Floating Dock Replacement and Dock Pile Relocation at Coronado Cays

The proposed project would involve the removal and replacement of an existing floating dock by Swift Slip Dock & Pier Builders, Inc. (Applicant) in the city of Coronado, California. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would involve the in-kind replacement of an existing 546 square foot (sf) “L”-shaped floating dock with a new 546 sf “L”-shaped dock measuring approximately 58 feet in length. An existing 14”x14” dock pile would be relocated from the “L” side of the existing dock to the end of the new dock, which would be water-jetted into place; the two (2) existing 12”x12” remaining dock piles and the existing gangway would remain in place. No new or larger piles are proposed as part of this project, and the replacement of the floating dock and relocation of the dock pile would result in no changes to overwater coverage and/or fill. A preliminary survey of the proposed project site was conducted in May 2024 and concluded that, although eelgrass was detected within the general project vicinity, the proposed dock replacement and piling relocation are not anticipated to impact any existing eelgrass in its ability to receive the adequate amount of light, through any changes to environmental conditions, or by construction. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and project design features, including, but not limited to, minimizing the footprint of the overwater structure, utilizing north-south orientation to the maximum extent, and the use of silt curtains, would be implemented. A pre-construction eelgrass survey would also be conducted prior to the commencement of the proposed project, and if changes in the above circumstances are found, the Applicant would be required to resubmit a new project application for review. Additionally, the proposed project would involve bottom disturbing activities within the infestation area limits of Caulerpa prolifera (Caulerpa), an invasive algae discovered within San Diego Bay in Spring 2024; as a result, additional verification steps are required as part of the proposed project per the Caulerpa Control Protocol (protocol). While Caulerpa was not detected within the project area during a preliminary survey in May 2024, the following surveys may be required prior to the commencement of the proposed project: • A high intensity survey within the project area, immediate surrounding seafloor area, and any barge staging areas (if outside the project area). This survey would follow the protocol and be performed at least 60 days before the second Caulerpa survey. • An eradication level (100% cover) survey, assuming Caulerpa is not detected during the first survey, of the same areas previously surveyed. This survey would be performed at least 60 days after the first survey and within 40 days of any bottom disturbing activities. Assuming no Caulerpa is detected from surveying activities, then the project may commence. If Caulerpa is detected, it must be reported following protocol and subsequent surveys and/or appropriate treatment efforts would be performed based on concurrence from regulatory agencies and the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT). Construction of the proposed project is anticipated to approximately occur in early 2026 and would take approximately two (2) weeks to complete, with ongoing maintenance as needed. Staging for construction equipment would be placed on the existing adjacent docks, and would be removed upon completion of the proposed project. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.