Avoiding Air Pollution In Martinez Area (Mountain View, Vine Hill: houses, neighborhoods, live)

[springshades]

I know that downtown Martinez doesn't really have pollution issues because of the prevailing winds, but that area doesn't work for me for commute reasons. I've been looking at moving into the areas along the 4 and 680, and my wife and I both have some asthma issues (extremely mild for me but moderate to severe for her).


I'd appreciate any info from people who are familiar with the area. I started looking seriously at one of those small neighborhoods to the east of 680 (off Arthur Rd) before I realized that it is probably getting massive amounts of air pollution from the Shell refinery. Is the entire Vine Hill area next to 680 pretty bad? Parts of the Mountain View area looks like they're right up against the refinery too.


Also, just as a curiosity, some of the neighborhoods off Arthur Rd over there seem to have a ton of parked boats relative to the number of houses. Is there some sort of water access over there that isn't obvious? I tried google maps to look for a boat launch and couldn't find anything. I'm not particularly interested in boating myself, but now it's like a mystery that I have to solve. Why are there so many boats parked in such a seemingly random neighborhood?

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by springshades

I know that downtown Martinez doesn't really have pollution issues because of the prevailing winds, but that area doesn't work for me for commute reasons. I've been looking at moving into the areas along the 4 and 680, and my wife and I both have some asthma issues (extremely mild for me but moderate to severe for her).


I'd appreciate any info from people who are familiar with the area. I started looking seriously at one of those small neighborhoods to the east of 680 (off Arthur Rd) before I realized that it is probably getting massive amounts of air pollution from the Shell refinery. Is the entire Vine Hill area next to 680 pretty bad? Parts of the Mountain View area looks like they're right up against the refinery too.


Also, just as a curiosity, some of the neighborhoods off Arthur Rd over there seem to have a ton of parked boats relative to the number of houses. Is there some sort of water access over there that isn't obvious? I tried google maps to look for a boat launch and couldn't find anything. I'm not particularly interested in boating myself, but now it's like a mystery that I have to solve. Why are there so many boats parked in such a seemingly random neighborhood?

Check any zip code at airnow.gov and get the info you need.

[springshades]

Originally Posted by expatCA

Check any zip code at airnow.gov and get the info you need.

Unfortunately, that's just not useful information. Their maps aren't sensitive enough to pick up a mile wide hot spot created by a refinery, and the air quality today isn't a good indication of the long term air quality. It's like the difference between climate and weather.


Most likely anyone who has lived in the area will know though.

[Mac58]

I lived in MTZ and worked there for 16 years.
One shelter in place.
You to not want to be East (downwind) of refineries.