Ferry Point Pier Removal Project
Summary
SCH Number
2022050600
Public Agency
East Bay Regional Parks District
Document Title
Ferry Point Pier Removal Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/27/2022
Document Description
The Ferry Point Pier, at the southwesterly end of Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, is in a significant state of disrepair. Originally owned and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, the pier and adjacent shoreline lands were acquired by the Park District in 1991 with the submerged lands beneath the pier subject to a lease from the California State Lands Commission. In January 2021, portions of the dilapidated pier collapsed and broke away from the pier into San Francisco Bay. In order to avoid risks to public health and safety from large debris entering the shipping channel, an emergency contract was executed to remove the debris from the water. In August 2021, another larger piece of the pier broke off and had to be removed under a second emergency contract. Following these significant pier failures, the Park District had the pier evaluated and it was determined that over 70% of the creosote-treated wood pilings were damaged beyond repair, that there is an over 50% loss of cross section in the intertidal area, and that the structure is in imminent danger of collapse. It is not feasible to restore the pier to its original configuration and any collapsed debris could float into nearby shipping channels.
Structures proposed for demolition and removal include the existing timber deck, stringers, pile caps, piles, and entire fender system. The proposed Project will remove approximately 1,040 12- to 14-inch diameter creosote-treated timber piles from the marine environment. Removing these piles will restore approximately 800 square feet (sf) of benthic substrate currently occupied by the structure’s piles. The Project will also remove approximately 16,500 sf of overwater creosote-treated wood decking. If the piles can be removed in their entirety it is estimated that the Project would result in the removal of approximately 1,500 cubic yards (800 tons) of in-water or above water creosote-treated wood. The Project will protect public health and safety by removing materials that are in imminent danger of failing and becoming a hazard. Additional anticipated benefits from the Project include improved water quality due to the removal of creosote-treated wood from the marine environment and increased light penetration. The Project could also improve sediment transport by the removal of physical impediments.
Contact Information
Name
Edward Willis
Agency Name
East Bay Regional Park District
Job Title
Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Richmond
Counties
Contra Costa
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Cross Streets
Dornan Dr and Brickyard Cove Rd
Zip
94801
Total Acres
3
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15269
Reasons for Exemption
The Ferry Point Pier is in imminent danger of collapse. Any significant weather event could cause a significant collapse and failure of the pier. The collapse of the pier poses danger to the public who access the water from Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline for fishing, kayaking, and other recreational activities and floating debris could also enter nearby shipping channels causing danger and disruption to commercial activities. The creosote-treated wood is also toxic, potentially leading to further environmental harm.
County Clerk
Contra Costa
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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