Improving Air Quality in Stockton: Part 2 - Warehouses and Transportation
In Spring 2024, engineering students from UC Berkeley worked with community organizations within the Stockton AB 617 area to identify local air pollution sources and design mitigation strategies. This 3-part blog series highlights the student projects and resources to share with the community.
Warehouses
Are warehouses in Stockton silently harming your health? Air pollution from warehouses is a critical issue, especially in urban areas like Stockton. The construction and operation of these warehouses significantly increase particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, posing severe health risks, such as asthma and other respiratory conditions. Students from UC Berkeley researched the impacts of the Mariposa Industrial Park Project, a 3.6 million sq ft warehouse complex under construction in Stockton, highlighting how increased truck traffic and poor mitigation efforts impact the local community. Implementing strict warehouse regulations to mitigate air pollution exposure and adopting clean energy solutions will improve the health and quality of life in surrounding communities.
More information on this project: One-page handout, StoryMap
Transportation
In the 1970s, construction of the Crosstown Freeway (Highway 4) led to the demolition of parts of Little Manila, a historic Filipino neighborhood in Stockton. The Crosstown Freeway continues to impact surrounding communities through air pollution, including 14 schools and daycare centers which are within 500 feet of the freeway. Traffic has been increasing over the last decades due to increased activity at the Port of Stockton and warehouses, among other factors. Heavy-duty diesel trucks emit harmful pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3), leading to elevated rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in communities located near these heavy traffic roadways. To address these issues, students from UC Berkeley analyzed the impact of rerouting truck traffic, electrifying the truck fleet, or even undergrounding the Crosstown Freeway. These measures could not only significantly improve air quality and reduce health risks among community members, but also revitalize the downtown Stockton area, drawing in local businesses and fostering community.
More information on this project: One-page handout, StoryMap
If you missed Part 1, read it here Part 1 - Port of Stockton and Harmful Algal Blooms.