Rodeo and Crockett are neighboring unincorporated communities in Contra Costa County, located within the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Rodeo. The eastern part of Rodeo, classified as disadvantaged, faces some of the region’s highest pollution burdens, with asthma rates in the 93rd percentile, high rates of low birthweight, and close proximity to hazardous waste sites. Crockett, with a population of just over 4,000 and a majority White and Hispanic demographic, also contends with elevated asthma and low birthweight rates despite lower overall pollution scores.
Both communities are heavily impacted by historic and ongoing industrial pollution from the Phillips 66 refinery, the now-closed Petroleum Coke calcining operation, metals smelting, and incidents like toxic leaks and refinery spills. These sources have contributed to persistent respiratory and cardiovascular health problems.
The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project guiding future actions as a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.
In April of 2025, residents and stakeholders from Rodeo and Crockett met to discuss these pressing air quality concerns and explore solutions for a healthier, more equitable future.
