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ENEWSLETTER FOR MAY 2024

  • We’re Sick of Sewage in the Bay, and the Feds are too
  • Take Action: Keep Coal out of Oakland 
  • Welcome to Our New Field Investigator!
  • Thank you for Helping Us Stop Harmful Algae Blooms
  • Baykeeper Staff Tours Sewage Plants
  • Congrats to Our Clean Bay Challenge Volunteers
  • We’re Hiring! Join Us as Our New Associate Attorney
Water flowing out of sluice gates on Mission Creek in San Francisco

We’re Sick of Sewage in the Bay, and the Feds are too

In a remarkable development, the EPA and the State of California have joined Baykeeper to take legal action against San Francisco for discharging millions of gallons of raw sewage directly into the Bay.

Baykeeper’s attorneys will work alongside lawyers from the US Department of Justice and the California Attorney General’s Office to ensure San Francisco upgrades its stormwater and sewage system.

Watch Baykeeper director Sejal Choksi-Chugh’s interview on CBS to learn more.

"Keep Coal Out of Oakland" yard sign image with Port of Oakland in the background

Take Action: Keep Coal out of Oakland 

For years, developers have been trying to transform a strip of the West Oakland waterfront into a massive coal export terminal. Now, a hedge fund operator has taken over the development rights. 

We’re partnering with community groups to urge the new owner to keep coal out of Oakland.  And you can join us! Click here to sign your name to an open letter to the new operator to keep toxic coal out of our communities and  the Bay.

Image: Dani Zacky for Sierra Club

Welcome to Our New Field Investigator!

Baykeeper is excited to welcome a new addition to our field science team. Cheryl Patel will investigate pollution, manage our boat patrols, and coordinate our new community-based algae monitoring program. Cheryl holds a master’s in marine and estuarine science from SF State.

Before joining our team, Cheryl was a science communicator at both the California Academy of Sciences and the Marine Mammal Center. On weekends, you might run into her hiking on a local trail or exploring a tidepool. 

Thank you for Helping Us Stop Harmful Algae Blooms

The Regional Water Board is considering a new permit to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus (also known as “nutrient” pollution) in the Bay to prevent the red tides and fish kills that have plagued the Bay in recent years.

Last week, with the help of nearly 700 letters from our supporters we advocated for science-based controls on this algae-causing pollution. Together with your voices of support, we urged the Board to act quickly to protect the Bay. Thank you!

Pictured, below: Baykeeper drone patrol footage of a red tide in Richmond in 2023

Algae bloom in the water

Baykeeper Staff Tours Sewage Plants

Since the 1990s, Baykeeper has worked to keep sewage pollution out of the Bay through several landmark agreements that have reduced spills around the Bay Area by up to 90%.

Over the past few months, our staff has been meeting with local sewer districts who are leading the charge in strengthening pollution controlsthey are ensuring what you flush down the toilet doesn’t end up harming the Bay. So far, we’ve visited EBMUD, Union City, and Oro Loma plants.

Pictured, below: The Baykeeper team and our partners from Sierra Club at the EBMUD wastewater treatment plant in Oakland

Group of Baykeeper staff standing in front of EBMUD Wastewater treatment plant sign

Congrats to Our Clean Bay Challenge Volunteers

We’re so grateful to the amazing Clean Bay Challenge volunteers who protected the Bay from trash pollution during Earth Month!

This year’s challenge activated more than 130 participants who removed 1,300 pounds of trash from Bay shorelines, parks, and neighborhoods. The Bay and Bay Area communities are healthier for your efforts!

Thank you again to everyone who took action to protect the Bay. And it’s not too late, if you want to conduct a cleanup for the Bay, learn more here.  

We’re Hiring! Join Us as Our New Associate Attorney

Know any recent law school graduates looking for opportunities to work for an important cause? Our legal team is expanding with a new associate attorney position! 

We’re looking for a smart, passionate attorney to work on our high-impact legal advocacy to defend the watershed and on our clean water enforcement to hold polluters accountable. 

The full-time position offers great benefits, an opportunity to work with a fun collegial team, and the chance to make a meaningful impact for communities and wildlife.

Click here to learn more.

Group of Baykeeper lawyers standing on courthouse steps