Help keep a container port off Richmond's marshes

Extensive marshes line Richmond's northern shore around the mouth of Wildcat Creek. The city is studying the idea of a major container port there. In September the City Council will consider approving a feasibility study.

Shipping to the West Coast is expected to increase. The site is near railroads and highways and land is available. The city is interested in potential revenue and jobs.

Dredging to accommodate large ships, however, could cost a billion dollars. Toxic materials in Bay mud from over 100 years of operation of the nearby Chevron refinery would have to be dealt with. The marsh, with its filtering activity, wildlife, and fish breeding grounds would be destroyed. Diesel fumes from port operations would further pollute the air in already impacted communities.

If the project is determined to be feasible, city officials will be under heavy pressure from large investors and transportation companies to approve it.

WhatYouCanDo

Contact the City Council at:

1401 Marina Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
(510)620-6512.

Street and e-mail addresses and phones of individual councilmembers are at: www.ci.richmond.ca.us/government/terms.html

Also speak out at Council meetings. Urge the city not to spend scarce resources on this bad idea.

To help the West County Group's efforts on this issue, contact or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 312 or come to West County Group meetings

Dave McCoard