2010 Work Program
Click here to download a pdf of the 2010 Work Program.
(A = Action Item; B = Monitoring Item)
*** Priority Action Items in Green ***
Navigation, Dredging, Wetlands and Wildlife Committee
Roberta Goulart and Gary Levin, Co-Chairs
***A – Long-Term Management Strategy for Dredged Material Disposal (LTMS)
- Hamilton and Montezuma regional beneficial use sites: Work with the LTMS Management Committee to develop a strategy, including a financing and operational use framework, for private and public dredging sponsors. (The proposed Aquatic Transfer Facility concept will require further evaluation to determine if it is a feasible)
- Disposal Options – continue to provide leadership to ensure the availability of multiple disposal options, both aquatic and beneficial reuse; identify the next generation of upland sites.
- Environmental Windows – provide leadership to and participate in the activities of the 6 workgroups to accomplish dredging and endangered species protection; focus on the completion of scientific studies and integration of study results into the permitting process; participate as a sponsor based on member voluntary contributions to the salmon tagging project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and UC Davis.
- Dredged Material Management Office (DMMO) – Recommend to the LTMS Management agencies t0 conduct a Lean Six Sigma’s Value Stream Analysis of the DMMO. Tie the Lean Six Sigma analysis to the pending analysis of BCDC’s functions related to the overall structure of Bay governance and alternative sources of funding for BCDC other than the state general fund.
- Green Sturgeon ESA Critical Habitat (CH) and 4(d) Rule: Complete a comprehensive analysis of NOAA Fisheries’ proposed Critical Habitat designation for the S. F. Bay and Delta with a biology, economic and legal consultant team. Identify areas of the Bay for exclusion from CH. Work with NOAA Fisheries to develop a programmatic ESA consultation for dredging and near shore construction activities.
- Longfin Smelt Threatened Species: Work with the Ca. Dept of Fish and Game and the LTMS Management agencies to approve procedures for a programmatic consultation and incorporation of longfin smelt within the Environmental Windows Scientific Framework.
- LTMS Annual Science Symposium – lead the process to develop the content for the 3rd annual LTMS symposium (TBD). The symposium, organized by the LTMS agencies, was initiated by BPC with the objective to have an annual evaluation of LTMS dredged disposal decision-making related to interpretation of sediment testing results, the progress of the environmental windows program, and identify the next generation of beneficial reuse sites.
A – Long Term Management Strategy for the Delta (Delta LTMS)
Participate in the development of and advocate for funding for the Delta LTMS with a specific focus in the short term on the creation of a Dredged Material Management Office (DMMO) and/or other agency collaboration mechanisms, such as a regional water board General Waste Discharge Permit to enable beneficial use of dredged material on the levees.
***A – Federal Energy & Water Appropriations/Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund/State Funding
Advocate for federal energy & water funding of U. S. Army Corps’ Operations and Maintenance (O&M) (including LTMS); continuing and new construction dredging and disposal; and wetland restoration projects; and state funding as needed. Work with our congressional representatives and national maritime organization partners to advocate for spending the Harbor Maintenance Trust fund for the purpose for which it is intended. —navigation channel dredging.
***A – S. F. Bay Restoration Authority
Attend the meetings and provide recommendations on the role and implementation of the newly established Authority, chaired by Calif. Coastal Conservancy, whose legislative mandate is to identify local funding sources for the purchase and restoration of S. F. Bay wetlands.
B – Marine Construction
- Treated Wood Pilings (ACZA/CCA) – work with regulatory and resource agencies to develop a programmatic permit for the use of treated wood in the marine environment.
- Pile Driving – work with the regulatory and resource agencies to develop a programmatic permit for pile driving incorporating scientifically sound, and economically feasible noise thresholds; participate as a member of the state/federal Hydrocoustical Working Group.
B – Nationwide Permits/Letters of Permission for Dredging and Wetland Placement
Work with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Regulatory Branch to develop a Letter of Permission for dredged material placement on wetland sites to accomplish compliance with the 404 regulatory program for wetland fill thereby avoiding a catch-22.
***A – Port of Redwood City Dredging and Bair Island Restoration Project
Lead the Task Force to accomplish necessary dredging and placement of material on the levees for the USFWS Bair Island wetland restoration project.
B – San Francisco Estuary Institute’s Regional Monitoring Program (RMP) – Participate as a representative of dredger payees, along with the other 5 contributor groups, on the Steering Committee (meets quarterly).
B – Bidding and Contracting Monitoring
In collaboration with the USACE SF District and SPD Division and the California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, monitor to ensure a timely, efficient and successful process
B – Essential Fish Habitat Monitoring
Monitor USACE and NOAA’s implementation of the Essential Fish Habitat consultation process to avoid dredging permit delays and uncertainty.
A – BCDC
***i. Regional Entity Analysis Participate in the BCDC-led analysis of functions and alternative sources of funding. BPC should provide recommendations to the study relating to BCDC and the Bay’s overall governance with the goal to avoid agency duplication and redundancy.
ii. Permit Process Reform Initiative
Monitor the implementation of the 19-point Task Force Report adopted by BCDC on February 16, 2006. This contains the task force agreement on new permit practices, procedures and proposed Title 14 regulatory amendments to achieve efficiency and greater predictability for the public. Build a culture of cooperation to reduce agency overlap and permit delays.
iii. Sub-Tidal Policy
Monitor agreement adopted by BCDC on February 16, 2006 for a programmatic alternatives analysis for sand mining to achieve both economic and environmental goals and fair and consistent S. F. Bay Plan policy interpretation.
A – Dredging Planning and Federal Stimulus Funding (ARRA)
Meet with the Corps regularly to identify channel maintenance dredging and disposal, deepening and funding needs, such as Pinole Shoals. Monitor to ensure that stimulus funding is obligated to meet federal deadlines. Establish a strike force as needed to accomplish emergency dredging (e.g. Maersk 2001).
B - State Water Resources Control Board’s Sediment Quality Guidelines
Advise as needed on balanced, feasible and scientifically sound guidelines.
B/A – S. F. Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Streambed and Wetland Protection Policy and Proposed Basin Plan Amendment
Participate in policy development to guide a reasonable approach, avoid duplication with other state and federal agencies jurisdiction and achieve a non-intrusive, but complimentary program with local government.
B – South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project
Provide leadership to and participate as a member of the Stakeholders Forum and Flood Management Work Group in the implementation of the federal-state EIS-EIR-approved restoration plan.
B – SWRCB General WDR’s
Monitor to determine whether to reinitiate effort at SWRCB to certify all NWP’s under the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 Nationwide Permit Program.
B – S.F. Bay Trail
As a founding member (1990) of the S. F. Bay Trail, continue to participate as member of the Board of Directors and BPC sponsor of the Bay Trail’s 20th Anniversary in 2009.
B/A – Meet with agency CEO”S as necessary, e.g. CADFG Executive Director, Donald Koch, USFWS’s Susan Moore and USFWS Regional Director Ren Loefenhoefer.
B - San Francisco Bay Wetland Joint Venture. As a founding member (1995) of the S. F. Bay Wetland Joint Venture, participate as a member of the Management Committee.
B/A – Transportation/economic/environmental studies
Identify opportunities and needs and financial resources such as grants for transportation and environmental studies to advance the above.
B – Partnerships
Identify a list of organizations and agencies for necessary BPC alliances to leverage resources and effectiveness on issues. Establish member “ambassadors” to critical organizations. Ensure information sharing back to BPC.
B/A – Monitor and respond to new state and federal legislation, actions of the state’s elected constitutional officers, and actions of local, regional, state and federal agencies.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Chairman, Position Vacant
B– Infrastructure Safety Initiative/Bond allocation
As a follow- up to BPC’s 2006 post-Hurricane Katrina Proposition 1B-E campaign, monitor and advise where needed to the California Transportation Commission, Dept. of Water Resources, and state legislature on the Nov. 2006- approved bond measure spending decisions for levees, marine and surface transportation and air quality projects
B/A – Ferries
Support the regional ferry system expansion. Monitor the implementation of SB 926 creating the new state Water Emergency Transit Authority (WETA).
B – Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC); California Marine and Intermodal Transportation Advisory Council (CALMITSAC); National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board’s Marine Environment and Ports and Channels Committee
BPC Exec. Director participates as an appointed member to these institutions to advise on necessary improvements to our national and state marine intermodal system.
A - Federal Transportation Reauthorization Act; ARRA Stimulus Program
Assist the ports and maritime industry as need in advocacy for funding for intermodal projects.
B/A – Monitor and respond to state and federal legislation and actions of local, regional, state and federal agencies as needed.
B/A – Transportation/economic/environmental studies
Identify opportunities and needs and financial resources such as grants for transportation and environmental studies to advance the above.
B – Partnerships
Identify a list of organizations and agencies for necessary BPC alliances to leverage resources and effectiveness on issues. Establish member “ambassadors” to critical organizations. Ensure information sharing back to BPC.
Water and Air Committee
Gary Oates and Eric Hinzel, Co-chairs
***A – Marine Emissions and Air Quality Improvement
Continue to lead the development of a regional strategy to effect air quality improvements in the marine sector. Specifically continue to implement BPC’s Memorandum of Agreement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and BPC’s five Central Bay member ports and complete the Bay Area Seaports Air Emissions Inventory. In addition, participate with the Port of Oakland and allied marine industry, environmental justice and business organizations as an appointed member of the Port of Oakland’s Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan (MAQIP) Continue to assist with the implementation of MAQIP. Monitor BAAQMD’s activities on the Green Ports Initiative. Participate as a BAAQMD-appointed member of its Community Risk Evaluation Task Force (CARE)
B – California Air Resources Board (ARB)
Monitor the implementation plan of the State Marine Emissions Reduction Plan and participate as necessary in hearings to shape a feasible approach to emissions reduction.
A – AB 32; SB 375—Climate Change and Sustainable Communities Strategy
The California legislature adopted a statewide mandate (AB 32) to reduce CO2 greenhouse gases and also the subsequent implementation legislation, SB 375. BPC should monitor the implementation of these new laws through the Bay Area’s Joint Policy Committee (ABAG, BAAQMD, MTC and BCDC) and join with other organizations to identify appropriate actions as needed
***A – BCDC Proposed Climate Change Bay Plan Amendments – Complete an analysis with a BPC member subcommittee of the proposed Bay Plan amendments. Provide scientific, legal, and engineering rationale supporting both written comments and verbal testimony. Organize a workshop to enable further discussion with flood control districts and landowners on appropriate strategies and appropriate role for BCDC.
A/B – BAAQMD’s Clean Air Plan
Gather information on the District’s proposed new policies and potential new regulations on indirect sources.
B – Total Maximum Daily Load Water Quality Plans (TMDL’s)
Participate in workshops, public hearings and organize BPC member input into the TMDL planning process; provide continuing advice on the proposed PCB TMDL.
B – S. F. Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Stormwater Permit (MRP 4)
Working with BAASMA and the HBANC, participate in the development of a permit structure and conditions to enable a streamlined and complementary local government process.
A/B – State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Proposed Coastal Marina Permit
Collaborate with the Marina Recreation Association (MRA), Pacific Coast Yacht Club Association (PICYA), California Harbor Masters and Port Captains (CAHMPC) and CMANC to evaluate the issues and develop a strategy for presentation to the SWRCB questioning the need and the expense of the proposed new regulation.
B – California Department of Fish and Game’s Marine Life Protection Act.
Monitor CaDFG actions in southern California to be informed for a dialogue when CaDFG focuses on the San Francisco Bay-Delta region.
B – Support integrated regional water management planning (IRWMP)
B – Water Recycling
Monitor and support recycling projects as needed. Monitor a possible prohibition on water recycling and take further action as needed to support recycling.
B/A – Monitor and respond to state and federal legislation and actions of local, regional, state and federal agencies as needed.
B – Economic, environmental, scientific studies
Identify opportunities and needs and financial resources such as grants for studies to advance the above.
A – Establish a BPC Science Committee to develop positions on TMDL’s, Climate Change, methylmercury studies, salmon tracking and assemble reports for presentation to the S. F. Bay Regional Water Board, EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA Fisheries, Ca. Dept. Fish and Game.
B – Partnerships
Identify a list of organizations and agencies for BPC alliances to leverage resources and enhance effectiveness on issue priorities. Establish member “ambassadors” to critical organizations. Ensure information sharing back to BPC.
