For decades, Schnitzer Steel’s auto-shredding operation on the Oakland shoreline has released chemicals and heavy metals into the Bay and nearby neighborhoods. And large fires, likely ignited by chemicals on the site, frequently break out at the facility (pictured), causing air pollution problems for the West Oakland community.
Now we’ve also uncovered high levels of pollution at the company’s satellite sites around the Bay.
In celebration of our 35th year of defending San Francisco Bay, each month we’re sharing a significant victory that we’ve won together, and highlighting how it’s still making waves today.
Pesticide runoff from irrigated crops used to be one of the largest unregulated sources of water pollution in California. Back in the late 1990s, scientists were documenting high levels of pesticide pollutants in Central Valley creeks—and at the same time, Baykeeper’s attorneys were building a legal case.
Guess what?! This year marks Baykeeper’s 35th anniversary defending San Francisco Bay from polluters and government agencies—and thanks to your generous year-end support, our team is off to a running start!
It’s the holiday season, and I’m grateful we can reflect on the past year with a smile. Your support has enabled Baykeeper to keep an eye on the Bay and defend it from the biggest threats. And that means you’ve helped make the Bay Area healthier for wildlife and safer for people. Thank you!
As sea levels rise in the Bay, cities are scrambling to figure out how to prepare. Some cities are contemplating multi-benefit, nature-based solutions and managed retreat for critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, San Mateo County is going it alone—and they’ve just put forward a terrible idea.
An inter-governmental agency known as OneShoreline has proposed armoring the San Mateo County shore with sea walls, starting with a 2.65-mile wall in the Bay between Burlingame and Coyote Point.
