San Francisco Bay and Delta Sand Mining Project

Martin Marietta Marine Operations, LLC. (formerly Hanson Marine Operations Inc.), Lind Marine Inc., and Suisun Associates (collectively, the Applicants), have applied to renew leases and related permits to continue mining sand for 10 years following the end of the regular 10-year term. Mining occurs in Central San Francisco Bay, Middle Ground Shoal, and within the navigation channels of Suisun Bay. The purpose of this sand mining is to obtain marine aggregate, which is primarily used for construction purposes within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. As originally described and evaluated in the 2012 EIR, the process of sand mining begins by using a tugboat to move a specialized suction dredge barge from its dock to a position within one of the lease areas. The drag head is fitted with a positive barrier fish screen and uses a suction velocity of 0.2 feet per second or less to prevent entrainment of fish. Within the Central Bay leases, mining operations typically occur at water depths ranging from 30 to 90 feet and last 3 to 5.5 hours per event. Within the Middle Ground Shoal and Suisun Bay leases, mining operations typically occur at water depths ranging from 15 to 45 feet and last 5 to 7.5 hours per event.