Tell Richmond To End Toxic Coal Dust Pollution

Tell Richmond To End Toxic Coal Dust Pollution

The Richmond City Council will consider a proposed ordinance to phase out the storage and handling of coal and petroleum coke. Urge the Richmond City Council to vote ‘Yes’ on the ordinance to protect public health and the environment.

Background:

Coal shipments at Richmond’s Levin Terminal have spiked to nearly a million metric tons per year. The dirty fossil fuel is stored in massive uncovered piles on the waterfront before it’s shipped overseas. This is a serious threat to the health and safety of local communities and the environment.

Richmond’s coal terminal is a threat to our local environment. Coal dust and its toxic components have been found at high levels in the environment near coal terminals. Wind carries coal dust long distances, dispersing toxins such as arsenic and mercury into soil and waterways. Coal dust harms aquatic life—a real threat when it comes to a terminal right on the Bay.

Richmond communities, especially low-income communities of color, are already overburdened by pollution from the I-80 and I-580 corridors, the Chevron refinery, and other industrial polluters. Local residents suffer from some of the highest rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and stroke found in the Bay Area. Coal and petroleum coke dust pollution from the terminal presents an added health risk.