It all started when two kayakers noticed something strange along Alameda’s shoreline—thousands of glittering pieces of metal poking out of the mud. They reported their observations to our pollution hotline.
Our field team launched a full investigation and uncovered a long-forgotten hazardous waste dumping ground. We found high levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and chromium, which were undoubtedly leaching into the Bay. The metals were from an aviation manufacturer that had occupied the site for decades, using the Bay shore as an illegal landfill for its unwanted toxic trash.
We took legal action and won—and less than two years later, the cleanup is complete! Our legal team worked with the current owners of the site to negotiate multiple rounds of site visits and cleanups which removed over 12,000 pounds of toxic metal trash from the shoreline.
In a bonus win for the Bay, the owners will restore the shore with native plants. The revitalized shoreline will help prevent erosion, making the area more resilient to sea level rise. It will also be more habitable for birds and other wildlife.
We’re working to create a future in which all the Bay’s toxic sites are cleaned up and returned to nature, for the enjoyment of all.
If you notice any signs of pollution in San Francisco Bay or along its shoreline, please let us know: Submit a tip to our pollution hotline.
This article was provided by San Francisco Baykeeper, who defends the health of San Francisco Bay, its watershed, and Bay Area residents. Read more at https://baykeeper.org/.
