The Environment
The City of Concord is committed to continually enhancing the safety, environment, quality of life and economic vitality of the community. Concord is fortunate to have a varied geography and moderate climate. Summer is mostly dry while winters are mild. The thermometer seldom drops below 40 F/4 C in winter. Concord is nestled between the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the north and Mount Diablo to the south.
The Delta
The
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a unique and valuable resource and
an integral part of California's water system. It receives runoff
from over 40 percent of the State's land area including the Sacramento,
Mokelumne, Cosumnes, and Calaveras rivers. The Delta provides habitat
for thousands of species of fish, birds, mammals, and plants, supports
agricultural and recreational activities, and is the focal point
for water distribution throughout the State.
State Park
Mount
Diablo State Park is known for its ecological diversity. Every season in the
park has its special qualities. The mountain displays beautiful
wildflowers, an extensive trail system, fascinating wildlife and
distinctive rock formations. Residents can view the stars from its
lofty heights, bike ride to a 3,849-foot summit, or explore remote
trails by horseback.
Environmental Impacts
Environmental impacts can come from a host of activities associated with urban life. Domestic animals like dogs, cats, horses, chickens and ducks contribute solid waste and biological pathogens. Cars contribute to pollution of air, soil, groundwater and surface water runoff with automotive repair, car washing, leaking fluids, brake dust, exhaust fumes and refueling stations. Outdoors, residential and business facilities contribute air, water, and soil pollution by adding yard waste, fallen leaves, gas lawnmowers, hot tubs and pools, runoff from roofs and paved areas, fertilizers, pesticides, painting, litter, and more. Indoors, they add pollution from household chemicals, solid waste, mercury lights and thermometers, and fireplaces.
Doing your part
Together,
we can do a lot to reduce our impact on the environment. Some ways
are common sense: driving less, consuming less, and buying products
with recycled content. Other ideas are not as obvious like capturing
Freon from old air conditioners and buying appliances with environment-friendly
refrigerants. The Bay Area Stormwater Management Agency brochure
"Blueprint for a
Clean Bay" has more ideas. Research has shown that people
will do the right thing for the environment if they have the appropriate
information and motivation. These web pages are designed to provide
you with information. They contain links to lots of organizations,
special events, ongoing programs, and resources in the public, private,
and nonprofit sectors. It is up to everyone to maintain the beautiful
environment nature has provided us here in the City of Concord.
Green Ribbon Task Force
A special Green Ribbon Task Force was convened in 2007 to develop recommendations to improve the environment by decreasing the City’s production of greenhouse gasses, lowering the City’s energy usage, and reducing the City’s overall environmental footprint. Task Force members included elected officials, representatives from the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, small business, higher education, corporations, solid waste and recycling companies, home builders, public utilities, residents and City staff.
Grasscycling
Grasscycling is the natural practice of leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. This can save time, money and other resources, such as landfill space. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. Proper turn management, in conjunction with the practice of grasscycling, can reduce water and fertilizer requirements, mowing time, and disposal costs. For more information, call (925) 671-3448.
