PETITION TO PROTECT OAK MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY SURROUNDING SILVA VALLEY PARKWAY FROM THE COSTCO FUEL STATION DEVELOPMENT

To: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, El Dorado County Planning and Building Department, and Costco

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the construction of a Costco fuel station on Silva Valley Parkway and urge El Dorado County officials to reject this portion of the proposed Costco EDH development. It is the responsibility of our community leaders to keep our children safe. Their safety is more important than any other factor in determining a site location for this development.

Health Risks to Children at Oak Meadow Elementary School

The proposed Costco fuel station will be a magnet for thousands of vehicles continuously idling throughout the school day. Emissions from the gas station will create a significant source of air pollution, including cancer-causing toxic air contaminants. The emissions from the proposed 32-pump gas station pose a severe health threat to children attending Oak Meadow Elementary School, which is located on Silva Valley Parkway adjacent to the proposed gas station. According to extensive research on gas station pollution:

• Benzene, a known carcinogen, is emitted from gas station vents and fueling areas. Exposure to benzene has been directly linked to childhood leukemia and other blood disorders.

• The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recommends a 300-foot minimum buffer (setback) between fuel stations and sensitive land uses like schools, but this is insufficient for many reasons. A recent study has found that gas stations vent 10 times more benzene than previously estimated, and hazardous levels can persist over 500 feet away. The researchers concluded that CARB’s 300-foot setback regulation is insufficient and should be revised based on their findings.
  
  
• The EPA warns that children exposed to toxic emissions from gas stations and vehicle exhaust are at increased risk for asthma, and reduced lung function. Children are especially susceptible as their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster and spend more time outdoors, which increases their exposure to toxic air pollutants. Children with current lung conditions such as asthma, will also be at increased risk of asthma exacerbations. Respiratory illnesses like asthma are the leading cause of hospitalizations for children. 

• The EPA also warns that children exposed to gasoline vapors and vehicle exhaust are at increased risk of developmental issues and other non-cancer health issues.

• Students playing outside or attending class near a fuel station will be at constant risk of exposure. Due to the open campus structure at Oak Meadow Elementary, the children spend a tremendous amount of time outside. They even eat lunch outside.  The Kindergarten playground is located in front of the school, facing the proposed gas station site.

• International studies have found higher rates of leukemia and other cancers among children who live or attend school near gas stations, with one French study reporting a 4-fold increase in leukemia risk for children near fuel stations.

• The canyon-like feature of Silva Valley Parkway with hillsides flanking either side will also limit the dispersion of the cancer-causing pollutants associated with the gas station. The wind in this area blows from the freeway in the direction of the school.

• The proposed fuel station is significantly larger than those represented in most studies and further impact on these risks and hazards is unknown. The proposed fuel station is 10 pumps larger than the existing Costco fuel station in Folsom.

Silva Valley Parkway Will Become a High-Traffic Corridor Affecting Schools and the Community

Silva Valley Parkway from Green Valley Road to Serrano Parkway will become a heavily congested roadway due to the increased traffic generated by the proposed Costco and fuel station. This corridor is a major route for local students and families, and its transformation into a high-traffic commercial corridor will have serious consequences:

• Accidental trauma is the leading cause of death for school-age children, of which accidents involving vehicles is the leading cause. 

• Students from Oak Meadow Elementary, Silva Valley Elementary, Rolling Hills Middle School, and Oak Ridge High School walk, bike, and scooter in large numbers along Silva Valley Parkway. Increased vehicle traffic will pose a major safety hazard for these children who rely on this route to get to and from school.

• Increased congestion will lead to longer commute times for residents, school buses, and emergency vehicles.

• Commuter, pedestrian, and cyclist safety will be severely impacted, making it more dangerous for students and families to drive, walk or bike along the corridor.

• The road was not designed for this level of traffic, and its transformation into a major commercial thoroughfare will negatively impact local residents, schools, and businesses.

• Cars park alongside Silva Valley Parkway at pickup and drop-off times, and also during school events, due to limited available parking spots. Cars also sit idle, waiting to turn into Oak Meadow Elementary School alongside Silva Valley Parkway at pickup and drop-off times, backing up towards the proposed gas station site.
  
  

Other Concerns:

Destruction of a Green Corridor & Wildlife Habitat – The west side of Silva Valley Parkway is a vital riparian corridor, home to diverse wildlife and a key part of the community’s green space. Wildlife travels east from the open space surrounding Carson Creek to access this habitat, and a fuel station will disrupt these natural migration paths. The natural ponds along the South side of Silva Valley Parkway and Buck’s Creek Trail are inhabited by many animals including coyotes, bobcats, beavers, turkeys, and other wildlife.

We Demand That El Dorado County Officials:

Reject the proposed Costco fuel station along Silva Valley Parkway due to its serious health risks, environmental destruction, and increased traffic hazards. Any future site proposals must exclude a fuel station.

By signing this petition, we call on El Dorado County officials to prioritize public health and safety, environmental preservation, and community well-being over corporate and County revenue interests. Our children deserve clean air, safe roads, and protection from preventable harm.

Sincerely,

Oak Meadow Elementary School and concerned El Dorado Hills Residents