Contra Costa County
Environmental Health Services Report
by Fernando Diaz
I didn't expect much when browsing the web for environmental health services in Contra Costa County, i figured i figured there may be some food inspections and maybe some kitchen inspections but I was actually pleasantly surprised to find out we have a lot of unsung heroes in our community keeping us safe from harm, albeit a different kind of harm.
There are specialists in the areas of recreational health (pools, spas), hard waste, medical waste and even body art -- all in the name of protecting us from health dangers that are conducive to physical harm, toxicity and communicable diseases. I am now curious to see what other counties offer.
Contra Costa County
Environmental Health Services Report
By Fernando Diaz
I still can't figure out why I'm sitting on this couch right now and not sitting in front of the County Supervisors office protesting the amount of pollutants they are allowing to be spread throughout Contra Costa County. It is completely shocking that I am living in one of the top 10% dirtiest counties in America. There are gas and oil companies surrounding me and it's truly unbelievable. Companies like Tesoro, Chevron, Shell and other gas companies are polluting the county at a consistent rate and all the environmental justice data tells us that minority and low income residents are much more likely to be impacted by this, and that is truly sad. Fortunately the lead issues are pretty low at 1% yet 2800 homes are still at high-risk of lead poisoning.
There are 3 superfunds in my county, Superfund is the name given to the environmental program established to address abandoned hazardous waste sites in all aspects. One of the superfunds is the Naval Base in Concord and it seems as if they will be just be cleaning up solid waste and chemicals. It's kinda neat to know places like that won't stay untouched, but that there is someone to address those particular matters for the well-being of the public.
The air is also surprisingly clean, with good or moderate air quality at 80% and 20%, respectively. The water though, is a different story -- ranking worst in the country.
The site is very helpful and informative and I shared it with my friends on facebook as well so they can learn more.
I know what you mean Nando, it can be tough to convince yourself to get up and do something when a couch a just too damn comfy. But take solace in the fact that you're in a program that is working on addressing these types of problems. You're allowed to have a life outside of it!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to reach about situations like Chevron where they are consciously polluting the environment and they're constantly being permitted. Historically we have started with allowing certain levels of pollution and/or toxicity, but as time goes on we realize that percentage is too high of an exposure rate and lower it, and lower it, and lower, and lower it. Just because Chevron provides millions of dollars to Contra Costa school districts doesn't mean they should be permitted to continue to pollute at such rates. Makes you wonder why Contra Costa has such a high prevalence of asthma...
Hi Fernando,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I currently live in Contra Costa. It is pretty sad to see how the county ranks in comparison to others. With all the pollutants and hazardous waste surrounding us, I begin to wonder how this is all affecting the health of the public.
I drive by a gas company or refinery almost everyday when I commute. I’m glad our air quality is moderately clean at least! Lol