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About the proposed distribution center
In August 2005, Wal-Mart announced that it wanted to build its ninth California distribution center in Merced. Unfortunately, the same reasons that Wal-Mart chose to locate in Merced make it wrong for our community, which has the highest rates of foreclosure and air pollution in the nation. Usually, distribution centers are built miles from residential neighborhoods. To save money and take advantage of the new taxpayer-funded Campus Parkway, Wal-Mart chose Southeast Merced, within 1/2 mile of hundreds of new homes and schools. Unfortunately, what’s good for Wal-Mart isn’t necessarily good for us. We know many of the project's negative impacts, but the job creation and property tax benefits for Merced residents are uncertain. Quick facts: • 270 acres in total in Southeast Merced. Bordered by Childs to the North, Gerard to the South, Tower Rd. to the East, and the Doane Lateral to the West.
• 100 acres of pavement over prime agricultural land
• 1.2 million square foot facility (about 24 football fields) - Pavement/Parking: 4,353,000 sq ft
- Warehouse: 1,100,000 sq ft
- Office/Support Area: 37,000 sq ft
- Aerosol Storage: 24,000 sq ft
- Truck Maintenance: 17,000 sq ft
- Fire Pump House: 1,600 sq ft
- 1,600 trailer parking spaces
- 300 tractor parking spaces
- 900 truck trips per 18-hour day
- 2,150 passenger trips per day
Health Impacts from Trucks:
- Localized air pollution from diesel exhaust and traffic congestion
- Diesel pollutants cause cancer, asthma, and many other health problems
Safety Impacts from Trucks:
- More big-rig and car traffic means an increased risk of accidents in an area without sidewalks
- Pedestrian safety will decrease in areas around the distribution center
Note: Fatigue is the leading cause of truck crashes; at the end of a run to the distribution center, many truckers will be tired as they drive past the schools and neighborhoods in Merced
Noise and Light Impacts:
- Distribution center noise includes alarm systems, loudspeaker system, truck & car traffic, radios, reverse indicators (beeps), trailer droppings, etc.
- Lights will be placed on 40-ft poles and structured walls, making the night nearly as bright as the day
- Light and noise 24-hours a day, 365 days a year
Truck maintenance area that includes:
- 500 gallon aboveground diesel fuel tank
- 20,000 gallon fuel storage underground
- 6,000 gallon new oil tank
- 2,500 gallon waste oil storage tank
The Wal-Mart distribution center will store and transfer hazardous materials
Every inch of rainfall on the site will result in 3 million gallons of runoff from the site. Despite detention pond facilities, runoff ends up in the storm sewers, groundwater and surface water. It can contain: - Waste Oil
- Vehicle Exhaust
- Freon
- Aerosols
- Hazardous products
- And more!
Flooding and Water Pollution Concerns for Merced:
- Contaminated runoff will likely seep into groundwater, a source of Merced’s drinking water
- The proposed distribution center site is in a FEMA Flood Hazard Zone and large storms could produce extra flooding and contaminate surrounding neighbors
Note: Wal-Mart already has lawsuits in 13 states for environmental infractions related to storm water and other water quality violations
Impacts on City and County Services:
A distribution center relies on city services including road maintenance and will generate 55,000 gallons of sewage per day dependent on the city’s infrastructure. Additional strain on city services will either cost Merced taxpayers dollars for additional road repair and infrastructure improvements or road, sewer and other services will suffer.
For example, the Gerard Ave sewer trunk line was constructed in the 1950s. According to the City, the sewer line today contains "fist sized holes" and leaks in many places. Many of the County roads around the distribution center are crumbling into chunks of asphalt. Surrounding land uses include: - To the North: Schools/Industrial
- To the South: Schools/Residential/Agriculture
- To the East: Residential/Agriculture
- To the West: Residential
Is a Wal-Mart Distribution Center Right for Merced?
Weighing the Decision:
Public Health
Traffic Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Flooding
Noise
Taxpayer Dollars
Light Pollution
Air Pollution
City Services
Hazardous Materials
Quality of Life
Jobs:
...how many?
...for Merced residents?
...what kind of wages?
...what kind of benefits?
...are there guarantees?
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