- New Win! Richmond Champions Superfund Cleanup Plan
- Take Action to Stop a Toxic Carveout for Metal Shredders
- Op-ed: On Water, Newsom Looks a Lot Like Trump
- The Floating Podcast Studio of Once Upon a Bay
- Up in Smoke: Controlling Fireworks Pollution in the Bay
- Be a Summer Hero for the Bay
New Win! Richmond Champions Superfund Cleanup Plan
The Richmond City Council has endorsed our community-backed cleanup plan for a toxic Superfund site along the Bay.
The site, referred to by its former owner’s name United Heckathorn, is heavily contaminated with DDT. Together with the Richmond Shoreline Alliance, Sierra Club SF Bay, and community members, we proposed a thorough cleanup plan, which the city council unanimously voted in favor of supporting.Â
But we need to keep the pressure on! Join us on Saturday, 7/25, for a meeting about next steps.
Take Action to Stop a Toxic Carveout for Metal Shredders
The metal shredding industry has a long history of releasing hazardous waste and toxic dust into the Bay and surrounding neighborhoods.
Facilities like Radius Recycling (formerly Schnitzer Steel) in Oakland and Sims in Redwood City also frequently catch on fire. In 2021, a fire at Sims triggered explosions and metal projectiles.
Despite this history, lawmakers are considering a bill, SB 811, that would largely allow metal shredders to regulate themselves.
Take action! Reach out to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to urge lawmakers to reject SB 811.
Pictured, above: A fire at the Radius (formerly Schnitzer) facility in Oakland
Op-ed: On Water, Newsom Looks a Lot Like Trump
As Baykeeper science director Jon Rosenfield writes in a new op-ed, the Bay estuary is in crisis. Native fish populations are dwindling, fisheries are crashing, and harmful algae blooms are proliferating. Rampant over-diversion of fresh water is the common driving factor.Â
But Governor Newsom, like President Trump, has done everything in his power to extract even more fresh water.
With a new governor incoming, we have an opportunity to change course. Let’s not waste it!
The Floating Podcast Studio of Once Upon a Bay
The new podcast Once Upon a Bay is full of wonderful and fascinating stories about the Bay’s wildlife and history—including the tale of a nighttime Baykeeper hotline investigation!Â
Podcast hosts Kate Josephs and Baykeeper founder Mike Herz recently spoke to Bay Nature about the series: “Our job is to tell interesting stories, so that people who aren’t connected to the Bay get connected, and those that are connected get more connected.”Â
Pictured: Kate and Mike and their boat The Office, where they record their podcast about the Bay (photo courtesy of Bay Nature)
Up in Smoke: Controlling Fireworks Pollution in the Bay
Fireworks displays have a long history of contaminating the Bay with toxic waste and plastic debris. Years ago, Baykeeper began advocating for tighter controls on fireworks display companies and thorough cleanups to protect the Bay.
Now, the Water Board has followed Baykeeper’s latest recommendations to make fireworks shows even safer for the Bay. The new permit enforces greater accountability for post-show cleanups and closes a loophole that allowed companies to dodge their responsibilities.
Please contact our pollution hotline if you spot fireworks pollution in the Bay!
Pictured: Fireworks debris recovered from the Bay by Shark Stewards
Be a Summer Hero for the Bay
Chilly “Julyuary” evenings can roll in fast—so stay warm and defend the Bay by becoming a monthly donor to Baykeeper.
For a limited time, sign up for a monthly gift of $10+ and get a premium Baykeeper beanie.
Your ongoing contributions will give Baykeeper’s attorneys and scientists the steady support to fight back against polluters and hold them accountable.
Become a monthly donor to keep Baykeeper on the water and in the courtroom year-round.