Climate change is projected to increase or raise sea level (sea level rise or SLR), storm intensity, and groundwater levels. SLR and storm intensity could lead to shoreline flooding and damage to Port infrastructure. Groundwater intrusion (GWI) is a condition where subsurface groundwater levels are elevated by the encroaching subsurface sea levels. SLR and GWI could damage or destroy subsurface utilities and ground-level Port infrastructure.

In order to gain a better understanding of future vulnerabilities, the Port will be conducting an extensive study of SLR and GWI at all Port areas and developing an adaptation plan. Communities and cities near the Port will also be impacted by SLR and GWI. The Port is partnering with the city of Oakland, and in particular the city’s West and East Oakland neighborhoods, in an effort to include the waterfront communities in its SLR/GWI assessment. The Port also engages with neighboring cities, such as the city of Alameda, to share available information and data and partner together in addressing and adapting to SLR and GWI. The Port is a member of Oakland Alameda Adaptation Committee (OAAC), a group including cities (Alameda, Oakland), local agencies (East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay Municipal Utilities District), and a state agency (Caltrans). OAAC is starting a grant-funded study aimed at SLR adaptation projects.

At the Airport, the Airport Perimeter Dike (APD) provides tidal flood protection. Originally built in 1960, the perimeter dike was upgraded and rehabilitated in 1983. The APD was further improved in 2021/2022 to current Federal Emergency Management Agency levee standards, which included addressing SLR. Seismic stability improvements of the APD is currently in design. In addition, the Port assessed two aspects of surface water management at the Airport: The North Field Vulnerability Report (Vulnerability Report) and an update of the Airport Stormwater Management Plan (Stormwater Management Plan). The Vulnerability Report examined the extent of floodwater resilience in the North Field of the Airport and presented improvements to mitigate future flooding. The Stormwater Management Plan provides updated hydraulic modeling of the stormwater infrastructure and presented improvements to maintain the system and improve throughput.