Working at the Richmond Field Station
Presented by the UC Berkeley Office of Environment, Health & Safety.
Learning Objectives
This awareness training is required for all individuals who work at the Richmond Field Station, including faculty, staff, students, and tenants who may work in or around the campus grounds or marsh.
At the conclusion of this learning experience, there
will be a brief quiz.
RFS Environmental Website
The RFS Environmental Website serves as the principal and current source for environmental news on the Richmond Field Station.
Visit the Richmond Field Station website for information and regular activity updates.
Purchase of the Richmond Field Station
The Richmond Field Station (RFS) was purchased by the University in 1950 and is:
Natural Features
The 169-acre property consists of uplands, marsh, and bay lands.
Current Uses: Research
The Richmond Field Station is currently used for research. It contains:
Current Uses: Natural Open Space
The Richmond Field Station also contains protected Natural Open Space, including:
Long Range Development Program
Site History
The California Cap Company
Historical Contamination
Contaminants left on site by prior industries have been the focus of removal actions by the University since 1999. The bulk of contaminants left by the California Cap Company were excavated and removed off-site for disposal in 2020.
The Former Stauffer Chemical Company.
Contamination due to Off-Site Property to the East: The Former Stauffer Chemical Company
Stauffer Chemical Company (later Zeneca Inc.), located adjacent to the east of the Richmond Field Station, manufactured sulfuric acid, pesticides, and other industrial chemicals from 1897 to 1997.
One byproduct of production activities was pyrite cinder waste, which was placed as fill material in the marsh and upland areas on the current Richmond Field Station, and on the Zeneca property prior to 1950.
Contaminants of concern include metals (arsenic, lead, and zinc), volatile organic compounds, and pesticides.
Cleanup Order
In 1999, in response to an Order from the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, UC Berkeley hired environmental consultants to investigate the extent of the soil contamination in Western Stege Marsh and the Richmond Field Station Uplands.
Cleanup Order: The Investigation
The investigation identified areas contaminated with mercury, as well as other heavy metals - including arsenic, lead, zinc, selenium, cadmium, and copper - that are associated with pyrite cinder and blasting cap manufacturing wastes.
Cleanup Order: A History of Contamination
The investigation also discovered polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and confirmed that most of the contamination was the result of industrial operations dating back as far as the late 1800s.
Cleanup Order: Transition in Oversight
In 2006, oversight of the project transitioned from the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. A new Cleanup Order was established.
Cleanup Order: Current State
In 2014, DTSC approved UC Berkeley's Remedial Action Workplan, which describes the selected remedies for addressing contamination in the upland portions of the site. A second workplan for addressing the remaining contamination in the marsh and natural open spaces is still pending.
Western Stege Marsh Cleanup (1)
Richmond Field Station cleanup work in the marsh began in 2002, and additional cleanup work is planned.
This future work would be scheduled to occur mostly during the fall months to minimize effects on wildlife living in the marsh.
In general, no activities are allowed in the marsh during the Ridgway’s Rail breeding season between February 1 and August 31.
Western Stege Marsh Cleanup (2)
The Stege Marsh cleanup included excavation of contaminated soil, backfill with clean bay mud and soil, and grading. Pyrite cinders at the Richmond Field Station were removed by Zeneca and taken back to their property for management.
Cleanup Oversight
All work is conducted with the approval and oversight of the California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
Air monitoring and other safety oversight are provided by staff from the Office of Environment, Health & Safety, and by experienced safety and environmental consultants.
Western Stege Marsh Restoration
The ongoing restoration of the Western Stege Marsh is a long-term process and is managed and monitored by the UC Berkeley Office of Environment, Health & Safety.
Cleanup of Off-Site Property to the East: The Former Stauffer Chemical Company
Health Concerns
Air Quality (1)
Air quality at the Richmond Field Station is generally very good due to the proximity to San Francisco Bay, with on-shore prevailing winds transporting clean air from the Pacific Ocean.
Remediation activities do have the potential to release pollutants or dust at nuisance levels.
Air Quality (2)
Emissions from remediation activities are controlled through construction best management practices, such as using spray water to suppress dust and avoiding truck loading in windy conditions. Air monitoring data collected during remediation activities are available on the Richmond Field Station Environmental website.
Air Quality: The Uplands
Current Conditions Report
The Current Conditions Report:
Access the Current Conditions Report for additional information.
Public Health Assessment (2008)
"Walking on the ground at the RFS would not expose people to contaminants at levels of health concern."
- Public Health Assessment for the Richmond Field Station
Public Health Assessment (PHA) Recommendations: Maps and Training (1)
Workers at the Richmond Field Station are kept up-to-date with the most recent information about contamination.
Public Health Assessment (PHA) Recommendations: Maps and Training (2)
Workers who may be involved with the handling of contaminated soils or digging receive training in how to adequately protect themselves from potential exposure.
PHA Recommendations: Maps - The Uplands
Areas of known contamination affecting the Uplands area of the RFS have been removed.
PHA Recommendations: Training
Normal Activity
Soil Disturbance at the Richmond Field Station
Activities Requiring EH&S Approval
Due to the unique environmental conditions at the Richmond Field Station, prior approval from EH&S is required for any activities that could:
Pyrite Cinders
For soil disturbance projects approved by EH&S, be aware of:
Biology and Natural Resources
Best Management Practices: Pyrite Cinders and Other Pollutants
In addition to training and approvals for disturbing soil, a pyrite cinder Best Management Practices document exists. EH&S will notify DTSC and will inspect and provide oversight on these activities.
“If pyrite cinder fill or other potentially contaminated material is found, workers shall inform the UC Berkeley Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) prior to performing intrusive activities."
Should other contaminants be suspected or discovered during excavation, work will cease until EH&S is contacted and can evaluate the situation.
Eating Richmond Field Station Fruits
Because the RFS is under an investigative order, it is prohibited to collect and eat any fruit or other plant material, including wild berries, apples, and prickly pear fruit.
Rideway’s Rail Conservation
Summary
Airing Concerns
Staff members at the Richmond Field Station are welcome to voice concerns or ask questions at any time regarding the cleanup and marsh restoration projects.
Employees are encouraged to discuss matters of concern with their supervisors and managers or other University representatives.
No employee will be subject to reprisals for doing so.
If you are worried about reprisals for expressing your concerns regarding these issues, you can contact the UC Berkeley Office of Human Resources at (510) 642-7053, or if represented by a union, your union representative.
Key Takeaways
Resources
Contacts
Richmond Field Station Management
UC Berkeley Office of Environment, Health & Safety
Your Participation is Required
This training is required for all persons who work at the Richmond Field Station. Please help by ensuring that your Richmond Field Station colleagues, including any new personnel, also complete it.
Quiz
To complete this course, please take the Working at the Richmond Field Station Awareness Training Quiz by selecting the following link:
Thank you!