RESOLUTION NO. 43-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
TO TAKE ACTION TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SEA LEVEL
RISE IN RICHMOND BY USING ALL NEW SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION TO
INFORM AND INCORPORATE INTO THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
WHEREAS, Richmond has thirty-two miles of shoreline, and WHEREAS, scientists agree that the rate of sea level rise is accelerating, and WHEREAS, the 2030 Richmond General Plan Goal EC1. states: "Adaptation strategies will focus on potential local impacts of climate change such as sea level rise, increased risk of flooding, diminished water supplies and public health," and WHEREAS, it also states: "The climate action plan should also include information on he financing and implementation of each strategy or measure to ensure timely and wel nformed action", an
• WHEREAS, the Health in All Policies has reference to the Climate Action Plan, and WHEREAS, the Richmond Climate Action Plan adopted in 2016 recognized that historical records show that sea level in San Francisco Bay has risen more than 7 inches (18 cm) over the past 100 years, and
WHEREAS, As described in the Adaptation Study, hundreds of Richmond homes are at risk from current or future flooding that will be more frequent or extensive as sea level rises, and WHEREAS, critical infrastructure including roads, railways, and wastewater treatment plants are vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal flooding, as are recreational areas at Point Isabel Recreational Shoreline, Miller Knox Regional Shoreline, and Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and
WHEREAS, the Chevron refinery is located in a high risk area for sea level rise, as is the Port of Richmond, and critical stretches of important highways and rail lines, and WHEREAS, the consequences of a wastewater system disruption or failure would be far ranging, having cumulative impacts on commercial and industrial businesses and the associated employment, goods, and services resulting in significant operations and maintenance cost, as well as capital improvement costs increasing with storm events and sea level rise flooding, and WHEREAS, wastewater treatment facilities provide a critical public health and safety inction, if storm events or sea level rise overwhelm and compromise the plant's ability to tre nd discharge wastewater, a shutdown of the plant would require directing its wastewater another treatment plant, and/or sewer backups could occur in Richmond, causing residents to be out of their homes at least temporarily and businesses to close, and WHEREAS, storm events or sea level rise overwhelm and compromise wastewater system assets, untreated sewage could overflow into the environment. Toxic substances and excessive nutrients degrade water quality and harm fish and other aquatic organisms, and WHEREAS, the Richmond Climate Action Plan also states, "As part of its adaptation efforts, the City will develop a comprehensive vision for its extensive shoreline that addresses climate change impacts to private property, commercial and industrial assets, public infrastructure, water quality, ecological protection, public access, public health and recreation, WHEREAS, this strategy complements General Plan Action EC6.G, which calls for the City to develop a shoreline protection system that is initially built to accommodate a mid- term rise in sea level of 16 inches, 14 along with an Adaptive Management Plan that outlines an institutional framework, monitoring triggers, and a decision-making process, and creates an Reso. No. 43-21
entity with taxing authority that would pay for infrastructure improvements necessary to adapt to higher than anticipated levels of sea level rise." and
WHEREAS, Strategy RC3: Increase Resilience of Critical Infrastructure to Climate Change states "The City will increase the resilience of critical infrastructure (both existing and planned) such that physical structures can withstand anticipated climate hazards including sea- level rise and flooding" and Update Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, General Plan Safety Element, and building codes as appropriate to incorporate sea level rise and other climate change hazards.
Ongoing Adoption of updated plans and building codes Strategy and WHEREAS, RC4: Increase Resilience of Parks and Ecosystems to Climate Change states "The City will protect parks, natural areas and ecosystems that provide recreational and aesthetic value, are critical to local flora and fauna, and provide ecosystem services that are valuable to the community," and
ty-based organizaty nas on ducate and one in he perso mate ans ommunity-based organizations, to educate and engage the pu WHEREAS, as part of its adaptation efforts, the City will develop a comprehensive vision for its extensive shoreline that addresses climate change impacts to private property, commercial and industrial assets, public infrastructure, water quality, ecological protection, public access, public health and recreation, and
WHEREAS, problems cannot be addressed unless they are recognized, and WHEREAS, new environmental studies can clarify issues that may have been previously unknown, and
update the Local Hazarati RiCo Of an, Che GeneralioaPSatey theret, and building codes as appropriate to incorporate public health impacts of climate change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BEIT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Richmond, California hereby resolves that all new scientific information will be verified and incorporated into the Climate Action Plan.
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Reso. No. 43-21
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held April 20, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES:
Come vener Bus time, Mariner Mel aughin,
NOES: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
ABSENT: None.
PAMELA CHRISTIAN
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
THOMAS K. BUTT
Mayor
Approved as to form:
TERESA STRICKER
City Attorney
State of California
County of Contra Costa : SS.
City of Richmond
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. 43-21, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on April 20, Pamela Chist
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond
Reso. No. 43-21