In Richmond, California, a site once operated by Stauffer Chemical Co. has been identified as a disposal area for radioactive waste and toxic chemicals, including DDT and lead. This contamination was discovered during governmental investigations led by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The site, used throughout the 20th century for dumping thousands of tons of waste, is now recognized for high levels of gamma radiation and hazardous substances.
Over the past two decades, the DTSC and other regulatory bodies, such as the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Board, have been examining the extent of contamination. Recently, it was revealed that Stauffer also disposed of waste in other locations across the Bay Area including César Chávez Park and the Albany Bulb during the period from 1960 to 1971. These findings prompted new directives for testing these parks for contaminants.
The historical disposal practices came to light following a DTSC review of archival documents, igniting concerns about public health and environmental safety amongst local residents and environmental groups. The revelation has led to criticism regarding the delayed disclosure and communication among the regulatory agencies responsible for environmental oversight. Consequently, the affected cities of Berkeley and Albany have been instructed to conduct further assessments to determine the presence of toxic materials, echoing wider apprehension about historical industrial waste disposal practices and their oversight in the region.
These developments underscore ongoing issues related to historical pollution, regulatory oversight, and the complexities of managing legacy waste in populated and environmentally sensitive areas.