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Board hears support from environmental groups for Oliver de Silva quarry lease amendment
Summary
Supervisors reviewed a staff presentation and public testimony supporting an SFPUC lease amendment to expand a quarry site in unincorporated Alameda/Sonoma County; environmental groups said negotiated mitigation measures and conservation agreements make the project acceptable.
The committee considered Item 5, a proposed amendment to an existing quarry lease with Oliver de Silva Incorporated to add approximately 58 acres to a 308.5‑acre leased site in unincorporated Alameda County and extend the lease term. John Updike (Director of Real Estate) explained the lease amendment would allow increased excavation depth, extend the term through an initial extension, and would apply subject to permitting and future approvals. Staff said the project had a certified final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in Alameda County and that the SFPUC commission had adopted CEQA findings.
Jim Summers, Vice President with Oliver de Silva, described multi‑year outreach with environmental groups and local communities; he noted the company negotiated mitigation commitments with Save Our Snow Group, the Town of Snow, the Alameda Creek Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity. Adam Keats of the Center for Biological Diversity said the company agreed to an extensive mitigation package, and publicly urged the board to approve the amendment.
Budget staff summarized revenue estimates and mitigation commitments tied to the lease amendment, including projected royalty revenue over the term and environmental mitigation dollars the tenant would pay. Several environmental and community speakers told the committee the negotiated mitigation and conservation agreement reduced net environmental impact and provided regional benefits.
Committee members asked technical questions and heard that the amendment remains subject to permitting, regulatory approval and SFPUC and Board action. The item was continued (together with other PUC items) to allow technical amendments and a future committee hearing date.
