November 15, 2022
City Council
DATE: November 15, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin
Subject:
Noise Issues Coming from Port Industries
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
There have been repeated complaints from residents in
the Marina Bay area in regard to constant loud noises
coming from the Richmond Port industries throughout the night. The City has an obligation to resolve this issue by regulating these industries in the interest of the health and well-being of our residents.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: DIRECT staff to bring a report to the City Council in December that addresses ways to regulate the major
noise issues coming from Port Industries -
Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin (510-620-6636).
DISCUSSION:
Over the past two years, residents in the Marina Bay area have repeatedly complained about the noise impact from Port industries that they are having to endure. They have expressed that the situation is out of control at this point and the impacted residents of AGENDA
REPORT
November 15, 2022
Marina Bay, and likely other neighborhoods, are suffering because of the nearly nonstop noise and particulate pollution coming from these industries at the Port. The situation has grown intolerable over the last few years, and even more so in recent months, with the rail traffic and the shipments dramatically increasing. The Port and Marina Bay neighborhood directly interface each other, and something needs to be done to address this critical problem as soon as possible. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a strong correlation with health and well-being. Residents are talking about moving out of Richmond due to the relentless noise. They have stated that the Port now operates around the clock -- noisy shipments of coal and industrial oils, etc.
City staff is already starting to work on looking at ways to resolve this (whether through an implementation of our noise ordinance, through mitigations/conditions/regulations by way their Port leases, or through other methods). This item directs staff to come back to the City Council in December with a report-back on how best to address this situation.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None