Sacramento Toxics Alliance research collection, 1981-2012

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Sacramento Toxics Alliance Research Collection
Dates:
1981-2012
Abstract:
The records in this research collection document the operations of toxics groups and remediation projects in the Sacramento area from the early-1980s through the early-2000s.
Extent:
2.5 Linear Feet (5 Archival Boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Sacramento Toxics Alliance research collection, MC 37, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is comprised of records and research gathered by the Sacramento Toxics Alliance regarding several toxic remediation projects in the Sacramento area. The collection is organized into the following series: Series I. City of Sacramento Toxic Substances Commission (1985-1987), Series II. Union Pacific Railyards (1980-2010, bulk 1986-1994), Series III. McClellan Air Force Base (1983-2012, bulk 2002-2003), Series IV. Southern Pacific Railyards (1988-1993), and Series V. Other Projects (1985-1988). Records within each series are organized chronologically and include meeting minutes of toxics groups, newsletters, environmental reports, correspondence with government agencies, and some news clippings.

Biographical / historical:

The Sacramento Toxics Alliance incorporated in 1984 as a citizens group concerned with the cleanup of hazardous waste at Sacramento sites. The group worked with the City of Sacramento Toxic Substances Commission to address numerous remediation cases over the years, including those at McClellan Air Force Base, and the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific Railyards.

The City of Sacramento Toxic Substances Commission, which formed shortly after the Toxics Alliance, began with eleven commissioners and advised Sacramento City Council on key issues related to toxics analysis and remediation.

McClellan Air Force Base was listed on the National Priorities List as a Superfund site in July 1987, and the McClellan Groundwater Task Force formed in August 1983 by Rep. Robert Matsui in order to "coordinate and oversee the cleanup of contaminated hazardous waste disposal sites and groundwater both on and off base." It was comprised of members of the Air Force, state regulatory agencies and the City and County of Sacramento. The McClellan Restoration Advisory Board formed later and provided a public forum for community members, installations and regulatory agencies to work together on McClellan environmental programs.

The Union Pacific Railyards was an 80-acre site located off Sutterville Road, east of Hwy 99. It was a former railroad maintenance and switching yard from 1909-1983. After its closure, a group formed to address problems from past industrial activity, including groundwater contamination and air particulates. By 1989, the California Department of Health Services oversaw the investigation of soil contamination at the site.

And the Southern Pacific Railyards, located at 501 Jibboom Street, became the focal point for remediation efforts in the decades to come.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Amanda G. DeWilde
Date Prepared:
Copyright 2017
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2017-11-02 13:01:27 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Sacramento Toxics Alliance research collection, MC 37, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California.

Location of this collection:
828 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 264-2976