Commission Workshop on Sand Mining Sand Supply and Transport Studies

On May 6, 2021 the Commission held a public workshop that included briefings and discussions regarding authorized sand mining activities in the San Francisco Bay and recently contracted scientific studies designed to increase knowledge concerning the following topics:

1. The Bay’s “sand budget”;
2. Sand transport into the Bay from the Delta and local tributaries to the nearshore outer coast;
3. The types and amount of sand in the Bay at various locations, and that may be available for use; and,
4. The potential impacts of mining on the Bay’s sand resources.

Recognized experts from the scientific community who presented information and participated in panel discussions included: Dr. John Largier (UC Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory); Dr. David Schoellhamer (U.S. Geological Survey Emeritus); Dr. Paul Work (U.S. Geological Survey), Dr. Craig Jones (Integral Consulting); and Bob Battalio P.E., (ESA Consulting). The panelists discussed how the studies were designed to answer questions posed by the Commission during its 2015 sand mining permitting discussions and other management questions associated with mining activities. The goal of the workshop was to enable Commissioners to learn more about the studies and directly engage with experts, each other, and members of the public.

Workshop Agenda and Presentations

10:00 – 10:05 Welcome and project overview
Commissioner Greg Scharff

10:05 – 10:15 Sand Mining Overview Sand Mining Overview (PDF)
Erika Guerra, Environmental Director
Hanson Aggregates

10:15 – 10:20 Study Development Overview Study Development Overview (PDF)
Brenda Goeden
Sediment Program Manager, BCDC

10:20 – 10:45 San Francisco Bay Environment Sand in San Francisco Bay (PDF)
Dr. John Largier
UC Davis, Bodega Marine Lab

10:45 – 11:05 Stratigraphy Study Stratigraphy Study (PDF)
Bob Battalio, P.E.,
ESA Consulting

11:05 – 11:25 Literature review and Sand Budget Literature Review and Sand Budget (PDF)
Dr. David Schoellhamer
US Geological Survey, Emeritus

11:25 -11:45 Sand Transport Sand Transport and Flux at the Golden Gate (PDF)
Dr. Craig Jones
Integral Consulting
Dr. Paul Work
US Geological Survey, CA Water Science Center

11:45 -12:00 Discussion & Public Comments

12:00 Adjourn

Workshop Background Report

During the workshop, members of the sand mining Independent Science Panel discussed the three studies proposed and funded to help reduce knowledge gaps regarding the sand budget and transport system in the San Francisco Bay and the potential impacts of authorized sand mining activities. This background report briefly describes the history of sand mining in the Bay, the mining companies and their practices, permitting, and studies that are being conducted on behalf of the Commission. See the Sand Mining Workshop Report // PDF

Recording of the Workshop Presentations

The workshop presentations and discussions were recorded.

• audio recording
• audio recording transcript