Market Creek Plaza LLC (MCP) did not cause the contamination. As the property owner, MCP chose to take action to address indoor air conditions at the Food 4 Less so the store could safely remain open for the community. MCP stepped in because it was the responsible thing to do while working to identify the company responsible for causing the contamination. MCP identified Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc. (Magellan) as the successor to the original operator in May 2025 and provided that information to DTSC. We hope Magellan will now take responsibility for these costs so MCP can focus its resources on further serving the community.

In February 2026, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) issued an Imminent and Substantial Endangerment Determination and Order (Order) to require additional investigation and cleanup work. MCP has been voluntarily investigating and addressing on-site conditions for the past two years under DTSC oversight. The Order was issued to bring Magellan (the company responsible for the original contamination) to the table after they declined to participate voluntarily and to assure prompt action taken at off-site areas. Even though MCP did not cause the contamination, it is also named on the Order because it owns the property and, under certain state laws, may be responsible to DTSC to perform required work. The Order sets clear requirements and deadlines to make sure work is completed, including work in off-site areas.

Air is tested every three months. TCE levels have dropped 40-80% since June 2024, but some spots still show highly elevated levels.

• Installed 49 air treatment units

• Sealed floor cracks

• Upgraded HVAC with carbon filters and airflow changes

• Ongoing: Monthly maintenance, sealing more cracks, replacing filters

• Designing a system that will prevent TCE vapors from entering indoor air in the future (planned for summer 2026)

High levels of TCE were found in soil near the west side of Food 4 Less and along the north, south, and east sides of the property. This means the chemical is present in the ground from past spills or disposal and can form vapors that may move upward and enter buildings if not properly controlled. These areas are believed to be where the highest concentrations are located and are the focus of ongoing investigation.

Two rounds of testing conducted in September and March 2025 confirmed indoor air in all other suites is fine and has not been impacted by environmental conditions.

Our focus is on designing and building a system underneath the grocery store to prevent vapors from entering indoor air. We anticipate this system will be fully operational in mid-to-late 2026.

When chemicals like TCE evaporate from polluted soil or water, vapors can move into buildings through cracks or penetrations in the building slab, affecting indoor air.

Chemicals that easily evaporate and turn into vapors, such as gasoline, degreasers, and dry-cleaning solvents.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical once widely used to remove grease. It’s found in some household products and exposure to high doses over long periods of time can potentially cause cancer and reproductive harm.

Very common in California and the U.S. due to past widespread use. Hundreds of cleanups for TCE are underway statewide.

Yes. Drinking water is supplied by the San Diego County Water Authority and is regularly tested.

No. All stores will remain open.

ESLs are very conservative, health-protective benchmarks used to guide cleanup and determine what action is needed. They are set well below levels where health effects are expected, and include multiple safety factors to protect sensitive groups such as children and pregnant women. For TCE, ESLs are based on an excess lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 1,000,000. EPA’s urgent action level for commercial buildings is 24 µg/m³.

Direct contact with TCE in soil is not possible because the site is paved. The only potential exposure is through indoor air within the Food 4 Less building.

Some studies have suggested that exposure to TCE during early pregnancy may be associated with certain heart defects. This research is still being evaluated, and there is ongoing scientific discussion about these findings. Out of an abundance of caution, regulatory agencies have set very conservative screening levels to protect pregnant women and developing fetuses. EPA’s urgent action level for TCE indoors is 24 µg/m³. Pregnant women with concerns should speak with their doctor.

No. According to the California State Water Resources Control Board (sister agency to DTSC), TCE leaves the body quickly and can’t be traced to a specific source. If you’re concerned about exposure, you should speak with your doctor.

Yes. Common products like cleaners, varnishes, adhesives, and dry-cleaning chemicals contain VOCs.

When the shopping center was built around 2000, the site was reviewed and cleared for development by DTSC under the standards in place at that time. Recent discoveries of contamination in previously unknown areas and/or elevated concentrations have prompted additional investigation of soil vapor and indoor air.

Projects like this can take many years due to the need for detailed testing, careful planning, and regulatory reviews, as well as time for selected remedies to achieve the desired long-term results.

• MCP: Property owner, funding cleanup

• EKI: Environmental engineering firm leading investigation and cleanup

• Craig Communications: Supports project communications

DTSC (part of CalEPA) protects people and the environment from toxics. For this project, DTSC reviews and oversees all work to make sure cleanup is done correctly and provides updates to the community.