The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has partnered with the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), other state regulators, a community organization, and a business to tackle the environmental impacts of metal shredding in West Oakland, California. This initiative is part of a new collaborative effort aimed at addressing health and safety concerns in the area.
Cheree Peterson, Deputy Regional Administrator for the U.S. EPA Pacific Southwest, stated, "The signing of this partnership agreement signals a new approach by government agencies, industry, and communities to solving health and safety concerns." She emphasized that this agreement showcases "the power and possibility of outcome-driven, collaborative problem-solving" which could serve as a model for other communities facing similar issues.
The collaboration is formalized through a three-year memorandum of understanding known as the West Oakland Collaborative. Participants include Radius Recycling, which has been at the center of regulatory enforcement actions due to its environmental impact. The group consists of the EPA and CalEPA along with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project (WOEIP), and Radius. The main objective is to create solutions for reducing the effects of metal shredding operations on local residents.
California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia noted that "West Oakland residents deserve a healthy environment" and highlighted that many communities still bear pollution burdens from industrial activities. She expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential to innovate solutions benefiting all communities.
This agreement follows extensive engagement between WOEIP and an inter-agency Rapid Response Task Force set up after compliance concerns arose from an August 2023 fire at Radius Recycling. Despite initial investigations and enforcement actions, ongoing community health concerns prompted this joint effort towards long-term improvements in public health outcomes.
Margaret Gordon, Co-Executive Director of WOEIP, pointed out that "West Oakland has endured multiple levels of impacts from pollution over the past 50 years," citing fires linked to Schnitzer Steel (also known as Radius Recycling). She emphasized the need for regulatory compliance and facility upgrades to mitigate negative impacts on community health.
While this memorandum does not alter regulatory oversight or investigations concerning Radius Recycling's compliance with existing regulations, it establishes a platform where all stakeholders can work collaboratively on health and safety challenges.
