area. Several businesses remain active on the property, employing about 192 people as of December 2024.
Eight contaminants of concern have been identified, all found in groundwater. They include carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane, perchlorate, tetrachloroethene, and trichloroethene. Carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane, and trichloroethene were found in the source area. Perchlorate turned up in both the source area and the mid basin. Tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene were also detected in the mid basin.
Cleanup is organized into three operable units. The Source Area (OU 01) groundwater pump-and-treat system was built between 2015 and 2021 and started operating in early 2023. It uses granular activated carbon and ion exchange to remove contaminants, then sends treated water to Rialto's drinking water supply. That unit completed remedial action in September 2023 and has moved into operation and maintenance. The Mid Basin (OU 02) received its cleanup decision in September 2022, with an estimated cost of 31 to 37 million dollars. Design work is expected to continue into 2027, followed by construction of additional treatment facilities. The Soils unit (OU 03) is still in the investigative phase. EPA sought public comments in October 2025 on a soil remediation plan, and construction of a soil vapor extraction system is expected in early 2026. A sitewide removal action is estimated to begin between December 2026 and February 2027. Responsible parties, including Goodrich Corporation, Emhart Industries, and Pyro Spectaculars, have reached settlements requiring them to fund and perform cleanup work.
Human exposure is currently under control, but groundwater migration is not yet stable. Physical construction is not complete across the entire site. EPA completed its second Five-Year Review on September 23, 2025, and determined the cleanup actions in place are still protective of human health and the environment.
Community members with questions can contact the Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Site records can also be reviewed at the EPA Regional Records Center in San Francisco.
