Good News on San Francisco Marina Dredging

After running our story about the San Francisco Marina Harbor dredging situation on Monday, we heard from the Department of Public Works that, in fact, they are not responsible for dredging and that San Francisco Recreation and Parks handles the marina dredging. The good news is that Rec and Parks has the dredging equipment from Dutra Group arriving on site today.

The recent silting of the harbor reminds us of how things seem to happen slowly and then happen all at once. Yes, the sand bank has been building up for quite a while and dredging plans were getting put in place, but the silting appeared to accelerate in the last three weeks.

The Bay is a dynamic place, so silting is a problem throughout the Bay Area. Keeping harbors and channels open is a constant problem, and resources to manage it can be scarce. Yesterday we read on the San Francisco Marina web page that the dredging was set to begin on Cinco de Mayo, which gives harbor tenants two good reasons to celebrate.

However, the website has since been updated to say equipment from Dutra Group is moving on site today. Dave Kresge was there to capture some photos to verify it! Our understanding from another harbor observer is that this initial equipment is clearing the way for even larger equipment that should arrive next week after completing another job.

The updated website states that dredging operations will be running from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., including weekends. Mariners are instructed to be in contact with dredge operators at least 15 minutes before hoping to pass the dredge equipment. For radio channels and specific information regarding passage into or out of the harbor during dredging, consult the website here.

The good news is that while it won’t help this weekend, harbor access should be expanding soon.