Alarming Pollution Levels in Chico’s Chapman-Mulberry Neighborhoods
A recent draft map highlighting pollution burden in California reveals that the Chapman and Mulberry neighborhoods in Chico face some of the most severe environmental risks in the state. Surrounded by Highway 99, Humboldt and Park avenues, and Comanche Creek, these low-income areas have pollution levels worse than 93% of California’s census tracts, according to the CalEnviroScreen 5.0 mapping tool.
Understanding Pollution Burden
The term “pollution burden” encompasses both the exposure to contaminants and the associated health risks that arise from pollutants. Developed by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), CalEnviroScreen 5.0 uses 23 indicators to identify communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and socio-economic challenges.
Geography professor Mark Stemen from Chico State highlights that “pollution challenges are not confined to large industrial cities; rural areas like Chico are affected too.” Historical industrial activity in Chapman, also known as Chapmantown, has exacerbated its pollution problems, particularly with major traffic arteries like Highways 32 and 99 leading into it.
A Deeper Look at Pollution Indicators
The draft map, released on January 28, 2023, with a public comment period ending on April 1, indicates that the Chapman-Mulberry area has elevated levels of hazardous waste, diesel particulate matter, and active cleanup sites—each scoring above 95. This means these indicators rank worse than 95% of the state, placing local residents at risk.
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Diesel Particulate Matter (PM):
This air pollutant originates from diesel-powered vehicles and can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems. Stemen attributes the high levels of diesel emissions to heavy traffic from industrial sites and businesses like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., which increases truck traffic.Sierra Nevada has adopted measures to mitigate emissions, including a strict no-idle policy for trucks and investments in electric vehicles.
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Hazardous Waste:
The Chapman-Mulberry area is home to facilities dealing with hazardous materials. For instance, Asbury Environmental Services, which handles used oil and other contaminants, raises concerns about proximity to residents. -
Cleanup Sites:
Contaminated locations that require remediation pose additional risks to local health. Active sites like Chico Scrap Metal and Victor Industries remain under scrutiny, as their ongoing operations may release harmful pollutants into the environment.
Historical Context and Current Conditions
Until six years ago, the Chapman and Mulberry area was an unincorporated county island lacking city services, which led to historical neglect and the accumulation of pollution problems. With a poverty index of 91.48, residents face both economic and environmental challenges, often unaware of the risks they encounter.
Local residents, like César Zapien, express more immediate concerns about employment opportunities rather than pollution. Still, community members recognize the presence of large trucks associated with businesses like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., which some believe also contribute positively through financial support.
Moving Toward Solutions
Chico City Councilmember Bryce Goldstein acknowledges that the Chapman-Mulberry neighborhoods have consistently been identified as areas burdened by pollution. She advocates for future urban planning that ensures new developments, including residences and recreational spaces, are situated away from hazardous industrial sites.
With poverty continuing to affect these communities, efforts to secure grants for environmental remediation could help transform the neighborhood. Kristina Thayer, director of OEHHA, notes the importance of CalEnviroScreen in directing resources to communities most affected by pollution.
For ongoing improvements, the city must collaborate with the county to address these long-standing environmental injustices, ensuring that future generations do not inherit the toxic legacy.
For more comprehensive data and mapping tools, visit the CalEnviroScreen 5.0 site, which highlights issues of environmental justice and public health across California.
