Archives: FAQs

The City gives a cost range for the permit fees of $40-70k. Is this based on the amount of dredge material or the number of dredgees? For example, if fewer people decided to be part of the umbrella permit, would those participating have to share in the same $40-70k costs of the permitting?

The umbrella permitting cost will be dependent on the number of dredgees. The permitting process will include the acquisition of all permits PLUS the sediment quality approval. The future umbrella DREDGE CONTRACTOR cost will be based on the amount of dredge material and will be split between between all permitted dredgees.

How can I further support efforts to lobby the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the full funding of dredging of the San Rafael Federal Channel?

Please contact Craig DeRoy of the San Rafael Channel Association at craig.deroy@gmail.com.

2021 Sidewalk Repair Program Notification

What happens if the San Rafael Federal Channel is not allocated federal funding to be dredged within the next three years?

The primary maintenance dredging permits to be acquired under the umbrella permit process are good for 10 years, so a delay in USACE funding will not require significantly more expenditures. Renewal of the City permits may be necessary, but this will not require significant effort.

Who are the agencies that must approve the permit?

The permitting agencies include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), the Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Fish and Wildlife, and the City of San Rafael.

If my private dock was dredged recently, is there a reason to still be a part of the umbrella permitting process?

It would be advisable to review your current permits to determine when they expire. If there are still three or more years on the permit, then, assuming the USACE initiates the federal channel dredging within three years, you will not need a new permit through the Umbrella Permitting process. Those permits can be used to … Continued

Will there be an opportunity to group together to bring down the cost of dredging operations on individual docks/marinas? E.g. “Umbrella Dredging”

Yes, the City and the firm will follow up with participating dock owners/tenants at a later date once the USACE dredging contract has been awarded.