DTSC@Work

DTSC works to protect people, communities, and the environment from harmful chemicals. Our work is mission-focused on accomplishing this by:

• Restoring contaminated sites
• Enforcing hazardous waste laws
• Reducing hazardous waste generation
• Compelling the development of safer consumer products

Read about the projects and people working to create a California where everyone can thrive in a healthy and safe environment.

Going for Olympic Gold with L.A. River Cleanup Project

Los Angeles city officials want to have an ambitious riverfront showpiece complete by the 2028 Olympics. The Department of Toxic Substances Control is working to help shape the vision into a project worthy of a gold medal. City officials paid $60 million for 42 acres of former railroad land north of Dodger Stadium…

DTSC at Center of Big Changes to Sacramento Railyards

Sacramento’s historical railyards are on track to double the downtown core of California’s capital and become the engine of new development ranging from a hospital, courthouse, housing, shops, a park, and even a Major League Soccer stadium. DTSC is working to make this a reality…

DTSC@Work Stories by Category

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Military Base Cleanups

A quarter of all U.S. military bases shut down during base closings from 1988 through 1995 were in California. DTSC mobilized massive base cleanup efforts that have repositioned more than 70 percent of closed acreage for new uses.

• DTSC Is Helping Reshape the Alameda Waterfront
• Treasure Island Milestone: First Major Transfer of Property to City of San Francisco
• New Businesses, Homes Land in Alameda, thanks to DTSC

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Brownfields Cleanups

Brownfields are contaminated industrial and manufacturing sites that require cleanups before being developed for new uses. DTSC has cleaned up thousands of acres of brownfields to create new housing, offices, stores and jobs.

• DTSC Scores Goal on New Soccer Complex in Rancho Cordova
• DTSC Grant Helps Bring Communal Garden to South Central Los Angeles
• DTSC Brownfields Grant Helps Kick Off Affordable Housing Project
• Creating a community asset: Turning a Brownfield into a sports park

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Safer Schools

When school districts use state construction funds to expand or build new school campuses, DTSC inspects the sites and rids them of any contaminants that may exist. Since 2000 DTSC has ensured the environmental safety of 500,000 students at these sites.

• DTSC Helps Preschool Grow in Portola
• DTSC Helps Debut a New High School in Salinas
• DTSC’s Schools Program Sets the Gold Standard for Making Properties Safe
• Cleanup agreement will lead to a new middle school on military base
• DTSC Cleanup Project Leading to New School Site in Martinez
• DTSC is helping lay the foundation for a unique school in Visalia

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Emergency Response

DTSC is often among the first responders to emergency situations, such as floods, spills and accidents that involve toxic and hazardous materials.

• DTSC’s Emergency Response Unit to Help Clean Up After Devastating Wildfire
• After Butte Fire Devastation, DTSC a Part of Rebuilding
• DTSC’s Emergency Response team helps clean up hazardous waste in Northern Californian fire
• DTSC response in marijuana labs is booming

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DTSC Spotlight

Highlighting recent happenings within DTSC throughout California.

• ‘Most Innovative Team’ at Tech Conference? DTSC!
• DTSC Leaders Bălan, Mascareñas Recognized Nationally for Environmental Health Work
• State Strike Team Goes After Scavengers Who Junk Cars for Profit
• DTSC Partners with Yolo County on Hazardous Waste Case
• South San Francisco project exemplifies DTSC’s mission
• DTSC Cleans Up on Santana Row
• DTSC is Clearing the Way for New Retail Development
• Bay Area city to get a new park thanks in part to DTSC
• DTSC Plans Job-Training Program
• DTSC scientist helps high school students form environmental club, celebrate Earth Day
• Cleanups at former manufactured gas sites exemplify DTSC’s mission
• Southern California Cleanup Project Embodies the DTSC Mission
• Ambitious cleanup project helps protect threatened wildlife
• Governor Appoints Pang as DTSC’s New OCI Chief
• Bay Area endangered butterfly to get designated preserve in Santa Clara County foothills
• Removing a toxic legacy from MGP sites
• DTSC facilitates expansion of Southern California auto dealership
• DTSC receives U.S. EPA grants to assess environmentally impacted communities in Southern California
• The Irvine Company rounds out Silicon Valley with Santa Clara Square Project
• DTSC’s OCI Hires Investigator in Southern California
• Former Los Angeles County landfill potentially the new home of two NFL teams
• DTSC is helping bring prosperity and business to Emeryville

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See where DTSC@Work has happened in your neighborhood!

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