Lockheed Martin's Dark Secret: Environmental Pollution And Its Impact

Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defence company that has been accused of causing environmental pollution and health hazards. The company has been linked to groundwater contamination and soil pollution, with residents of Burbank, California, claiming that Lockheed's toxic releases polluted water wells and soil, leading to health issues. While the company has settled some lawsuits, it continues to face legal battles and cleanup efforts. Lockheed Martin has expressed commitment to environmental remediation and preventing pollution, with initiatives such as the Go Green program and investments in climate technology. The company's Sustainability Management Plan sets goals for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

Lockheed Martin's commitment to sustainability

Lockheed Martin has a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The company has a detailed Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) with defined goals and a robust governance structure to ensure progress. The SMP addresses core sustainability issues and is reviewed and updated regularly to guide the company's efforts over the next five years and beyond.

Lockheed Martin's corporate Sustainability policy integrates sustainability practices across the organisation, with a focus on fostering innovation, integrity, and security. The company prioritises the prevention of environmental, safety, and health (ESH) incidents, actively managing risks, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment.

Lockheed Martin's ESH management system is a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating risks and hazards. This system covers all of the company's operations and drives regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. The company is committed to complying with all ESH laws, regulations, and legal obligations, providing a safe and healthy working environment, and eliminating hazards.

The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its green building policy, which requires LEED Silver certification for new construction and major renovations and seeks ENERGY STAR certification for existing buildings to demonstrate energy efficiency. By 2030, Lockheed Martin aims to reduce absolute carbon emissions and match 40% of electricity used with renewable sources.

Lockheed Martin also makes strategic investments in companies developing cutting-edge technologies that align with its sustainability priorities, such as carbon removal. The company partners with its Social Impact team to identify charitable contribution opportunities and enhance community resilience. Additionally, Lockheed Martin joined other leading aerospace and defence companies in utilising IAEG Sustainability Assessments powered by EcoVadis.

The company also prioritises ethical practices in its use of artificial intelligence (AI). It was one of the first large organisations to adopt the US Department of Defense's principles for the responsible use of AI, including responsibility, equity, traceability, reliability, and governability. Lockheed Martin's Artificial Intelligence Ethics Subcommittee, including representatives from various business areas, ensures the ethical design, development, deployment, and internal use of AI.

Environmental remediation responsibilities

Environmental remediation refers to the cleanup of hazardous substances, including the removal, treatment, and containment of pollution or contaminants from environmental media such as soil, groundwater, and sediment.

Lockheed Martin has outlined its commitment to operating in a manner that prevents environmental, safety, and health (ESH) accidents and incidents, actively manages risks, conserves natural resources, and protects the environment. The company's ESH policy applies to all its operations and outlines specific responsibilities for successful implementation across the corporation.

Lockheed Martin's ESH management system provides a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating risks and hazards associated with its operations, products, and services. This system is certified to internationally recognized ISO 14001 and 45001 standards for environmental and occupational safety and health management, respectively.

In addition to its ESH initiatives, Lockheed Martin has implemented a 2025 Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) to guide its sustainability efforts. The company aims to reduce absolute carbon emissions and match a significant portion of its electricity use with renewable sources by 2030.

Lockheed Martin has also invested in strategic initiatives that align with sustainability priorities, such as carbon removal. The company has joined other aerospace and defense companies in utilizing IAEG Sustainability Assessments and is partnering with its Social Impact team to identify charitable contribution opportunities that support sustainability commitments.

While there have been historical challenges, such as the mishandling of toxins at a facility in Orlando, Florida, Lockheed Martin has been recognized for its efforts in cleaning up contaminated sites. The company's commitment to environmental remediation is evident through its policies, investments, and partnerships, demonstrating its dedication to addressing past issues and promoting sustainable practices.

Soil and groundwater contamination

Lockheed Martin has a stated commitment to preventing environmental, safety, and health (ESH) accidents and incidents, actively managing risk, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment. The company's Environment, Safety, and Health (ESH) policy applies to all operations and outlines responsibilities for its implementation across the corporation.

Despite these commitments, some of Lockheed Martin's operations have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. In 1971, Martin Marietta, which later merged with Lockheed to form Lockheed Martin, purchased a plant in Washington state. The site contains contaminants in the groundwater, soil, sediments, and soil vapour. Lockheed Martin has also owned a facility in Tallevast, Florida, which was formerly the Loral American Beryllium Company (ABC) site. The site has been used for manufacturing, assembling, and testing electrical components for the defence and aerospace industries.

Lockheed Martin has also been associated with environmental issues at sites previously owned by other companies. For example, a former Lockheed facility in Orlando, Florida, was described in a 2020 lawsuit as an "environmental nightmare". The site was previously used as a rocket and explosives test site, and groundwater pollution was known when Universal purchased the site in the 1990s. Lockheed Martin has also been working with the City of Burbank and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address aquifer contamination in the San Fernando Groundwater Basin, discovered in the 1980s.

Lockheed Martin has implemented remediation projects to address soil and groundwater contamination. The company works with regulatory agencies and communities to remedy the effects of contamination and has committed to taking effective remedial actions. They have used innovative technological solutions, such as waste-to-energy incineration and the reuse of activated carbon in treatment plants. In water-stressed areas, they treat contaminated groundwater to a high standard, providing potable water to over half a million homes.

Environmental impact of former facilities

Lockheed Martin has a history of environmental issues at its former facilities, with the company facing lawsuits and criticism for its role in pollution and contamination. One notable case involves the Burbank facility in California, which Lockheed Martin closed in the early 1990s. The company left behind a plume of industrial pollution in the underground water, affecting an area of 13 square miles across the east San Fernando Valley. The contamination was caused by Lockheed's business of building fighter planes, reconnaissance jets, and other aircraft over several decades. The issue has been the subject of court battles, with residents of Burbank fighting over the extent of the pollution, the potential health impacts, and Lockheed's responsibility for remediation.

In addition to the Burbank case, there have been other instances of environmental concerns at former Lockheed Martin facilities. In Orlando, Florida, a Lockheed Martin facility was accused of mishandling toxins and creating an "environmental nightmare." The site has a history of groundwater pollution, and while some efforts have been made to clean it up, it continues to be an issue. The company has also faced criticism for its decision to settle with homeowners in 1996, which was seen as an attempt to avoid addressing the environmental impact of its former operations.

Lockheed Martin has acknowledged its environmental responsibilities and has committed to taking remedial actions. The company works with regulatory agencies and communities to address the impact of contamination. As of 2023, they had 71 active remediation projects across their operations. They have also invested in innovative technologies for their remediation projects, such as waste-to-energy incineration and the reuse of activated carbon in treatment plants.

The company's efforts to address the environmental impact of its former facilities have included working with government agencies and local communities. In the case of the San Fernando Groundwater Basin contamination, Lockheed Martin collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Division of Drinking Water, and the cities of Burbank, Los Angeles, and Glendale to assist with and fund groundwater cleanup efforts. The collaboration has led to agreements to enhance groundwater cleanup by expanding regional infrastructure and is expected to result in an additional 1.5 billion gallons of potable water.

While Lockheed Martin has taken steps to address the environmental impact of its former facilities, the company has also faced ongoing criticism and legal battles. The contrast between their commitment to sustainability and the reality of their environmental record has been noted, with some questioning whether their actions match their stated goals and priorities. As a result, Lockheed Martin continues to grapple with the legacy of pollution left by its former facilities and strives to balance economic interests with environmental responsibilities.

Pollution and health concerns

Lockheed Martin has stated its commitment to operating in a way that prevents environmental, safety, and health (ESH) accidents and incidents, and actively manages risk, conserves natural resources, and protects the environment. The company's ESH policy applies to all its operations and outlines the responsibilities for its implementation across the corporation. Lockheed Martin's ESH management system is a systematic approach to the identification and mitigation of risks or hazards and the realization of opportunities to improve ESH performance.

Despite these commitments, Lockheed Martin has been accused of causing environmental damage and health concerns in several locations. In Burbank, California, the company left behind a plume of industrial pollution in underground water when it closed its operations in the early 1990s. The contamination, stretching 13 square miles across the east San Fernando Valley, was caused by Lockheed's business of building fighter planes, reconnaissance jets, and other aircraft from the 1940s through the Cold War. The area was declared a federal Superfund cleanup site by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1986, and Lockheed Martin has been working with the EPA and local authorities to assist with and fund groundwater cleanup efforts. However, the company has also faced lawsuits from residents who claim that the pollution has caused illnesses. While a judge initially dismissed these claims due to insufficient evidence, the ruling is being appealed, and the environmental cleanup continues.

In Orlando, Florida, a Lockheed Martin facility has been accused of mishandling toxins and creating an "environmental nightmare." The site has a history of groundwater pollution, and while some efforts have been made to clean it up, it continues to be an issue. Additionally, a former Lockheed dump in the same area has also been mentioned in the lawsuit, raising concerns about the potential impact on the environment and human health.

Lockheed Martin has acknowledged its environmental remediation responsibilities and reports having 71 active remediation projects across its operations as of 2023. The company works collaboratively with regulatory agencies and communities to address contamination issues, using innovative technological solutions for sustainable remediation. Lockheed Martin has also set sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

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