Did you know that the quality of the ground water beneath Hacienda Business Park continues to be well within the federally recommended drinking water standard? And, did you know that the highest one-hour average concentration of carbon monoxide in the Hacienda Business Park area in 1986 was only 33 percent of the quality of the business park for its tenants California standard and 19 percent of the federal standard for ambient air quality?

Under the direction of co-developers The Prudential Insurance company of America and Callahan, Sweeny & O'Brien, the Hacienda Business Paek Owners Association monitors this type of environmental information and pursues a variety of ongoing activities to ensure the quality of the business park for its tenants as well as the community of Pleasanton.

Two such programs are the Air and  Water Quality Management Programs, directed by Environmental Supervisor James Paxson of the Hacienda Business Park Owners Association. Paxson, who is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry, is also experienced in the areas of natural science research, horticulture, and land use planning and management.

"In keeping with Hacienda Business Park's philosophy of planned business development, the water and air monitoring systems benefit both the tenants and the community because we are constantly aware of the status of both natural resources." Paxson explained. "We have developed a record of normal air and water conditions which will enable us to observe changes and analyze activity on a daily basis." Paxson noted. Pleasanton's air and water quality control program was part of the Conditions of Approval for Hacienda Business Park in 1982. The comprehensive program is unique to the Bay Area and is the first of its kind to be conducted by a private business entity.

The air quality monitoring program consists of three main activities - meteorological testing, particulate testing and carbon monoxide monitoring. A mechanical weather station continuously measures wind speed, wind direction, rain fall air temperature and a variety of meteorological information. Three particulate stations are located in the park to collect air samples that are then analyzed. to determine local particulate levels and trace metal concentrations. A separate unit provides reports continuously on the carbon monoxide levels in the air. "We also work closely with the Hacienda Business Park Transportation Systems Management program to determine the specific effects of traffic and meteorological activity on air quality in the north Pleasanton area" said Paxson. The water control program consists of a system of 40 test sites located throughout the park to evaluate ground water levels and pressure and analyze the purity of the ground water.

Paxson also noted that the Park went beyond the requirements of the Conditions of Approval to research and comply with numerous local, state and federal agencies for the appropriate environmental development of the park. "We even worked with wildlife organizations to install roosting posts near area water canals for the native waterfowl!" he claimed. Since implementing the programs over four years ago, the water and air conditions in the Tri-Valley area continue to be recorded as being well within the federal and state quality standards

"The fact that the developers of Hacienda Business Park thought about the development's impact on natural resources in the planning and design stages of the business park, and are continuing to evaluate and upgrade the monitoring programs as necessary, displays an exceptional concern for and commitment to maintaining the quality of life here in Pleasanton" said Paxson. "I am very pleased to be a part of this progressive and responsive team approach to commercial development."

The Hacienda Business Park Owners Association is a valuable resource center for park tenants as well as the community on such concerns as air and water quality, environmental issues, landscaping problems, transportation, and more. For information call the Owners Association office at 463-9040.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: January 12, 1987 Pathways.