Goodrich Universal Propulsion Company (UPCO), located at the intersection of Central Avenue and Happy Valley Road in north Phoenix, manufactures solid propellant actuated devices, aircraft ejection seats, aircrew escape systems, stun grenades, gas generators, and other miscellaneous products related to the military and aerospace industries. On March 23, 2004, officials from UPCO informed ADEQ that recent groundwater monitoring tests conducted at the facility revealed the presence of perchlorate ranging from 43 to 130 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion in their groundwater monitoring wells.

Since that time, at ADEQ's direction, UPCO has installed groundwater monitoring wells, conducted additional testing and sampled the drinking water wells of nearby residents. No perchlorate has been found in any drinking water wells sampled to date. Site investigation has begun, with several areas of the site scheduled to be investigated over the next six months. A remediation plan will be developed after the site is characterized to ensure that the most efficient and effective remedy is selected.

ADEQ and UPCO have entered into two Consent Orders requiring UPCO to clean up contaminated soil and groundwater at the company's north Phoenix facility and cease open burning of hazardous materials at the facility.

ADEQ has set up this Web page as a source of information for residents concerned about the facility and who want to be updated on operational and remedial activities that ADEQ is overseeing. ADEQ will provide updates to this page as necessary.

• Fact Sheet
• 3/24/04: ADEQ Letter to Residents
• 10/12/04: Perchlorate Characterization and Remediation Consent Order
• 10/12/04: Open Burning of Waste Products Consent Order
• 10/19/04: UPCO Letter to Residents
• 12/8/04: UPCO/Goodrich Open Burn Monitoring Incident Report

Back