The State - News from June 2, 1988

The federal government imposed sanctions on the Port of Oakland and a contractor for dredging in unauthorized areas last month during the opening phase of a project to deepen the port. The Environmental Protection Agency said it is enforcing civil penalties of $150,000 against the port and $100,000 against Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., the maximum possible fines, for dredging outside the appropriate shipping channel in Oakland Inner Harbor. Government investigators said they found no evidence the errors were intentional. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is paying 75% of the project’s cost, said the agency would bar further work until a management plan is submitted and approved by the corps. It was the second blow to the dredging operation, which was temporarily suspended by state court three weeks ago after San Mateo County filed suit to halt disposal of the dredged material in prime fishing grounds north of Half Moon Bay. The court has not yet ruled.