San Francisco Bay Federal Channels Operation and Maintenance Dredging and Sediment Placement Activities, Dredging Years 2025-2034

The United States Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District is implementing a maintenance dredging program for federal navigation channels in San Francisco Bay covering a ten year planning horizon from 2025 to 2034. The primary objective is to maintain navigability and safety for commerce, national security, and recreation by removing approximately 2 to 2.5 million cubic yards of accumulated sediment annually. The scope of work includes the excavation of sediment, testing for suitability, and the transportation and placement of materials at permitted locations. Performance occurs across nine California counties within the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin, with dredging typically scheduled for a 60 day window between August 1 and November 30, although some activities may start as early as June 1 or extend into February depending on the specific harbor and environmental requirements. The project is governed by a rigorous regulatory framework, including compliance with the Clean Water Act Sections 401 and 404, the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and the Regional Dredged Material Management Plan. Environmental oversight is managed through a comprehensive Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Report, which includes specific mandates for tribal consultations, environmental justice outreach in identified census tracts, and the implementation of a monitoring program for historical and tribal resources. Sediment suitability is determined through a tiered testing system managed by the Dredged Material Management Office, ranging from basic evaluations for unconfined aquatic placement to comprehensive case specific biological and chemical analyses.