On September 15, 1998, the United States and the state of California reached a settlement with San Francisco Dry Dock (SFDD) and its interested underwriters.

Under the terms of the consent decree, the responsible parties agreed to pay a total of $7,756,646.43, of which $3,445,000 is designated for natural resources restoration projects. The consent decree requires the trustee council to develop a restoration plan to design, implement, obtain necessary permits, monitor, and oversee specific restoration projects.

The decree further provides that the trustee council will prepare and implement a final restoration plan after providing public notice, opportunity for public input, and consideration of public comments.