Three years after the AB&I metal foundry closed its operations in East Oakland, concerns over environmental safety have resurfaced among community residents.
The foundry, which had a long history of toxicity and community opposition, ceased operations amid a $1.2 million settlement with the State of California for releasing harmful air emissions into the environment.
The closure of the plant, located on San Leandro Street near the Oakland Coliseum, was a relief to many residents who had fought against its harmful emissions for years.
However, recent observations around the site have raised alarms among locals.
Years of metal smelting at the foundry had left hazardous contaminants such as arsenic and lead in the soil, hardscape, and groundwater.
After the site was purchased by Prologis, the new owner agreed to a voluntary cleanup plan with Alameda County’s Environmental Health Department to address these contaminants.
Despite this plan, community members noticed that the site had been transformed into a tow yard operated by Auto Plus Towing, which is contracted by the city of Oakland to remove abandoned or illegally parked vehicles.
Gabrielle Sloane-Law, an East Oakland resident and organizing intern with Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), expressed frustration over the resurgence of activities at the site after the closure of AB&I.
In a troubling twist, CBE discovered that the City of Oakland had issued Auto Plus Towing a zoning permit to use the contaminated site as a tow yard.
The Alameda County Environmental Health Department had previously indicated that Prologis was not allowed to lease the site for any operations that could worsen environmental conditions.
The county subsequently informed Prologis that Auto Plus Towing’s activities violated these conditions, signaling a breakdown in communication between multiple regulatory agencies.
Prologis defended its actions by claiming it operated in good faith and believed that its agreement with the city was lawful until notifications of violations were issued.
Indeed, emails and documents have surfaced revealing communication gaps that led to the current situation involving the tow yard operations.
For over a century, AB&I had manufactured cast iron pipes at the San Leandro site, generating numerous complaints from residents about toxic emissions and unpleasant odors, particularly concerning given the proximity of Acorn Woodland Elementary School.
Community advocacy efforts gained momentum over the past decade, culminating in the eventual closure of the foundry.
Residents had initiated grassroots monitoring of air quality around the site, organizing through CBE to raise awareness about the health impacts associated with the foundry’s operations.
Key findings from local assessments highlighted concerning levels of airborne contaminants, including cancer-causing chemicals, further galvanizing community action against AB&I.
In response to these alarming findings, both CBE and state attorney general Rob Bonta pursued legal action against AB&I for violating California’s Proposition 65 regulations.
Pressure mounted on the company, resulting in a decision to close the East Oakland site and relocate operations to Texas in 2022.
With the purchase of the site by Duke Realty, which was later acquired by Prologis, came an agreement for comprehensive remediation efforts to address existing environmental hazards.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when community members reported the presence of tow trucks at the site in late 2024.
Inspections by county officials revealed that dozens of vehicles, some inoperable and burned, were being stored on the contaminated site, leaking potentially hazardous substances into the soil.
This was viewed as a significant violation of the cleanup agreement and prompted an immediate investigation by local agencies.
“After all our efforts, to see this happening again is incredibly frustrating,” said Sloane-Law, reflecting the sentiment of many in the community who had fought against AB&I for years.
Upon further inquiry, county officials confirmed their lack of knowledge regarding the tow yard operations, indicating a serious lapse in communication with Prologis and the city of Oakland.
Sloane-Law advocated for accountability and transparency within the regulatory processes, voicing concerns about how the community remains affected by ongoing environmental issues.
Alameda County reaffirmed that the use of the former AB&I site as a tow yard was a direct violation of the deed restrictions placed on the property in 2011.
Local officials from the city of Oakland acknowledged a lack of awareness about the approval granted for Auto Plus Towing’s operations, noting that it had been an erroneous zoning clearance.
City representatives expressed their intent to work closely with other agencies to rectify the situation and relocate Auto Plus Towing to a more suitable site.
However, gaps in inter-agency communication have sparked concerns about the reliability of oversight regarding contaminated sites in the area.
Community advocates have called for improved coordination among city, county, and state officials to ensure that public health is safeguarded and environmental remediation efforts are prioritized.
As it stands, the city and its partners are actively working to properly manage the relocation of towing operations, ensuring the community’s input remains central to its efforts.
Community meetings are ongoing, but many East Oakland residents express frustration about feeling excluded from key decision-making processes.
Activists are committed to maintaining pressure on local leaders and regulators to prioritize environmental safety and justice for vulnerable populations in East Oakland.
As the cleanup of the site continues, activists emphasize the importance of community vigilance and engagement, declaring, ‘This is an Oakland problem, not just an East Oakland problem.’
Despite the challenges faced, the activists of East Oakland remain dedicated to their cause, vowing to hold officials accountable in the long battle for environmental justice.
image source from：oaklandside
