The Oakland Board of port commissioners approved changes in its agreement with Eagle Rock Aggregates to develop and operate a bulk marine terminal at the port of Oakland.
In particular, the changes stem from the settlement of a lawsuit filed by the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project (WOEIP) and the Attorney General of California’s Office. The lawsuit alleged that the US port did not adequately evaluate and mitigate the terminal’s air pollution impacts when it approved the terminal in 2022.
Port of Oakland said this agreement is going to allow bulk shipping of sand and gravel for the concrete industry while ensuring that the bulk shipping operation at the port will prioritise sustainable, community-conscious development.
Moreover, the agreement with the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project takes steps to enhance mitigation of the potential impacts from the bulk terminal and ensure community engagement and future environmental protection by using shore power to reduce emissions from bulk vessels, accelerating the use of all-electric or other zero-emissions equipment, constructing at-berth power outlets and requiring regular reporting to assure community oversight of compliance regarding terminal operations.
Additionally, for many future port projects, the Californian port will prepare a new air quality analysis based on current data rather than rely on the 2002 Oakland Army Base Environmental Impact Report.
Once in operation, the bulk marine terminal will import up to 2.5 million tons per year of high quality washed concrete sand and aggregates. These products will be used for concrete production in public and private projects throughout the region.
The marine bulk terminal will span approximately 72,800 m² at the port of Oakland Berths 20-22 and an additional 12,140 m² of water at Berth 22 for vessel operations. The initial term of the approved lease is 12 years, set to expire 30 June 2035.
Margaret Gordon, co-director of WOEIP, commented, “This settlement is another step in the right direction to protect the health and well-being of the people ‘just across the freeway’ from the Port. We look to the Port Board of Commissioners to be diligent in protecting our community from harm when considering future Port expansion projects.”
