3,150 petition signers… Let’s Go!
We are on the ropes, squared up against big $ and industry promoted by our local government. Those who have brought us to this moment are 10 days from their finish line- a working/permitted/exhausting to our air plastic waste pyrolysis facility at Somo Village.
Remember, it’s crucial to make your voice heard beyond this petition, we must each contact the BAAQMD to (1) officially register your opposition (2) demand an extension of the comment period set to expire August 18. Details below.
Voicing your opposition with BAAQMD before August 18 is our only recourse to stop this project from being allowed. BAAQMD is READY to issue a permit for this facility (see change.org update #1).
If you went to the public tour of Resynergi’s facility Wednesday night, you may have seen what I saw. A majority of those present were not buying the greenwashing being sold. A common theme of the event was how those in charge of Resynergi’s operations insufficiently (deflected, confusing and circular responses) answered very basic questions about the health and safety implications for our community. As for their proof of their “new” technology’s concept working and protecting our public safety/health?
We are told this system is proven to work based on 10,000 hours of operation at Somo Village. Here is the letter from Somo Village stating that (below). Here’s Resynergi’s FAQs with the same statement (this update's picture).
According to Resynergi leaders at the public event, the facility has never been turned on at Somo Village.
One (or more) of these two above contradicting statements is a lie.
Resynergi’s claims for public health/safety (and permitting) of their patented by them technology, come from these 10,000 hours of operation. They say, this is why it is okay to locate next to a school, in a neighborhood. We were given claims. Was there PROOF of their safety and health claims? NO. Was there PROOF on the types of and levels of air pollutants that come (or not) from this facility? NO. Is it possible for this brand-new technology to be known as safe and effective without PROOF that’s EASILY shared with the public who will inhale their operations? NO.
It gets worse.
At the event I asked Susan Adams, District 5 RP Council Member, about those 10,000 hours. She replied with a complaint about how “everyone” kept asking about these 10,000 hours. She assured us this RP facility has not been operational yet, they are waiting for their permit to start. Then I showed her the Somo letter that states this 10,000 hour fact. She gruffly replied “that Brad made a typo”. Brad. Brad is what she called him. I am translating here for her.... Brad Baker, CEO of Somo Village, co-applicant of this project, that Brad. Somo Village/Resynergi’s whole claim of health and safety- it was a typo and our council members know?
When RP City Council officially approved this project December 2024, they knew it would play out exactly this way for us. Us, the ones who daily will breathe in what this facility will exhaust out. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 350 days a year. RP City Council knows exactly what they are doing. They approved this facility without giving us anything except this 30-day window issued by BAAQMD. The BAAQMD who’s current public, preliminary recommendation is to issue a permit for Resynergi’s plastic waste pyrolysis facility at Somo Village.
We are 10 days away from this becoming a reality. Please contact BAAQMD with your opposition and share to grow our petition.
We may be on the ropes, but we are still in the ring, for 10 more days…. Let’s Go!
- Stephanie
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There is a 30-day period for public response to this proposal. If you wish to comment on the proposed project, you may do so in writing or by e-mail. Alternatively, you may call and leave a telephone message up to one minute in length. Please leave your name and telephone number so that an Air District staff member may respond to your message.
Please use the following contact information if you would like to comment on the proposed project:
Mailing Address:
CA-002 SOMO Village (A/N #704470)
Public Notice Response
BAAQMD- Engineering Division
375 Beale Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94105
Attn: Brenda Cabral
E-mail address:
bcabral@baaqmd.gov
Telephone Number:
(415) 749-5122 box 5
This public comment period for this project ends on August 18, 2025
Request our Reps contact BAAQMD for an extension (90 day) on the public comment period ending August 18, 2025. Reference CA-002 SOMO Village (Application #704470)
Contact/Call Senator Cabaldon 916-651-4003
senator.cabaldon@senate.ca.gov
Request they contact BAAQMD for an extension (90 day) on the public comment period ending August 18, 2025. Reference CA-002 SOMO Village (Application #704470)
Contact/Call Assembly Member Damon Connolly (916) 319-2012
Assemblymember.Connolly@asm.ca.gov
Note from Stephanie Lennox, petition starter, re this letter below. I bolded below the statement I referred to (This unit has safely operated at SOMO Village for over 10,000 hours.) If you read the whole letter, notice how they immediately start by down playing our concerns as "unsettling" because we are "learning about unfamiliar technology". My learning is not concerning. I am concerned because of the unproven health and safety CLAIMS they make about their new technology. Note how much PROOF vs CLAIMS is in this letter. Also note their misleading statement about no combustion/flames... we will get into this next update because that thermal oxidizer (shown in this update's picture), it's entire operation runs on combustion/flames from propane/natural gas
SOMO Village Responds to Community Concerns Regarding Resynergi Facility
Rohnert Park - August 1, 2025
Dear neighbors, we’ve heard your concerns. As neighbors and fellow members of the Rohnert Park community, we understand how unsettling it can be to learn about unfamiliar technology operating near homes and schools. Many of you chose this community - and SOMO Village - because of its promise: clean air, a healthy environment, and a future built on sustainability and trust.
At SOMO Village, those values aren’t just part of our vision - they are the foundation of every decision we make. As a certified One Planet Community, we are deeply committed to clean energy, zero waste practices, and protecting the health of people and the planet. It’s precisely because of this commitment that we’ve supported climate tech innovators like Resynergi - who aim to reduce plastic waste and prevent pollution before it begins.
We also understand that trust is not automatic. It’s something that must be earned through openness, respectful conversation, and a willingness to answer difficult questions.
What’s Happening
Resynergi is a clean technology company headquartered at SOMO Village. Since 2021, they have operated a small demonstration unit that uses microwave-based technology to break down hard-to-recycle plastic and convert it into reusable oil.
The system is about the size of a shipping container. It has no open flames, no smoke, and no combustion. The process happens inside a fully sealed, oxygen-free chamber. A helpful comparison is a pressure cooker — the plastic is heated gently and safely, without burning.
To put things in perspective:
● The entire system contains less flammable gas than a backyard propane grill.
● It emits fewer air pollutants than the average car.
● It uses less water per year than a single load of laundry.
● It’s fully enclosed and about the size of a three-car garage.
This unit has safely operated at SOMO Village for over 10,000 hours. It is now undergoing a routine review by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) — a public
process required when a facility is located near homes or schools. This step is about transparency, not risk.
Read More: Resynergi FAQ
Why the Letter Sounded Alarming
We also want to take a moment to address the public notice that many of you received. We understand that the language in that letter felt serious - even alarming. It’s completely valid to feel concerned when terms like “toxic air contaminants” or “permit to construct” appear near the name of your child’s school.
What’s important to understand is that this letter was part of a standard air district process, required whenever any permitted equipment is located within 1,000 feet of a school or homes - regardless of whether the actual emissions are harmful.
The language is designed to cover a wide range of industries - from gas stations to paint shops to clean tech - and is not a reflection of the specific risk level of this facility. In fact, the emissions from Resynergi’s pilot system have been independently screened and fall well below thresholds of health concern under the district’s own guidelines.
We know the words in that letter created a wave of concern - and that’s why we’re here: to give you clear facts, to answer your questions, and to invite you to see the facility for yourself.
A Message to Credo High School Families
We want to speak directly to the parents, students, and faculty of Credo High School - we understand how deeply you care about the health and safety of your children. As a community built on sustainability and education, we take those concerns seriously.
We want to be clear: this facility is not an incinerator, and there is no burning involved. The system is enclosed, low-temperature, and monitored 24/7 by sensors designed to shut it down automatically if safety limits are ever approached.
We are also committed to ongoing transparency. Resynergi has already hosted educational visits for local students, and we welcome Credo families to come see the system, meet the engineers, and ask tough questions face to face.
Your Right to Know
We believe that asking questions and expecting accountability is part of what makes our community strong. That’s why SOMO Village and Resynergi will be co-hosting a Community Open House and Listening Session in August.
You’ll be able to tour the facility, speak with independent experts, and get direct answers about how the system works and how safety is monitored.
Our Commitment
SOMO Village exists to build a better way of living — one that honors people, place, and planet. That includes clean energy, walkable neighborhoods, sustainable buildings, and a community-first approach.
We know that true sustainability includes trust. That’s why we’re committed to sharing information clearly, responding to concerns respectfully, and making decisions that reflect both our values and your voice.
Let’s move forward together - with facts, with transparency, and with mutual respect. Respectfully,
SOMO Village Team
Learn more at: Resynergi FAQ
Questions? Email Kenny Davis - kenny.davis@resynergi.com Community Info Session: Wednesday, August 6th, 6-7:30 PM 1200 Valley House Drive - meet in front of Sally Tomatoes entrance