Former Vallejo manufactured gas plant

Project Overview: PG&E continues to make progress on the cleanup of a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) that operated near Curtola Parkway and Sonoma Boulevard. This work addresses the contamination of soil and groundwater from historic gas-making activities. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is providing oversight and work is performed in coordination with the City of Vallejo. This work will protect long-term public health and the environment, and support future site redevelopment.


Former Vallejo manufactured gas plant in the 1920s


To minimize impacts to the community and allow greater flexibility for construction teams, the site was divided into two areas. They are the 26-acre main site located to the south of Curtola Parkway and two privately owned properties located to the north of Curtola Parkway. Work north of Curtola Parkway was completed in January 2022. Work at the main 26-acre site began in fall 2021. It is more than 50 percent complete and anticipated to be fully complete by mid-2024.


Work includes a combination of excavation and off-site disposal of shallow soil that was impacted by historic gas-making activities. We are also adding a cement mixture to solidify impacts to deeper soil in place. Excavated areas are backfilled with clean, imported fill and work areas restored. At least one southern waterfront boat launch and about half of the associated parking spaces remain available as we work. PG&E is also replacing a storm drainpipe that crosses the 26-acre site.



Public Safety and Outreach: Safety is of utmost importance to PG&E. We conduct work in accordance with a DTSC-approved health and safety plan that includes best practices for air monitoring, dust management and truck traffic control, as well as safety measures to reduce the risks of COVID-19. Work in the most impacted areas is done inside of tents to limit off-site impacts. PG&E has also hired locally and to date has had 5 Vallejoans work over 12,800 hours on the project. PG&E will continue to keep the community informed about the project through fact sheets, work notices and other outreach.

Middle school students at Griffin Technology Academy learn the purpose of PG&E’s environmental cleanup project, and why tents and excavation equipment are used in the process.

Middle school students at Griffin Technology Academy learn the purpose of PG&E’s environmental cleanup project, and why tents and excavation equipment are used in the process.

Site History: The former MGP operated from the late 1800s to 1930 and provided a constant source of energy for the Vallejo community’s lighting, heating and cooking needs prior to the arrival of natural gas. Some byproducts of the gas making process were left buried on-site as the plant was dismantled – a common practice before environmental regulations – and PG&E is cleaning up the property in accordance with today’s standards.


Site overview about gas making operations