State Authorizes Emergency Treatment Of Hazardous Chemicals At Torrance Facility

TORRANCE, CA — California environmental regulators have authorized the emergency treatment of hazardous chemicals stored at a Torrance industrial facility, warning that the temperature-sensitive materials could ignite or undergo potentially explosive reactions if improperly handled.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) issued an emergency permit to Phenomenex, which operates at 431 Amapola Ave., allowing a specialist contractor to stabilize the chemicals before they are transported to an authorized hazardous-waste facility.

According to a state notice filed Oct. 2, the materials consist of four five-gallon containers and ten one-liter containers of 1,4-divinylbenzene, a chemical that requires careful handling because of its potential reactivity. The permit took effect Oct. 7 and remains valid through Jan. 5, 2027.

DTSC determined that emergency authorization was necessary to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury, describing the materials as presenting an "imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment."

The agency explained that temperature-sensitive materials can decompose or detonate when exposed to external energy under certain conditions, particularly when dry or concentrated. Improper handling could trigger a dangerous reaction, including fire, rapid combustion or detonation.

To reduce those risks, the state authorized Triumvirate Environmental LLC to chemically stabilize the hazardous waste before it is stored and eventually transported off-site.

According to the official emergency permit documentation, the procedure involves carefully adding a chemical solution to the containers to reduce the materials' reactive or ignitable characteristics.

Treatment must take place within a designated exclusion zone, accessible only to Triumvirate Environmental technicians. The movement, preparation and treatment of the containers must follow established safety standards.

The authorization was issued under California regulations governing emergency hazardous-waste permits. DTSC also granted the project an emergency exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act, explaining that stabilization was necessary to prevent a potential fire or explosion while the chemicals were being transported to an authorized treatment, storage and disposal facility.

Under the permit, Phenomenex must submit a final report within 10 business days after the authorization expires, certifying that the treatment area has been cleared of residual hazardous waste generated by the operation and that all resulting waste has been properly managed.

The state filing does not indicate that a chemical spill, fire, explosion or public exposure occurred at the facility. It also does not establish whether the authorized treatment has already been completed or whether the materials have been removed from the property.

The permit is scheduled to expire Jan. 5, 2027.