Environmental advocate criticizes affordable housing plans near toxic coal tar site

Concerns over environmental safety took center stage at the recent San Francisco City Council meeting, as community advocate JR Epler raised alarms about the proposed affordable housing development near a former power plant. Epler, who has been familiar with the site for over 40 years, highlighted serious environmental hazards, including the presence of coal tar and toxic substances like plutonium and mercury.

Epler criticized the lack of transparency in the development plans, noting that critical issues such as ammonia spills and contamination hotspots were not addressed in the presentation. "Capping is not the solution," he asserted, emphasizing the need for thorough abatement and mitigation efforts to protect future residents from potential health risks.

He warned that moving forward with the housing project without proper environmental safeguards could lead to dire consequences for the community. "If they have health problems, if they're adversely impacted, it is on you," he stated, drawing parallels to past oversights in similar developments, such as at Hunters Point.

Epler's passionate plea underscored the urgent need for the city to prioritize environmental justice and public health in its housing initiatives. As discussions continue, the council faces mounting pressure to ensure that any development in the area meets the highest safety standards to protect its residents from the legacy of contamination.