PC 10/07/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Discussion ensued relating to the expedited timeframe for testing of soil on the Bernal property, whether there was an immediate health hazard for the public on the Bernal property, and statements made by the Commission and the Council members relating to there being an immediate health hazard for the public. (Recess taken from 9:35 p.m.- 9:45 p.m.) PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Rene Steinhauer, Tri-Valley CARE, provided the Commission with his professional experience and scientific training. He noted that the people who have given testimony tonight are paid experts and that the Commission should consider this. He stated that the people who are working on the Bemal property could be injured by the nuclear waste on the property. Mr. Steinhauer commented on the public process relating to the project and he noted that the report is the official document on which the Commission will base their decision. He referenced the report and noted that there were no soil samples taken in the area of the drying pond where there is the greatest risk for nuclear exposure. He expressed concern with the locations of the readings and the equipment that was used. Further, he noted that the report was created in order to confuse. He commented on errors contained in the report and noted that one of the calculations didn't use a valid formula used in the standard tables. He noted that information relating to the radionuclide laundry is not part of the report and that more data is needed. He commented on the disappearance of documents and whether an EIR was performed for the school site. Further, if an EIR was performed for the school site, it should be made part of the report. He requested that the Commission takes its time in reaching a decision on this property, and he noted that the Commission will be held accountable for approving use of this property. Mr. Steinhauer inquired as to where the more serious contaminated material was disposed. In response to an inquiry by the Commissioners, Mr. Steinhauer commented on the parks in Livermore. Further, he noted the importance of community involvement in the process and gaining the public's input relating to this property. Paul Martin noted that the Bemal property is the last large piece of undeveloped land remaining in Pleasanton. He noted that this property that is adjacent to downtown could be utilized for many other uses, such as open space parks or community services and additional time should be allowed to determine use for the property. He noted that there is an opportunity to consider the future of Pleasanton and that it should be made clear to San Francisco that the City will not be railroaded. He commented on the EIR and noted that the development proposed will increase traffic, add to overcrowding at schools, and impact public services. He noted that infrastructure problems should be resolved before there is development. He referenced page 4 of the staff report and noted that the statistical numbers should be re-examined by an independent person to determine accuracy. He commented that differences in statistics for sludge in Oakland and in Pleasanton could be due to processing. He noted that questions should be raised whether the risk has been evaluated for the proposed development and he stated that additional testing should be performed prior to development being approved. Robert Cordtz, 262 W. Angela, referenced page 4 of the staff report and inquired as to the hurry for approval of this EIR. He inquired as to whether the grab samples taken by the City's sewer department were ever evaluated and requested that staff provide information relating to grab samples and nuclear laundry data. He inquired whether effects have been examined on farmers who farm on the Berual Planning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 5