Challenge
In partnership with H Cycle, the City of Pittsburg, California has proposed a 12-acre waste-to-energy plant which will transform municipal waste to renewable hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles including heavy duty trucks and buses. In addition to diverting waste into a productive and clean fuel source, this project will bring employment opportunities in construction and facility operations to an economically stressed area of San Francisco Bay. However, moving this important project forward required a thorough assessment of the facility’s impacts on the environment and surrounding community, as well as the submission of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Solution
Since 2022, TRC has led the environmental and technical studies supporting project development and design, including due diligence analysis of the facility’s potential impact on nearby wetlands and natural resources, cultural resources, local water quality and noise. We facilitated public meetings to gather input on a draft EIR and responded to public comments to inform the final EIR, which was completed in 2024.
The EIR outlines mitigation measures to prevent significant impacts to the community and meets California’s clearance requirements for site development under CEQA. The City plans to publish the EIR in 2025.
Results
The successful completion of this cutting edge facility will not only help California meet its 2045 clean energy targets, but it will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase job opportunities in the San Francisco Bay area while solidifying the City and region as leaders in adopting emerging energy solutions for the future. We look forward to continuing as an active participant in the energy transition market through our work on this waste-to-energy project.
Projects With Purpose
TRC’s work with clients across the globe supports and enhances our communities and environment in significant ways. Learn more about how we are making the world a better place, one project at a time.
