From Fairchild Semiconductor to Locus Technologies
This story is about lineage, particularly the linkage between Fairchild (Fairchild) Semiconductor, its successors and offshoots, and Locus Technologies (Locus). It is about how high-tech manufacturers have potentially forever affected Silicon Valley's subsurface soil and aquifers and how one company, born out of necessity in the offices of Fairchild, has helped many similar industries throughout the world become better stewards of the environment. It is the story of Fairchild Semiconductor and Locus Technologies.
Today, Silicon Valley looks like a clean, dreamy officescape with manicured lawns and inviting campuses. But these beautiful views aboveground hide a legacy of impacted soils and aquifers underground. In the 1960s and 70s, Silicon Valley companies manufactured the semiconductors that drive our computers and other modern-day electronics, from smartphones to satellites. Unfortunately, this industrial boom also created some of the largest environmental sites in America. For years journalists have written about the successes of Silicon Valley companies, but much less has been published about the side effects of this success. For a region where an incredible amount of capital has been spent to create new companies and develop real estate, this aspect of Silicon Valley's history remains surprising to many people who live elsewhere. The transition of this…
