San Francisco Bay and Delta Sand Mining Project

The San Francisco Bay and Delta Sand Mining Project involves continuing commercial hydraulic sand mining operations in the central San Francisco Bay, Middle Ground Island shoal, and Suisun Channel to provide marine aggregate for regional construction and highway maintenance. Managed by the California State Lands Commission and overseen by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the project is currently transitioning to Martin Marietta Marine Operations. A recent amendment to the Incidental Take Permit extends the expiration date to April 30, 2026, and increases the required mitigation amount by 0.017 acres to address impacts on threatened and endangered species, including Central Valley spring-run and Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, as well as Delta smelt and longfin smelt. Operational requirements include strict adherence to environmental standards, such as maintaining 100-foot buffers around hard-bottom habitats and limiting suction velocity to 0.2 feet per second to prevent fish entrainment. The project is subject to a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report and requires the lessee to provide financial security of 32,100 dollars via an irrevocable letter of credit or surety bond. Key deliverables include a Mitigation Monitoring Program, third-party verified greenhouse gas emissions reports, and biannual financial reports on mining volumes. The California State Lands Commission retains the right to suspend operations if they pose an immediate threat to natural resources or public health.