Manufactured Gas Plants
Former San Rafael Manufactured Gas Plant
As part of a voluntary program under the oversight of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), PG&E is working to remediate a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site at 999 3rd Street in San Rafael.
The former San Rafael manufactured gas plant operated from 1875 to 1930. The plant was shut down and put on standby status until 1960, at which time it was dismantled.
In the 1980s the site, as part of a larger parcel, was investigated and remediated by covering impacted soils and installing a groundwater extraction system. PG&E sold much of the site in 1998 and it has been redeveloped as a business park. Ongoing monitoring confirms that the remedy continues to be effective for treating affected groundwater and protecting human health and the environment.
A former PG&E service center and parking lot occupy the portion of the site still owned by PG&E. In July 2010, DTSC approved an investigation report prepared by PG&E for this portion of the property. The report defines the extent of impacts to soil and groundwater from historical gas plant operations.
A draft cleanup plan, known as a Remedial Action Plan (RAP), has been prepared and is available for public review through November 8, 2012. A public hearing on the RAP will be held on October 25, 2012 at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
DTSC will consider and respond to all public comments received prior to approving the plan. Cleanup work is expected to begin in mid-2013 and continue through 2014.
Additional Resources:
- Community Notice – October 2012 (PDF, 803 KB)
- Work Update - August 2010 (PDF, 327 KB)
- Public Notice – August 2009 (PDF, 411 KB)
- DTSC Resources & Contact Information
Site-related documents, including the draft RAP, can also be found at:
San Rafael Public Library, Reference Desk, 1100 E Street, San Rafael (415-485-3323)
Contact Information
Environmental Remediation
Information and Response Line
1-866-247-0581
Important Health & Safety Information
There is no indication that PG&E's former MGP sites pose any health concerns to the public, based on our testing, experience, and extensive review of medical literature.
“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. © 2009 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved.
