Sutter/PAMF's proposed hospital will be built on a 18.1 acre lot at 301 Industrial Road in San Carlos. The site, and adjoining properties, is zoned for industrial use and not suitable for a future hospital. A comprehensive clean-up of the site will be necessary before it is safe for any other use. Existing buildings will have to be demolished, and underground tanks, and contaminated soil and water will have to be removed.

Is the site is the proposed hospital contaminated?

In 2001 the facility currently located at 301 Industrial Road was investigated by the California State EPA Department of Toxic Substance Control for treatment of wastes containing cyanide without a permit.¹ 

Will the cleanup of the toxic site have negative consequences on surrounding neighborhoods?

Although a Remedial Action Plan has been submitted for the clean up, key information is missing. For example, Sutter/PAMF admits that restoring the site will have environmental consequences. However Sutter/PAMF does not offer a plan to avoid possible negative impacts that the clean up process will have on the surrounding neighborhood.² There are also no mitigation measures that will protect the surrounding neighborhood from the release of toxic air contaminants that may result from the removal and transport of contaminated soil. Enforceable protections need to be included in any proposal to perform work on this polluted site.

Are the sites surrounding the proposed hospital also toxic?

Other parcels of land surrounding the proposed location will not be purchased by the hospital developer or cleaned up and will retain their industrial zoning. The adjoining businesses that routinely use toxic chemicals as part of their operations will continue to do so even if a hospital is built next door.³

 

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¹http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Projects/Communications_Power_San_Carlos.cfm
²Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), 3.11-22 to 3.11-24
³Hatcher Trade Press, Delta Star, Praxair, Spacesonic