BPC has been working with key regulatory agencies and stakeholders to understand the limited dredging schedule that was implemented for the Richmond Outer Harbor channel and subsequently the Pinole Shoal channel in 2017. On February 1st, Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier (District 11) and Mike Thompson (District 5) convened a meeting with BPC and key stakeholders, including: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) San Francisco District & Headquarters, Andeavor, City of Richmond, Port of Oakland, Western States Petroleum Association, Port of Stockton, Port of Richmond, and the Office of Senator Nancy Skinner. Searching for a solution to allow USACE to return to dredging both channels annually, the group received an overview of the issue and discussed potential short term and long term solutions. At this juncture, immediate action was taken by USACE San Francisco District to request, from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, a temporary variance from their Water Quality Certification for San Francisco Bay. This would allow USACE to return to the previous dredging schedule until litigation between the San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission and USACE is settled. It is important to note that BPC requested this meeting in representation of all of its members. Any action that impedes the ability of funding to go to dredging projects affects not one, but all BPC members, as well as the local and state economy. As such, BPC will continue to monitor this effort in parallel with its efforts to advance dredging regulation and financing at the state level.
Click here to read the cover letter that went out with a summary of the meeting to participants.
Tags: army corps, dredging, Pinole Shoal, Richmond Outer Harbor, USACE, water board