Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Project

Details

Capability: Community Engagement and Health Education

Subcapability: Community Engagement

Project Timeline: 1999 - 2004

The Palos Verdes Shelf, situated off the coast of Los Angeles, is one of the largest contaminated sediment sites in the United States. The DDT and PCB contamination was caused by the Montrose Chemical Company and other industries, which discharged chemicals into the Los Angeles County sewer system.  In 1999, Sequoia partnered with the Environmental Health Investigations Branch to engage local community groups to increase awareness of contaminated fish in the Palos Verdes Shelf region. Staff organized a fish contamination discussion forum, produced materials, conducted workshops, and held trainings with community organizations.