Consultation and Permit Requirements for Dredging Work Windows and Disposal Restrictions

Requirements A - H

A

Clamshell dredging shall be required whenever practicable in areas within 250 feet of a shoreline OR in depths less than 20 feet.

B

If hydraulic dredging in depths less than 20 feet, dredge head must be maintained at or below substrate surface. Head may not be raised more than 3 feet off bottom for flushing; shut off pump when raising head more than 3 feet off bottom (e.g., at end of dredging).

C

For new-work projects where eelgrass will be unavoidably affected, a compensatory mitigation plan must be submitted and approved by USFWS, NMFS, CDFG, USACE, and EPA prior to permitting.

D

If project will cause unavoidable direct or indirect effects to submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation, compensatory mitigation at 3:1 ratio is required for lost function and vallues. Other proposed ratios require consultation with USFWS and CDFG.

E

Best Management Practices to reduce turbidity (including silt curtains or other physical or operational measures) shall be required for these projects.

F

Restricrion appliles within the identified critical period, and within 250 feet of emergent vegetation. USFWS and CDFG must be contacted in these circumstances.

G

If dredging must be conducted during this period, CDFG must be contacted and the permittedd must provide an observer to identify herring spawning activity. Dredging must stop immediately if herring are within 200 m of the work site, and may not continue until hatch-out is complete (approximatley 10-14 days).

H

Other historically used nesting areas include Bair Island, Oakland Airport, Alvarado salt ponds, PG&E Pittsburg, and Port Chicago. Contact USFWS to determine whether species may be present; if present, dredging restrictions apply.