Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the amount of $12,000 for the purchase of specialized oil spill response equipment designed to address hazardous material spills or leaks on San Francisco Bay waters, amending the Fire Department’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget via Budget Amendment Number 27.015, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to accept Fiscal Year 2026 grant funds.
(Jesse Lange, Battalion Chief)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution accepting a grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the amount of $12,000 for the purchase of specialized oil spill response equipment designed to address hazardous material spills or leaks on San Francisco Bay waters, amending the Fire Department’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget via Budget Amendment Number 27.015, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to accept FY 2026 grant funds.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In 2010, the City received $26,000 in grant funding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for the purchase of specialized oil spill response equipment and a dedicated trailer to house the equipment. This grant was authorized under the CDFW’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), a program that provided similar equipment throughout the State of California. The grant’s intention was to purchase resources that can provide both localized and regional benefits should they be needed.
South San Francisco was selected to receive its original grant award based on expressed need with two active marinas, a neighboring marina (Brisbane), an environmentally sensitive shoreline, including the inlet to Colma Creek, and its proximity to San Francisco International Airport. The Fire Department’s marine capabilities also proved critical, as much of this equipment requires deployment via boat. In addition to the response trailer, equipment provided included oil containment booms, anchor systems, oil sorbent materials, personal protective equipment, and miscellaneous tools.
Since receiving the equipment, the Fire Department has used it numerous times on a variety of incident types. The equipment has contributed to limiting environmental impacts from hazardous materials releases on the water surrounding South San Francisco. Some of these incidents included sinking or partial sinking of abandoned vessels leaking petrochemicals, boat fires resulting in hazardous materials and debris spreading from the boats’ hull, and prophylactic protection of Oyster Point Marina, Oyster Cove Marina, and the entrance to Colma Creek along North Access Road.
Most of the equipment provided in 2010 is designed to remain stored for an indefinite amount of time until use. In addition to the small amount of equipment that must be replaced due to wear and tear, a significant portion of it also must be replaced after use as decontamination is not always feasible. Fire Department staff have been able to preserve and reuse as much equipment as possible, and combined with excess equipment provided in 2010, the Department has been able to preserve its response capability. The trailer itself has been well maintained and continues to function as designed. However, the current cache of equipment needs replenishment if the same capability is to remain.
Fires occurring on vessels, along with an increase in derelict vessels near Oyster Cove have become more prominent over the last decade. These fires and undermaintained vessels cause fuel, oil, and sewage leaks, creating significant damage to our beautiful shoreline. These incidents have taxed the Fire Department’s cache of oil spill and hazardous materials response equipment, leaving critically low levels of booms and oil sorbent.
In 2025, Fire Department personnel applied for the same OSPR Grant Program under CDFW to replenish needed equipment and amass excess to ensure longevity of its oil spill and response capability. Grant funds were requested and approved to purchase the needed items. The equipment will be housed within the original trailer and stored at Oyster Point Marina for immediate deployment and made available to the surrounding communities as a regional resource. No additional training is required, as Fire Department personnel receive annual training focusing on response to hazardous materials incidents occurring on bay waters.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of grant funds does not require City matching funds. Approval of Budget Amendment Number 27.015 will increase the Fire Department operating budget in the amount of $12,000. Expenses associated with this grant will be fully reimbursed to the City, and it is expected that there will not be an impact on the General Fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
This request is in alignment with the Modern and Sustainable Organization major focus area, in that it ensures financial sustainability and enforces key regulations by responsible stewardship of City funds.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that City Council adopt a resolution accepting a grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the amount of $12,000 for the purchase of specialized oil spill response equipment designed to address hazardous material spills or leaks on San Francisco Bay waters, amending the Fire Department’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 via Budget Amendment Number 27.015, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to accept Fiscal Year 2026 grant funds.