May 29, 2012 Bill Lindsay City Manager City of Richmond 450 Civic Center Plaza Richmond, CA 94804

Subject: Storm Water Drainage Near 5201 Van Fleet Avenue, Richmond Dear Mr. Lindsay: Recently, I was asked by Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia to visit 5201 Van Fleet Avenue in Richmond in response to a citizen complaint about storm water run-off. It is my understanding that the City of Richmond is responsible for the storm water system in the Van Fleet Avenue. The system does not seem to operate correctly in the rainy season nor in the dry season, and poses public and environmental impacts for the nearby residents. I am writing to ask that the problems with the storm water system in this area be addressed so as to eliminate the public health issues that I observed first hand and via photos and testimony. Before going, I was emailed a photo of the house surrounded by water up to the 3rd step of the front porch. When I visited the area on May 17 of this year, there was no standing water on the property, as it was not rainy season. The current resident, Jason Myers, described the recurring problems from storm water runoff every winter (rainy season) and concerns for his health. Another public health condition existed when I was visiting, stagnant water in the open part of the nearby storm water channel at the end of Van Fleet Avenue. As you are aware, stagnant water is a public health concern as it provides a breeding ground for mosquito larvae which may harbor West Nile virus. One of the main means to reduce the likelihood of West Nile virus is to eliminate stagnant water. I have been in contact with the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (Vector Control) who have been monitoring the storm water channel at the end of Van Fleet Avenue since fall 2003/2004. At times, the Vector Control staff have taken water samples and/or treated the area for mosquitoes. They too recognize that a long-term solution is needed, as they do not have the resources to go there as often is as needed. It is not clear to me what factors are contributing to the consistent presence of stagnant water in the storm water channel. However, if the City of Richmond does not take appropriate action to improve the condition of the channel, it may continue to be a public health concern for the surrounding community. Recurring flooding occurs also poses a public health concern. Recurring flooding can promote mold growth which in some instances can pose serious health impacts. Storm water in the mixed use area of Van Fleet Avenue could likely contain unhealthy items such as oil, grease, and other chemicals from nearby roadways and nearby industry. While not necessarily a direct public health threat, the accumulation of trash is clearly a major nuisance and quality of life issue.

Bill Lindsay May 29, 2012 Page 2 of 2

In summary, the storm water system in the Van Fleet Avenue area poses health concerns. I am writing to ask that the problems with the storm water system in this area be addressed so as to eliminate the public health issues. Sincerely,

Marilyn C. Underwood, PhD, REHS Director of Environmental Health MCU:ssm cc: The Honorable John M. Gioia, Board of Supervisors, District I Chad Davisson, City of Richmond Engineering Services Department Aaron Winer, Veolia Water West Operating Services, Inc. John Wiggins, REHS, Environmental Health Land Use Program