EBMUD Quarry Proposal Threat to Property Values, Quality of Life

EBMUD has planned to purchase the former quarry site on Lake Chabot Road, adjacent to more than 3,500 local residents, in order to dispose of trench soils produced by replacing Alameda and Contra Costa County pipelines over the next 40-80 years. 60-80 dump trucks per weekday would be used to fill the quarry site with 3 million cubic yards of soil, and a construction site, including bulldozers, graders, and other diesel-powered machinery, would be operated at the site.

The Save Lake Chabot Road Coalition, backed by 1600 signatures, has convinced EBMUD to put the project on hold – a huge win for the community. But EBMUD board remains divided, despite a unanimous vote by the San Leandro City Council.

Although EBMUD Board President Andy Katz stated, “This site is far down the list and very unattractive as an option,” board members feel bound to review all options before voting to permanently abandon the project.

In February, the Coalition presented options for EBMUD to consider, including:

• Using trenchless technologies employed by other districts to eliminate or reduce production of trench soils

• Reaching out to ABAG (Association of Bay Area Governments) to identify wetlands and other projects that need fill

• Engaging land brokers to identify remote land fill sites

EBMUD can now reduce the volume of trench soils at the source, activate beneficial re-use by cooperating with Bay Area cities, reduce public spending on land purchases, and preserve union jobs. This could serve as a model for other large water districts and help rate payers while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

Please encourage EBMUD to pursue these options. Sign the petition against their project at www.savelakechabotroad.com.

–Tim Ballas, San Leandro