Supervisors continue Wharf J-10 EIR appeal after debate over contamination and preservation options

The Board of Supervisors on Aug. 1 heard more than two hours of testimony and technical argument over the Final Environmental Impact Report for demolition and improvements at Wharf J‑10 in the Fisherman’s Wharf/Northeast Waterfront area. Appellants sought more testing and expanded mitigation measures for soil and groundwater contamination and a more complete analysis of preservation alternatives before the city certified the EIR.

David Sincotta, counsel for the appellant and a representative of the F. Alioto Fish Company, said the group did not oppose demolition but urged additional pre-demolition testing beneath the wharf. “I wanna make it clear from the very beginning that we do not oppose the demolition of this pier. We’re not here to oppose this project moving forward,” Sincotta said, adding that the concern was the site’s contamination history and the need to tailor a health-and-safety plan to the specific soils that will be disturbed.

Planning Department staff — represented in the hearing by planner Nani Turrell — told the board the draft EIR already identifies potential contaminants and requires a…