City statement regarding small-scale atmospheric studies

Published on June 05, 2024

The Alameda City Council unanimously rejected a proposal at its June 4 meeting to allow small-scale atmospheric sea salt process studies by the University of Washington and its partners on the U.S.S. Hornet. Concerns expressed by the Council included lack of notice to the City and public about the study before the project began in March, the lack of outreach by researchers to regional air quality, water quality, and other regulatory agencies, the desire for more public health analysis on the potential human health impacts of the study, and the proximity of the experiments to the general public and especially to youth populations. The City acts as the landlord for the Hornet’s lease at Pier 3. The Council’s decision followed a staff report and robust public comment period including remarks from the research team, independent biological and hazardous materials review by consultants, Alameda residents, and individuals engaged from across the world.

Video: https://alameda.granicus.com/player/clip/3398?view_id=6&redirect=true
Agenda and staff report: https://legistar1.granicus.com/alameda/meetings/2024/6/5991_A_City_Council_24-06-04_Meeting_Agenda.pdf?id=c713dbac-e6ac-48cb-9720-57837f97ad31