Residents joined forces with health and re-development officials to re-route polluting diesel trucks and reduce pollution in North Richmond.

Community activist Delphine Smith had been speaking out about big rig truck traffic for years. Smith and her son have asthma, so she was concerned about air quality and pedestrian safety.

Meanwhile, Cedrita Claiborne with the Asthma Program at the county health department was trying to understand why asthma hospitalizations were rising in the area. Together they mobilized a work group on air quality in the neighborhood.

Trucks impact neighborhood: North Richmond is near railways and shipping ports which, combined with the traffic congestion and idling of big rigs, has spiked diesel air pollution to alarming rates. Residents found that North Richmond’s diesel pollution was six times the county average and forty times the state average. Diesel pollution contributes to asthma and other illnesses, especially in children. The constant truck traffic also tore up asphalt and blocked intersections.

Strong coalition: “Community members prioritized diesel air pollution as one of several environmental concerns at a town hall meeting,” says Claiborne. A coalition of health and environmental groups also produced a report, Deluged by Diesel, which helped rally residents. The community formed a work group with residents, community organizations, health and redevelopment officials, and staff from Board of Supervisors member John Gioia’s office. The year-and-a-half-long process of community meetings helped the community find their voice, adds Smith.

Residents collect data: “The knowledge of community members about what streets were being used and alternative routes was key,” says Claiborne. Smith and other residents collected in-depth data on air quality in the area using monitoring devices from the health department. They also counted trucks at different times of the day and talked with drivers to find out how many trucks were in the area and what routes they took.

New truck routes drawn up: The community used the data to find two alternate truck routes that would reduce traffic in North Richmond. Staff from the redevelopment agency and Supervisor Gioia’s office presented the route recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. The county had already been looking for ways to re-route trucks, says Gioia, but the Deluged by Diesel report made the project a high priority. “The community’s understanding of the health issues helped solidify advocacy.” he adds.

Parents key: Parents and the community truly spearheaded this project, says D’Andre Wells of the county redevelopment agency, by voicing their concerns to officials and collecting data to highlight the project’s urgency.

Victory: The Board of Supervisors approved the alternate routes and is planning to put up signs and put in special pavement to mark the routes. The county is also seeking $22 million to build a bypass.

Continued advocacy: Delphine Smith continues to be an active force in the community. She serves on a neighborhood oversight council, teaches about asthma, and has spoken before Congress about health issues in her community. “As a community person, you should educate yourself about what’s going on and get involved,” she says.

Contact: Cedrita Claiborne, Contra Costa Health Services Asthma Program, 925-313-6861