Commissioner Flores and Brennan shared their experience while attending an event for Communities for
a Better Environment (Richmond) for soil testing as members of the public. The public was able to
bring soil samples to be tested and learn about different materials found in their soil (cadmium, mercury,
cobalt, etc.) as well as the pH levels. They stated that this technology could be very useful. Most people
had low testing numbers in their soil and they felt that knowing could be a great confidence builder for
the public, specifically those in close proximity to refineries.
5.
The Hazardous Materials Programs did not have any new updates on current hydrogen projects.
Commissioner Glueck - renewable hydrogen project in Richmond (Raven Project) still in motion
with permitting
OLD BUSINESS
6.
The commissioners present discussed the Hazardous Materials Commission 2025 Priorities
assigned to the Operations Committee and discussed potential guest speakers.
Key points:
Transportation corridors - suggested someone from Richmond, "Pathway to Clean Air" SB 6.17,
specific suggestions about corridors (sea level rise); any new data on hazardous materials
transported throughout the county? (railroads, roads, etc.); any new data/projections about the
amount of sea level rise or remediation strategies?; potential guest speaker Anita Hill from Cal -
sea level rise & ground water intrusion (Zeneca site); presentation from Cheryl Sudduth West
County wastewater - PPIC
Batteries - new fire code being worked on to address increased risks around EV and other lithium
battery products (est July 2026); sodium batteries have a long way to go, extremely volatile when
wet; CCCFPD battery fire presentation should be added to HMC webpage and referenced in the
public forum - no regulation for manufacturers or retailers distributing batteries - raise public
awareness
7.
The commissioners present discussed the logistics of holding a public forum and continued
developing a plan of action.
Key points:
Working on securing a location for the September 11, 2025 public forum (concerns around
limited parking spaces); working on coordinating CCTV; considered budget & ability to print
resources (100 copies), provide food/beverages ($500), QR code options, "hands on"
demonstration options to maintain engagement (hazmat emergency response equipment display),
table displays (different fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, testing kits); various panelists
discuss their roles for about 30 minutes, 20 minute Q&A (submit question on index cards),
remaining time will be spent mingling & viewing tables/resources; suggest student interns
advertise the forum to their schools; have panelists/agencies bring outreach materials;
8.
Announcements from commissioners on items of commission interest.
Commissioner Flores shared information regarding an upcoming air monitoring workshop in Pittsburg
on April 15th and a clean up on Marsh Creek.
The next meeting is currently scheduled for May 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 11:59 AM.
