Port of Stockton Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Bloom Maintenance (Lake Alteration Agreement EPIMS Notification No. SJN-64841-R2)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has authorized the Port of Stockton, represented by Jason Cashman, to conduct maintenance dredging in approximately 11.2 acres of McLeod Lake under Lake Alteration Agreement EPIMS Notification Number SJN-64841-R2, as permitted by Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code. The purpose of the project is to remove 54,900 cubic yards of sediment containing cyanobacteria seed stocks, legacy organic carbon, and internal nutrient loads that contribute to harmful algal blooms, with dredging limited to a maximum depth of 3 feet to mitigate ecological risks. All removed material will be transported and deposited on Roberts Island, a previously approved disposal site used for sediment from adjacent dredging operations in the Stockton Deep Water Ship Channel, ensuring consistent environmental management practices. The action is part of an ongoing effort to reduce recurring harmful algal blooms in McLeod Lake by addressing the internal nutrient sources within the sediment. The project does not involve new construction or expansion but focuses solely on maintenance to preserve water quality and ecosystem health. The Port of Stockton is the sole applicant, and the activity is coordinated with California Fish and Wildlife’s Region 2 office in Rancho Cordova. Hailey Donaldson, Environmental Scientist, serves as the primary point of contact for regulatory oversight, while Jason Cashman remains the applicant liaison for operational and logistical coordination. The agreement was posted on June 4, 2026, as a forecasted action under the CEQA Net system, with no formal solicitation or set-aside requirements applicable.