About ETEC
The Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC) is located within area IV of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). The SSFL is comprised of four discrete operational areas with two adjacent undeveloped properties. It is in eastern Ventura County, California and is close to the cities of Simi Valley, Chatsworth, West Hills, and Woodland Hills.
As the United States supported the development of nuclear energy, there was a need to develop the technology related to the use of sodium and other liquid metals. The Liquid Metals Information Center (LMIC) was established in the late 1950s by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) predecessor agency, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), as a center of excellence for liquid metals technology.
As the LMIC mission evolved, its name was changed into the Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC). The activities conducted at ETEC mostly involved the development and testing of components used in metallic sodium systems. Much of the liquid metal-related research conducted at ETEC supported the development of nuclear reactors at other locations.
In 1988, DOE decided to close the remaining ETEC operations. With the closing of DOE operations, the focus turned towards to the disposition of government property, cleanup of facilities, the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater, demolition of facilities and site restoration.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored projects at ETEC from 1953 through 1988. For a more in-depth view of the former operations of Area IV click here.
Area IV is currently undergoing characterization for cleanup of the area. To learn more about the current activities happening in Area IV click here.
Characterization and cleanup of Area IV and the entire SSFL site involves the integration a numerous Federal, State, and local regulatory authorities and regulations. Click here to learn more.