RMP stakeholders are pursuing cost-effective solutions to contamination of the SF Bay through measures that prevent, rather than clean up contamination. Early identification of problem CECs and quick action to prevent their spread is the best way to protect water quality in San Francisco Bay. 

What are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)? Also referred to as emerging contaminants, these include any chemical that is not regulated or monitored and that has the potential to enter the environment and harm people or wildlife. Assessing the risks that emerging contaminants pose to Bay wildlife and surrounding communities requires information about the levels of these chemicals in the Bay, how they move and persist, and how toxic they are. The RMP’s decade-long effort to identify CECs has produced a high quality body of knowledge on Bay contamination, making this one of the most thoroughly monitored aquatic ecosystems in the world. This information allows managers to develop sophisticated, rational approaches to solving emerging water quality issues. The RMP’s forward-looking approach has allowed it to meet pollution challenges effectively and efficiently. However, as the number of CECs rises, additional resources will allow the RMP to expand efforts to identify toxic contaminants before they harm the Bay.