News

The new Site Investigation and Remediation Order recently issued by the Department of Toxic Substances Control requires that the University post signs stating "Caution Hazardous Substances Area Unauthorized Persons Keep Out" in areas where future remediation is going to occur. These signs have been posted in the area of the former mercury fulminate plant (also called Area of Concern 7) that was located to the west of Building 102 at the south end of the RFS site. Additional signs may be placed in other locations in the future.

Zeneca, through its environmental consultant LFR, completed groundwater along the property boundary between the former Zeneca site and the RFS during the week of October 9 (see October 5, 2006 news).

On September 15, 2006 the California Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) issued two new Site Investigation and Remediation Orders: one applying to the University of California, Richmond Field Station (RFS) and the other to the Zeneca Site, formerly owned by Stauffer Chemical and neighboring the RFS.

Beginning in late June or early July 2006 mowing will commence in the RFS prairie reserve as part of an effort aimed at elminating invasion of Harding grass (Philaris aquatica). The mowing is intended to reduce seed spread and to reduce the vigor of the plant. Mowing will not harm the native coastal prairie habitat as is being completed at the recommendation of campus biology faculty. A qualified biologist will oversee the work to insure that sensitive areas are not harmed.

Next Community Advisory Group (CAG) Meeting Thursday, June 8, 2006, 6:30- 9:00 p.m The State of California Department of Toxics Substances Control has scheduled the next meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Zeneca/Former Stauffer Chemical Company Site (that includes the Richmond Field Station and other nearby sites within its scope) for the following time and location:

Thursday, June 8, 2006, 6:30- 9:00 p.m. .

Next Community Advisory Group (CAG) Meeting Thursday, May 11, 2006, 6:30- 9:00 p.m The State of California Department of Toxics Substances Control has scheduled the next meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Zeneca/Former Stauffer Chemical Company Site (that includes the Richmond Field Station and other nearby sites within its scope) for the following time and location:

Thursday, May 11, 2006, 6:30- 9:00 p.m. .

In June 2005, officials from the California Department of Health Services and the Contra Costa County Health Services Department released a "Provisional Joint Health Statement Summary" concerning remediation activities at the RFS and adjacent Zeneca site (formerly Stauffer Chemical Company).  The agencies have recently updated this health statement.

Beginning on Tuesday January 31, 2006 and continuing until approximately February 17, 2006, drill rigs and support equipment will complete a monitoring well closure project. The main area of work is in the field north of Crow Drive to the west of Building 167 (Figure 3 of Report).

On Monday January 9, 2006 the Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) conducted an exploratory investigation of a fill area along Meeker Beach where a former RFS employee claimed to have buried metal drums in the late 1960s.

DTSC found no metal drums. DTSC surveys of excavated areas detected no radiation or volatile chemical contamination.

For more information see the January 10, 2006 DTSC Special Update.

The State of California Department of Toxics Substances Control has scheduled the next meeting of the Community Advisory Group for Zeneca/Former Stauffer Chemical Company Site (that includes the Richmond Field Station and other nearby sites within its scope) for the following time and location:

Wednesday January 4, 2006, 6:30- 9:00 p.m.

Richmond Convention Center - Bermuda Room
403 Civic Center Plaza at Nevin and 25th Streets
Richmond, California.