475 



that more than 80 percent of marshhmd, and 20 percent of the tide- 

 hinds have filled with resulting losses to fish, shellfish, and wildlife. 

 There is a need for deepening shipping channels to accommodate larger 

 ships. 



Section 8. Progress in Current Management 



In San Francisco, after the completion of the excellent, in-depth 

 study report by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development 

 Commission and its recommendations, followed by extensive legislative 

 debate and passage, progress in providing the necessary management 

 capability could be classed as excellent. 



On August 7, 1969, the Governor of the State of California signed 

 into law the McAteer-Petris Act which provided for stringent con- 

 trol of shoreline development in the San Francisco Bay area. 



The BCDC became the permanently established agency with powers 

 and jurisdiction enabling it to protect the bay. 



The amended McAteer-Petris Act provides for the following: 



(1) Future development of the shoreline will include a number of 

 prime water-oriented uses such as "i^orts, water-related industries, air- 

 ports, wildlife refuges, water-oriented recreation and public assembly, 

 desalinization plants and powerplants. . . ." 



2. Saltponds and wetlands and a 100-foot strip of shoreline sur- 

 rounding the bay are to be protected. 



(3) BCDC has the power to issue or deny permits for any dredge 

 and fill projects or any substantial change in the use of water, land, or 

 structures within the commission's jurisdiction. 



(4) Filling wall be authorized only w^ien its benefits are greater than 

 the detriment resulting from the loss of water areas. Fill should be 

 limited to water-oriented uses. 



(5) Fill should be authorized only when an alternative upland 

 location cannot be found. Any water area authorized to be filled should 

 be the minimum area necessary. 



(6) The nature, extent, and location of fill should be such that it 

 will minimize harmful effects to the bay. Fill should be authorized 

 when it will establish a permanent shoreline. Applicant must have 

 valid title to property which is to be filled. 



(7) In order to make the bay more accessible to the people, the 

 shoreline area should be improved, developed, and preserved. Private 

 and public development of the shoreline should be encouraged. 



(8) The commission will review and prepare reports on estimated 

 costs and method of financing proposed acquisition of private property 

 for public use. 



These definitive and incisive powers are to be exercised by a 27- 

 member commission, nearly half of whom are to be elected officials. 

 In addition, there are also two members appointed from the State 

 legislature who are to participate in the activities of the commission. 



The legislative enactment of BCDC goes a long way toward pro- 

 viding the necessary ingredients in the comprehensive management of 

 San Francisco Bay. 



The concept of a comprehensive ocean area plan is now also being 

 formulated by the State of California. 



Water quality standards for San Francisco Bay have been adopted 

 and approved by the Secretary of the Interior. 



