Overview

Since 2018, Ford has conducted investigation work under the direction of the Water Board to characterize the extent of soil vapor impacts (click here to see a map of the investigation area). Since 2021, Ford has prepared community-specific Feasibility Studies (FSs) or Feasibility Study/Remedial Action Plans (FS/RAPs) based on the findings of the Human Health Risk Assessments (see the History/Investigation tab for more information on these Assessments) as requested by the Water Board. The FSs and FS/RAPs evaluate different methods to address groundwater, soil gas, and indoor air impacts and recommend a remedy for each community that is best suited to address conditions in that area. Proposed remedies may include one or a combination of the following short- and long-term options:

  • Ongoing monitoring of groundwater and/or soil gas to determine if concentrations are naturally decreasing over time through a process called monitored natural attenuation.

  • Installing and operating a soil vapor extraction system (SVE system) to remove VOCs in soil gas.

  • Installing and operating sub-slab depressurization systems (SSD systems) at properties where indoor air remains impacted by VOCs due to vapor intrusion.

  • Treatment of impacted groundwater with organic compounds, such as sugars and vegetable oil, that accelerates the breakdown of contaminants.

  • Installing additional soil vapor probes and/or groundwater wells at the Newport North Apartment Homes, Big Canyon Arroyo, and Corsica Villas communities to monitor VOC contamination in groundwater and soil gas.

  • Ongoing monitoring of indoor air to ensure the remedy is working as planned.

The Water Board has approved the Final FS/RAPs for Bayridge Park, Belcourt Terrace, and One Ford Road and the Final FSs for Corsica Villas, Sea Island, Belcourt Hill, and the Newport North Apartment Homes. The Water Board has also approved Remedial Design and Implementation Plans (RDIPs) for One Ford Road, Corsica Villas and the southern portion of the Newport North Apartment Homes, and a Refined Groundwater Assessment Work Plan for the area within and near the Newport North Apartment Homes. This groundwater assessment is occurring in the second and third quarters of 2026 and data will be used to develop an RDIP for this area. Please see the Project Documents tab for more details on the specific FS or FS/RAPs, RDIPs and Groundwater Assessment Work Plan for a community.

Ford operates 14 SSD systems at the Bayridge Park community and two SVE systems at the Bayridge Park and Belcourt Terrace communities. Communities have been kept informed of these efforts through this website, a series of fact sheets, open houses, and community email updates (see the Community Outreach tab for more information and the drop down menu below for copies of the community email updates).

Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) Systems

In November 2023, Ford’s environmental consultant, WSP, installed and began operating 14 SSD systems at homes in Bayridge Park where vapor intrusion is occurring. The SSD systems create a pressure difference between the area under the building foundation and inside of the building. This prevents underground vapors from entering the building and impacting the quality of indoor air (vapor intrusion). SSD systems are a mitigation measure, meaning they lessen the effects of vapor intrusion, while the SVE systems are a remediation (cleanup) measure that permanently removes and treats contamination found in soil.

Ford is covering all costs associated with installation, operation, maintenance and monitoring of the SSD systems, including reimbursing homeowners for the electricity used. WSP is performing regular inspections, biannual sampling, and periodic equipment maintenance to ensure the SSD system is operating properly to maintain the pressure difference that keeps vapors out of the building. This work is coordinated with the property owner at a time that is convenient. The Water Board reviews Ford’s monitoring data and associated adjustments to ensure the SSD systems are operating properly and effectively.

Once an SSD system has been installed, it will remain operational until the Water Board determines there is no longer a risk of vapor intrusion. The SSD systems will be removed, in coordination with each homeowner, after the Water Board determines that the SVE systems have effectively addressed the contamination and the SSD systems are no longer needed. At that time, the SSD equipment will be removed, and your home will be restored to its original condition. Ford will pay for these costs.

For more information, please review the SSD Work Notice, and/or contact the Ford Newport Beach project information line at 833-949-3673 or info@fordnbfacts.com.

A view of an SSD system in Bayridge Park before the enclosure has been installed.

A completed SSD system hidden behind a fenced enclosure. 

Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) Systems

In August 2024, Ford began operating soil vapor extraction systems (SVE systems) in the Bayridge Park and Belcourt Terrace communities. The SVE systems permanently remove VOCs from soil and provide long-term protection of public health and the environment. These systems operate like a household vaccum cleaner by extracting soil gas present below ground and drawing it above ground into a treatment building. The vapor is treated to remove the VOCs before being safely released into the atmosphere in accordance with permits issued by both the City of Newport Beach and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (Air District).

Operations: Results from the ongoing operation and monitoring of the two SVE systems show significant reductions in VOC concentrations below the ground since the systems started operating. This reduces the risks associated with vapor intrusion and demonstrates that the remedy is working.

Quarterly reports documenting SVE system performance are posted on Geotracker, the Water Board’s online database, and the Project Documents page.

Decommissioning and Removal: On June 23, 2026 and July 1, 2026, the Water Board approved Decommissioning Reports for the Bayridge Park and Belcourt Terrace SVE systems, respectively. These reports present data supporting system shutdown and request approval to evaluate contaminant rebound for up to one year. Rebound refers to the potential for underground VOC concentrations to increase after system shutdown because residual VOCs can still slowly release from soils below ground. The approved Decommissioning Reports are available on the Project Documents page.

A completed SVE system at Belcourt Terrace.

The interior of the Bayridge Park SVE system building, including piping and a sound blanket to muffle noise.

The Water Board’s approval allows for decommissioning of the two SVE systems, including the removal of aboveground equipment. For the Bayridge Park SVE system, aboveground components will be removed prior to the August 28, 2026 expiration of the City of Newport Beach Limited Term Permit.

The aboveground equipment at Bayridge Park is scheduled for removal in early August 2026. Work will include:

  • Disconnecting all electrical connections at the aboveground treatment building. Abandonment-in-place of underground electrical conduits.

  • Disconnecting the SVE piping from the building and capping it within the landscape area.

  • Removing the aboveground treatment building using a crane.

  • Demolishing the concrete pad, retaining wall, and permeable pavement within the landscape area.

  • Re-landscaping the area with HOA-approved landscaping.

The Belcourt Terrace SVE system does not have the same permit requirements as the Bayridge Park system and will remain in place but will be non-operational during the rebound monitoring period.

Communications: Notifications will be provided to each community prior to decommissioning, including details on the schedule. Phone calls will be made to residents at properties immediately adjacent to the aboveground equipment to ensure they are informed of the planned work. We are available to answer questions or address and resolve concerns quickly. Should you have any questions, please Contact Us.

Long-Term Monitoring

Ford is continuing to monitor soil gas, groundwater, and indoor air to ensure that the SVE and SSD systems are operating effectively and that subsurface concentrations of VOCs are declining over time. Soil gas will continue to be monitored two times a year at 360 subsurface sampling locations. Groundwater will be monitored at least twice per year across the site and up to four times per year at newly installed monitoring wells. Indoor air sampling frequencies are dependent on the specific conditions in each community and differ depending on past results. Residents are notified directly of their sampling frequencies, but should you have any questions, please Contact Us.