Shell Pond cleanup & wetland restoration

PG&E Shell Pond site map.

PG&E is working under the oversight of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to remediate environmental impacts at a 72-acre former wastewater treatment pond known as Shell Pond and a roughly 22-acre solid waste management unit known as the Carbon Black area, both of which are located at 100 Trojan Road in Bay Point, California (site). The treatment pond and waste management unit were built and used by Shell Oil to manage wastes from its operations during the 1950s to the 1970s. PG&E purchased the property from Shell Oil in 1973 with the intent of expanding power plant operations, which never occurred. PG&E is remediating the site to meet today’s environmental standards and allow for future recreational uses.

Revitalizing the Site

PG&E is implementing a green environmental remediation method, known as managed natural recovery, that uses plants, their root systems, and naturally occurring fungi and bacteria to organically break down contaminants in the sediment. PG&E will also monitor and maintain the clean soil and plants that act as a protective cover over portions of the Carbon Black Area and may add additional soil cover to northern areas of the Carbon Black Area in the future where they have not previously been covered by clean soil and/or plants. This DTSC approved plan provides long-term protection of human health and the environment while limiting material placed in local landfills and overall impacts to the community.

Plants have been planted in 30 acres of the Shell Pond and monitoring and maintenance is ongoing. PG&E anticipates planting the next 10 acres in fall 2023. Planting activities will continue in 10-acre sections across the remainder of the Shell Pond through 2026 followed by ongoing monitoring and maintenance work to ensure plants remain healthy and that contaminants in the sediment are broken down.

PG&E continues to monitor and maintain areas of the pond that have been planted.

PG&E annually sponsors and volunteers at Bay Point’s Unity in Community event.

Community engagement

PG&E is actively involved in the Bay Point community and regularly provides project updates to key community groups and stakeholders. Our community work also includes participating in the Adopt-a-Road program along Port Chicago Highway and sponsoring an annual wetlands education event for middle school students.

Site-related documents can also be found locally at:

• Bay Point Library
  205 Pacifica Ave.
  Bay Point, CA 94565
  Phone number: 925-458-9597
• DTSC File Room
  700 Heinz Ave.
  Berkeley, CA 94710
  Phone number: 510-540-3800 (Call to schedule an appointment.)
• Ambrose Community Center - Reception Desk
  3105 Willow Pass Road
  Bay Point, CA 94565 Phone number: 925-458-1601