Coal would endanger residents, Oakland official recommends ban

An Oakland city administrator is advising the City Council to block a controversial plan to ship coal from the Port of Oakland after a long-awaited study revealed that exposure to coal dust could damage vital organs, cause cancer and stunt childhood growth and development.

Cappio’s advice appeared in a staff report made public Friday, three days before the council meets for a public hearing and vote on Tagami’s plan to ship millions of tons of coal each year through the city.

Scientific research points to potential significant public health hazards related to coal/(petroleum) coke dust, Cappio wrote the city’s staff report.

Tagami’s $250 million Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal project is a cornerstone of the massive 130-acre development that his company California Capital & Investment Group has undertaken at the former Oakland Army Base.

Coal didn’t appear to be part of the plan until 2014, when Tagami’s shipping operator, Terminal Logistics Solutions, entered talks with four coal-mining counties in Utah whose leaders wanted to invest in the project — on the condition that Utah coal be shipped through Oakland.