SCH Number 2021100323

Project Info

Title

Sediment Remediation Project, Piers 39 to 43.5

Description

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) Sediment Remediation Project, Piers 39 to 43½ (Project) entails the remediation of offshore sediment at Piers 39 to 43½ (the Project Area) within the Port of San Francisco. Since 2016, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has investigated the nature, distribution, and extent of sediment contamination within the Project Area. Some sediments contain elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals found in petroleum and in byproduct waste formed from Manufactured Gas Plant operations. Impacts in sediments occur close to the shoreline and extend bayward in five areas within the Project Area. A Feasibility Study/Remedial Action Plan (FS/RAP) details the planned cleanup of offshore Bay sediments. The Project Area encompasses Pier 39 and the intertidal and subtidal area between Pier 39 and Pier 43½ along the margin of San Francisco, extending into the Bay to the north of The Embarcadero, approximately between Taylor and Kearny Streets. The bayward limits of the Project Area extend approximately 1,000 feet offshore. The Project Area includes a small craft marina; multiple piers housing vessels for bay excursions, cruises, sailing, fishing, and ferry operations; and a high concentration of visitor-related commercial development (shops and restaurants). The adjacent upland area consists of densely developed commercial areas including parking lots, hotels, shops, restaurants, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, a playground, and some park areas. The purpose of the proposed Project is to remediate (i.e., clean up) sediments impacted (i.e., contaminated) with PAHs within the Project Area to protect human health and the environment. The recommended remedial alternative proposes dredging to remove contaminated sediment and capping to prevent exposure to sediments that might pose risk through bioaccumulation. Placement of armoring where necessary during capping would protect installed sand caps or existing sediment from scour or disturbance that might expose sediment with elevated PAH concentrations. Dredged sediment will be placed in and transported by barge to Pier 96 on the southern San Francisco waterfront, offloaded, and dried sediment for transportation to a licensed landfill. Material staging will occur at Pier 96 as well.

2 documents in project