[1] The hills provide a natural barrier protecting the Point Molate area from ammonia and other contaminants that could be released from the Chevron Richmond Refinery in the event of a disaster.

A weather station sits atop a peak overlooking Point San Pablo.

Point Potrero Pond is a small lake near the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge toll plaza near the south of the hills.

The hills are dotted with tank farms and polluted sites from the former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot.

[3] The hills vegetation is largely composed of eucalyptus woodlands, chaparral, grasslands with some wetlands as well.