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Cleanup Areas and Recent Activities

Former Potrero Power Plant | Site Overview | Cleanup Areas & Recent Activities | FAQ | Archive

The site has been divided into seven work areas to allow remediation to proceed in those areas unimpeded by existing structures.

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We have made significant progress on the environmental investigation and remediation of the site. Most investigation activities have been completed in the accessible areas. Other remediation activities, including conducting feasibility studies, health risk assessments, and site management plans, are in various stages of completion. Recent remediation milestones include:

Shoreline Cleanup and Stabilization

In 2010, PG&E conducted an interim cleanup action along a portion of the shoreline adjacent to the GenOn Potrero LLC and Pier 70 properties. MGP residues (asphalt-like material) exposed along the shoreline were removed to prevent them from eroding and entering the Bay. With the residues removed, the shoreline was restored and further protected from erosion by placing a specialized fabric layer over the ground surface followed by pieces of stabilizing rock.

Switchyard and General Construction Yard Areas (PG&E Owned)

The Switchyard and General Construction Yard remain an integral part of San Francisco's electrical infrastructure. Remediation activities in the Switchyard and General Construction Yard have been completed. In order to prevent exposure to underlying soil, the site is currently covered by gravel, concrete or asphalt. A Site Management Plan and Deed Restriction that restricts this area to commercial and industrial uses was approved by the Water Board and then submitted to the City and County of San Francisco in October 2011. The Water Board has issued a completion (i.e., No Further Action) letter for environmental work for this portion of the site, indicating that no further remediation work is needed.

Hoe Down Yard (PG&E Owned)

Investigation activities for the Hoe Down Yard (a PG&E construction and equipment storage area) have been completed and approved by the Water Board. A final Human Health Risks Evaluation was approved by the Water Board in February 2012. The completion of remediation activities is expected in 2012.

Station A Area (GenOn Owned)

Site investigations are complete and a Human Health Risk Assessment was approved by the Water Board in February 2012. The majority of Station A is capped by asphalt, concrete and structures. The completion of remediation activities is expected in 2012.

Northeast Area (GenOn and Port of San Francisco Owned)

This area includes the shoreline and the southern portion of Pier 70 owned by the Port of San Francisco. Areas of impacted soil and groundwater have been identified. We anticipate a draft Feasibility Study (FS) will be submitted to the Water Board and be available for public review this year. The FS will evaluate various cleanup options for the site. PG&E will be hosting public meetings to provide additional information to the community and provide community members an opportunity to provide feedback. Remediation is anticipated in 2015 and 2016.

Power Generation Facility (GenOn Owned)

This area includes the recently shut down Unit 3 power plant and immediate surroundings. Some soil and groundwater investigations have already been conducted in this area and additional investigations will take place once the former plant is demolished by GenOn.

Tank Farm Area (GenOn Owned)

This area includes three large above-ground fuel tanks formerly used to house fuel oil. Limited soil and groundwater investigations have been conducted in this area. Additional investigations are anticipated once the above ground tanks are removed by GenOn.

Sediments Investigation Area

This area includes sediments in San Francisco Bay near the former power plant property. PG&E has conducted three phases of sediment investigation since 2009 and is currently in the process of presenting the data to regulatory agencies. A Feasibility Study will be developed to evaluate cleanup options in 2014. A Remedial Action Plan (RAP), remedial design and permitting will be prepared in 2015 and 2016. Remediation is anticipated in 2017.