The Silicon Valley is the birthplace of the high-tech electronics revolution that has changed the world over the past few decades. It is a revolution that has brought technological advances unparalleled in human history.
These same advances however, depend on a technology based on toxic chemicals-chemicals which have taken their toll not only on production workers, but on the overall environment wherever high-tech manufacturing exists. While the promise of high-tech development seems almost limitless, there is a significant dark side that needs to be carefully understood so that future problems of toxic contamination can be minimized.
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) was formed in 1982 in direct response to the discovery of substantial groundwater contamination in Silicon Valley. A woman in a San Jose neighborhood had a child that was born with a serious heart defect that required several surgeries. She went door to door in her community and identified many other neighbors whose family members had recently suffered similar health problems. Her efforts led to the discovery and publicity about the first drinking water contamination
in Silicon Valley--caused by a leaking underground tank at Fairchild
Semiconductor company. Her organizing helped to publicize and alert
the whole community to the dangers of leaking tanks.
Model Toxic Storage Law
SVTC's first successful effort was to develop and pass a community right-to-know law and accompanying Hazardous Materials Model Ordinance that was the first law in the country to regulate leaking underground storage tanks by requiring secondary containment and strict monitoring. These efforts were later replicated in the passage of new California legislation in 1984 and by Congress. Similar safeguards have since been adopted at the state and national level.
Superfund Sites
SVTC led the effort to place 29 toxic sites in Santa Clara County on the EPA's National Priorities List (Superfund). Listing the sites assured a more timely clean-up and greater resource availability.
How Clean is Clean Enough?
SVTC has been focusing local, state and national attention on the critical questions involved in groundwater clean-up.
Community Right to Know
SVTC was the first group in the country following the passage of Title III Right-to-Know provisions of the Superfund Amendments to obtain, analyze and publish a report documenting the toxic emissions in the local area.
CFC Reduction Program
SVTC discovered and documented that the electronics industry was a substantial source of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions and that IBM was the largest discharger in California. SVTC played a leading role in
promoting the rapid phase out of chlorofluorocarbons, which have been a principle cause of ozone layer destruction.
Toxic Gas Regulation
SVTC worked closely with fire fighters to develop a model ordinance for toxic gas regulation, the first in the nation. This ordinance was passed by cities throughout Santa Clara County.
Proposition 65
SVTC played a key role in the successful Safe Drinking Water initiative effort.
Source and Waste Reduction
SVTC has been a leader in the effort to shift industry and government priorities to pollution prevention by encouraging source and toxic use reduction.
National Information Hotline
SVTC has become a major source of high-tech toxics information locally, nationwide and internationally for a variety of constituencies.
Military Toxics
SVTC has been at the forefront of the effort to promote the clean-up and conversion of military bases and defense contractors that are closing their doors.
