Gashouse Cove Community Letter to SFRP Commission
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6uh4t6ksw1469agae72ii/Support-for-Gashouse-Cove-Marina-and-Fuel-Dock-Nov-2025-2.0.pdf?rlkey=vf0nsirgo2s56mrezsnrxl8ss&dl=0
Media Contact
Captain Maggie Hallahan
Sea Scout Leader, Makani Maritime Explorers 415-305-7553 maggie@mhpv.net
Steerswoman Christiana Hoffman Inesi
Sea Scout Leader, Makani Maritime Explorers SFBay.Maritime.Youth.Advocates@gmail.com
Right click to download high resolution images for press. Images are under US copyright 2025 mhpv.net
Media: Latitude 38 https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/fight-to-save-gashouse-cove-fuel-dock/
Date: SF Recreation & Park Commission ( link Full Commission)Thursday, December 18, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.
City Hall, Room 416, 1 Dr. Webinar (link) https://sfpublic.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/sfpublic/meeting/download/4ab9c460b0114f4a917a78f31683f6a0?MTID=m70404998f8fadea27f5281b233ddb688 Call-in Number: (415) 655-0001
Webinar #: 2663 048 1685 • Password: 0918 You can give a public comment twice: SF Marina Project will not be heard This Dec. Meeting
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 15, 2025 — Maritime youth leaders, boating groups, and public safety advocates raised concerns on Monday over a San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRP) proposal that would remove key maritime infrastructure at Gashouse Cove Marina, including the city’s only remaining marine fuel dock.
Gashouse Cove Marina, also known as East Harbor, is governed under California Public Trust statutes by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, which oversees cleanup, permitting, and improvements at the San Francisco Marina. The site includes fuel storage upgraded with state funding, a pump-out station, oil spill response equipment, a public boat lift, and an emergency extraction dock.
Opponents of the plan say removing the fuel dock would require San Francisco Police and Fire Department marine units to refuel in Sausalito or Emeryville, potentially increasing emergency response times on the Bay. The dock was used extensively during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake response, according to maritime groups.
The proposal would also eliminate more than 200 small-boat berths and the city’s only public boat lift, while reducing navigable access by filling marina channels, opponents said. SFRP has estimated the plan could result in annual costs of approximately $3 million beginning in 2028.
“The California Water Board has confirmed that dredging is not required and that the fuel dock does not need to be removed for PG&E’s cleanup,” said Steve Welch, chair of the Golden Gate Area Council Sea Scout Committee. “The marina has functioned safely at its current depth for decades.”
Boating organizations say fuel access on the San Francisco waterfront is essential for both recreational and emergency use.
“Police, fire, and marine rescue vessels should not have to cross the Bay to refuel,” said David Jackson, commodore of the Pacific Inter Club Yacht Association, which represents more than 100 yacht clubs in Northern California.
Gashouse Cove has supported small-boat access and youth maritime programs for more than 175 years. Critics of the proposal also point to the presence of the Laguna Street sewer outfall adjacent to the site, which they say limits the suitability of the area for swimming or paddling activities.
SFRP has said the plan is part of a broader effort to support environmental remediation at the marina. Community groups are urging the Recreation and Park Commission to consider alternatives that would allow the fuel dock and maritime uses to remain in place.
Public comment information and project materials are available at https://mhpv.net/sfmarina.
5 Gashouse Cove Fuel Dock
A United States Coast Guard cutter makes a vital stop at the Gashouse Cove Fuel Dock in San Francisco to take on much-needed diesel fuel. This operation highlights the importance of local maritime facilities in supporting national security efforts, ensuring that the Coast Guard remains ready to guard one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and busiest waterways.
A Threat to Public Access and Safety
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (SFRP) is advancing a plan that threatens Gashouse Cove by falsely claiming the fuel dock must be removed for the PG&E cleanup. In fact, the California Water Board has confirmed that PG&E’s cleanup does not require removing the dock. It can remain in place saving taxpayers money.
If SFRP’s plan proceeds, San Francisco will lose 30% of its water access while taxpayers face $4 million a year in debt for the next 30 years. By the end of 2025, the SFRP governing commission could approve the request to begin remediation of Gashouse Cove at SF Marina and decommission the only San Francisco fuel dock.
Why Gashouse Cove Matters
27 Jurisdiction of the Port of San Francisco
The SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates met with Luiz Barata, Senior Planner and Urban Designer for the Port of San Francisco. They learned a great deal about the Port’s plans for the future of the San Francisco waterfront. However, he was not able to answer the youths’ question about the Port’s responsibilities for the waterfront area northwest of Hyde Street Pier, nor were they able to learn what plans the Port of San Francisco has for maintaining access to the gasoline and diesel fuel dock.
15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Potentially Partners with Sea Scouts on San Francisco’s Longstanding Maritime Legacy
Tommy Williams, Deputy District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District, and Juliette Hayes, Regional CAP Production Center Manager & SPN CAP and TOPPs Branch Chief, acknowledged receipt of a Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) request from Steve Welch, Golden Gate Area Council Sea Scout Committee Chair. This step opens the door for a potential partnership with the Sea Scouts, who have been an enduring presence at the SF Marina and Aquatic Park Cove for more than eleven decades.
16 Maritime Youth Advocates Highlight Need for Fuel Dock Access Before SF Bay Harbor Safety Committee
The Maritime Youth Advocates addressed the San Francisco Bay Harbor Safety Committee, emphasizing the need to maintain access to gasoline and diesel fuel docks in San Francisco. Speaking before port leaders and federal agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, they highlighted how reliable fuel dock infrastructure supports maritime safety, small craft operations, and the vitality of the Bay’s maritime community.
21 Maritime Youth Advocates Interview California Boating & Waterways Chair on Submerged Land Rights
At San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, the Maritime Youth Advocates spoke with Tom Pier, San Francisco’s Maritime Attorney and Chair of the California Boating and Waterways Commission. In the interview, Mr. Pier discussed submerged water rights under the California State Lands Commission and the Port of San Francisco’s responsibilities under the Burton Act.
14 Harpreet S. Sandhu Engages San Francisco Bay Youth on the Great Ships Act and Future Maritime Training
Harpreet S. Sandhu, Senior District Representative from the Office of Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), meets with San Francisco Bay Youth Maritime Advocates to discuss the upcoming Great Ships Act and the importance of strengthening youth maritime training in America. The youth shared their perspectives on maritime readiness, raising concerns about the availability of fuel reserves to ensure effective emergency response.
22 Maritime Youth Advocates Propose Marine Pool and Youth Maritime Center at Gashouse Cove
At the Sea Scout Base in San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, the Maritime Youth Advocates outlined their vision for expanding youth access to the waterfront. Their proposal includes creating a marine pool and a dedicated youth maritime center at Gashouse Cove to support training, recreation, and community engagement on the Bay.
24 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
11 Critical Fuel Access at Risk for San Francisco Maritime Police Vessels
The San Francisco maritime police boats operate on both gasoline and diesel, as do roughly half of the vessels berthed in the city. If the Gashouse Cove Gas and diesel Fuel Dock is decommissioned, emergency service boats, recreational craft, and bridge maintenance vessels would be forced to travel to Sausalito or Emeryville for refueling. The loss of this local fueling option would cause significant operational delays, undermining public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and access for the broader boating community.
10 Youth Maritime Advocates Call for Proper Fuel Dock at Port of San Francisco
The SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates are engaging with other young people to raise awareness about the challenges posed by the current diesel fuel delivery system at the Port of San Francisco. Fishing vessels are forced to rely on an over-water fuel delivery method that many describe as unsatisfactory and inadequate. This delivery system—available only two to three times per week—is difficult for working vessels to plan around. Advocates emphasize that the absence of a proper fuel dock not only complicates operations for fishermen but also limits accessibility and opportunities for the broader maritime community.
12 San Francisco Youth Visit Maritime Police Dock and Station A group of San Francisco youth visited the city’s maritime police dock and station to learn about the vital role these vessels and crews play in maintaining safety on the Bay. The visit to the Port of San Francisco fisherman’s wharf provided young people with an inside look at emergency response operations, the importance of fuel access for patrol and rescue boats, and opportunities for youth engagement in maritime careers and public service.
13 San Francisco Youth Visit Maritime Police Dock and Station
During a visit to the San Francisco Maritime Police Station at Fisherman’s Wharf, Sergeant Bushnell introduced local youth to the high-tech processes used to save lives on the Bay. The tour gave participants an inside look at emergency response operations, highlighted the importance of fuel access for patrol and rescue boats, and underscored the vital role of maritime police in maintaining safety. The experience also encouraged youth to consider future engagement in maritime careers and public service.
9 Maxum Port San Francisco Fuel Tanks in Disrepair
At the Port of San Francisco, Maxum maintains two above-ground diesel fuel tanks, each with a 10,000-gallon capacity. These tanks have been out of service for an extended period and are now in visible disrepair due to lack of use and maintenance. Their condition raises concerns about safety, environmental risk, and the long-term future of fuel storage infrastructure at the site.
29 Youth Maritime Advocates Tour Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service
The Youth Maritime Advocates received a tour of the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) San Francisco, a U.S. Coast Guard operation that monitors and manages maritime traffic in the Bay Area. VTS focuses on the area around the Golden Gate Bridge to ensure safe and efficient navigation. Using radar, AIS, and VHF radio, the service tracks vessel movements, alerts mariners to potential hazards, and directs actions when necessary to prevent accidents in the complex waters of San Francisco Bay. During the visit, the youth spoke with Gary Reed, Director of VTS, about the need for a fuel dock in San Francisco. He explained that because fuel dock property decisions fall under state and city jurisdiction, VTS has no influence over regional land use—they are responsible solely for managing vessel traffic on the Bay.
Sea Scouts starting 1915 at Panama Pacific International Expo.
Lots of good idea could solve these problems facing Gashouse Cove
Forward QR to people
Maxum Fuel Dock – Port of San Francisco Diesel Fuel Leak Contained
On August 1, 2011, about 200 gallons of diesel leaked from a pipe at the Maxum Fuel Dock on Jefferson Street. The San Francisco Fire Department contained the spill before it reached the Bay or storm drains by deploying booms to prevent contamination.
There have also been other spills from the same area. The site is now subject to a court case:
CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD SITE CLEANUP REQUIREMENTS ORDER NO. R2-2024-XXXX For: Pilot Thomas Logistics, LLC and Port of San Francisco This order addresses cleanup responsibility. The Port of San Francisco maintains that it cannot pursue new fuel infrastructure until the lawsuit is resolved.
3 San Francisco’s Only Public Boat Lift
This was the only public boat lift in San Francisco, designed to help launch and retrieve trailer-stored boats. It also supported emergency response operations, such as oil spill cleanup, and provided public access to a touch-and-go dock just below the lift.
A few years ago, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRP) cut the lift’s cables and announced it would no longer be available.
1 This map highlights Black Point at the center,
Black Point with Aquatic Park to the east and Gashouse Marina to the west. The waterway embodies more than 175 years of shared history between the State of California and the City of San Francisco. Black Point, a bedrock promontory, has long served as a prominent navigational aid.
18 Maritime Youth Advocates Interview SFFD on Fuel Delivery at New Maritime Fire Station
The Maritime Youth Advocates interviewed the San Francisco Fire Department at the new Maritime Fire Station to learn about fuel delivery methods. SFFD explained that they receive diesel via over-water transfer, while gasoline is purchased at standard stations and transported to their dock in 5-gallon containers.
17 Sea Scout Maritime Youth Advocates Address PICYA Delegates on Fuel Dock Closure Concerns
On July 7, 2025, the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA), a 129-year-old Bay organization, invited Maritime Youth Advocates—mostly Sea Scouts of Scouting USA—to speak before 75 Northern California yacht club delegates. The youth revealed that San Francisco Recreation and Parks plans to permanently close gas and diesel fuel access at Gashouse Cove Marina, a fact unknown to most attendees.
4 Lana Coomes, Inspires the Next Generation at Gashouse Cove Marina
Lana Coomes, the youngest crew member aboard Maiden and part of the first all-women’s crew to win in the Ocean Globe Race, arrives at Gashouse Cove Dock to meet and inspire San Francisco’s young mariners.
26 Maritime Youth Advocates Present Gashouse Cove Story to SF Infrastructure Leadership
July 3, 2025 — Maritime Youth Advocates shared the story of Gashouse Cove with Alicia John-Baptiste, Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility for the City and County of San Francisco, and Amar Bhardwaj, Assistant Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility at SF City Hall.
24 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
25 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
2 Gashouse Cove – PG&E Cleanup Area
The site covers approximately 20 by 40 meters of submerged land. The PG&E plant here was decommissioned in 1962, but no cleanup was conducted at that time. The State in 1967 converted the area into a small boat marina and emergency response facility. For the past 22 years, the California Water Board has been pursuing remediation of this site.
6 Navigational Channel to Gashouse Fuel Dock Remains Stable Without Dredging.
The navigational channel leading to the Gashouse Fuel Dock has not been dredged for 35 years. Despite this, heavy boat traffic maintains a natural depth of 8.5 feet at low tide, making it safely navigable. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRP) permit proposes filling the channel to only 4 feet at low tide, which would significantly reduce access. However, the State Water Board has confirmed that at its current depth, the channel can remain in place and continue to be used without alteration.
23 Youth Learn Water Safety and Seamanship at Black Point
Maritime Youth Advocates engaged in hands-on training around Black Point, focusing on water safety, understanding currents, winds, and tides. The program strengthens seamanship skills while building confidence and awareness on the waters of San Francisco Bay.
30 Opening Day on the Bay — Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA)
April 27, 2025 — David Jackson, Commodore of PICYA, purchases raffle tickets in support of PICYA. He highlights the importance of carrying forward the maritime history of the San Francisco Bay and the joy that being on the water brings to people. David thanks the youth for volunteering with PICYA and for their commitment to keeping Gashouse Cove clean and accessible for the public. (Lat: 37.81, Lon: -122.43)
7 SF Supervisor at Gashouse Cove Marina with Steve Welch, Golden Gate Area Council Sea Scout Committee Chair
On January 2, 2025, Supervisor Stephen Sherril (left) and his staff member Mick Delrosario (right) joined Steve Welch (center) at the Gashouse Fuel Dock. Despite this visit, they have not been able to make progress with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRP) in reversing its unnecessary plan to decommission the fuel dock. Nor has Supervisor Sherril’s office taken action by engaging the State Water Board, which has already confirmed that at its current depth, the navigational channel can remain in place and continue to be used without alteration.
28 SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates Learn About Port Governance and Planning
The SF Bay Youth Maritime Advocates recently met with the Secretary of the Port of San Francisco Commission. During the conversation, she explained that the Commission serves as the governing body responsible for setting the overall direction of the Port. She also took time to walk the youth through the rules and procedures for speaking during public comment at future Commission meetings. This introduction not only gave the youth a better understanding of how the Port is governed, but also prepared them to actively participate and