Difference between revisions of "Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program (SMP)"

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A [[Watershed Issues|watershed-related issue]] examined by the [http://sep.csumb.edu/wiki/index.php/ENVS_560/L_Watershed_Systems ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems] class at [http://csumb.edu CSUMB].
 
A [[Watershed Issues|watershed-related issue]] examined by the [http://sep.csumb.edu/wiki/index.php/ENVS_560/L_Watershed_Systems ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems] class at [http://csumb.edu CSUMB].
  
 
== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
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The [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/salinas_river_maintenance/salinas_river_maintenance.php Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program] (SMP) is a [[Monterey County Water Resources Agency]] (MCWRA) project, designed to establish uniform standards for maintenance, specifically vegetation and sediment management, along the [[Salinas River]]. The goals of the project are to improve flood protection, limit damage to surrounding property, while avoiding harm to beneficial riparian habitats <ref name="Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Guidelines"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/salinas_river_maintenance/documents/SMP%20Guidelines%20Final%20Phase%201%202014.pdf Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Guidelines]</ref>.
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==History==
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Throughout the 20th Century the Salinas Valley experienced a number of floods that greatly impacted the surrounding towns and agricultural lands. From 1995 through 2008 the [[Monterey County Water Resources Agency]] (MCWRA) obtained a master permit allowing landowners and growers to perform maintenance work along the [[Salinas River]] to reduce the risks associated with flooding.<ref name="Salinas River Historical and Current Briefings "> [http://www.growershipper.com/uploads/march18srbackgrounder.pdf Salinas River Historical and Current Briefings] </ref> However, in 2008, the permitting changed and the MCWRA was required to develop a new program and obtain new permits, including a [[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast Region|US Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit]], a [[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast Region|Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board 401 Permit]], and a [[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast Region|California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1600 permit]], as well as complete the [[CEQA Overview|CEQA]] review processes <ref name="SRSMP Draft Permitting Flowchart"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/salinas_river_maintenance/documents/SRSMP_FlowchartPermitting.pdf SRSMP Draft Permitting Flowchart]</ref>.  The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program was developed to allow regular maintenance activities along the Salinas River. As of April 2014, the goals of the program are to establish a regular and uniform set of maintenance activities to improve flood protection and minimize flood damages. To accomplish these goals the plan calls for a short term phase and a long term program.
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==Planning Process==
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===Short term implementation===
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The short term phase (5-10 years) would focus on channel alterations that would mitigate up to 10 year flood events. Flood damage mitigation would be accomplished by increasing the channel capacity and flow capacity of the Salinas River.<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program">[http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP.html MCWRA Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program] </ref> The Program would establish guidelines and procedures for participants to routinely and voluntarily implement maintenance activities along the river, such as native and non-native vegetation management and sediment management <ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20DRAFT%20EIR.html Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR] </ref>.  Common practices in this stage of implementation will include bulldozing to remove sediment buildup and mowing and herbicide application to remove vegetation buildup <ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"/>.
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===Long term implementation===
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The long term aspect of the program is referred to as a "holistic river system focus".<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "/> The goal is for the program to improve native species habitat and water quality. In addition the program would attempt to help deal with sea water intrusion and investigate the effects of the Salinas River on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The long term aspect of the program is still conceptual, lacking proper funding, objectives, and facilitation between stakeholders.
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=== Details ===
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The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program would allow volunteers to clear the stream banks of non-native vegetation, as well as dredge the channel to remove sediment. The dredging of the channel would create a larger channel to accommodate higher flows and reduce the risk of flooding. Currently, the riverbed and bank conditions encourage vegetation growth, primarily non-native vegetation, which reduces the capacity of the channel to hold water and divert flow.
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As of April 2014, potential participants would have to submit annual applications to MCWRA in order to participate in channel maintenance. The MCWRA would be responsible for establishing guidelines for approved maintenance each year, and providing that information to applicants. The majority of the maintenance would be vegetation and sediment removal. Beyond the removal of material, maintenance also includes depositing removed material within the watershed and constructing roads to access maintenance areas. Participants will be responsible for the implementation, oversight, and workforce for proposed maintenance projects.
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===Controversy===
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While the [http://www.ceqanet.ca.gov/ProjDocList.asp?ProjectPK=610064 final EIR] was published in September of 2013, many stakeholders opposed the Program as they did not feel that it provided adequate flood protection <ref name="Salinas River maintenance program hits a setback"> [http://www.montereyherald.com/20130930/salinas-river-maintenance-program-hits-a-setback Salinas River maintenance program hits a setback] </ref>. As a result, the MCWRA held four meetings in the beginning of 2014 to work with interested groups in understanding their concerns and incorporating new process in the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program.<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "> [http://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2014/march/Item_3/2_mcwra.pdf MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014] </ref> Controversy arose surrounding the Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program from many organizations, particularly those representing landowners and growers, who were further frustrated by the amount of time it took to allow for channel maintenance.<ref name="Monterey Farm Bureau Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program"> [http://montereycfb.com/index.php?page=salinas-river Monterey Farm Bureau Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program] </ref> In contrast, many environmental groups were concerned with the impacts of vegetation removal and dredging to [[Special Status Species of the Central Coast|special status species]]. Of particular concern is potential impacts on [[Steelhead| steelhead]] trout migration routes, which was not addressed for in the final EIR.<ref name="The Californian River Wrangles Unresolved Dec. 2012"> [http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/99999999/NEWS11/312100029/River-wrangles-unresolved The Californian River Wrangles Unresolved Dec. 2012] </ref>.  Volume 2 of the Final EIR was released in June 2014, which addressed public comments related to these issues <ref name="Comments on the Draft EIR, Flood Damage Statistics, Letters, Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR">[http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/salinas_river_maintenance/documents/Revised%20Final%20EIR/Volume%202_Salinas%20River%20Stream%20Maintenance%20Program%20Revised%20Final%20EIR.pdf Comments on the Draft EIR, Flood Damage Statistics, Letters, Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR]</ref>.  After public comments had been addressed, the SMP was approved by Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors in July 2014, with final authorization of the SMP being granted on October 7, 2014 <ref name="Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/salinas_river_maintenance/documents/SMP%20Reporting%20Plan%202014%20for%20Phase%201_2-26-15.pdf Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season]</ref>.
  
Throughout the 20th Century the Salinas Valley experienced a number of floods that greatly impacted the surrounding towns and agricultural lands. From 1995 through 2008 the [[Monterey County Water Resources Agency]] (MCWRA) obtained a master permit allowing landowners and growers to perform maintenance work along the Salinas River to reduce the risks associated with flooding.<ref name="Salinas River Historical and Current Briefings "> [http://www.growershipper.com/uploads/march18srbackgrounder.pdf Salinas River Historical and Current Briefings] </ref> However, in 2008, the permitting changed and the MCWRA was required to develop a new program and obtain new permits, including the [[CEQA Overview|CEQA]] review processes. Since 2008, there has been no maintenance to the Salinas River. The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program was developed to allow regular maintenance activities along the Salinas River. The goals of the program are to establish a regular and uniform set of maintenance activities to improve flood protection and minimize flood damages. Flood damage mitigation would be occomplished by increasing the channel capacity and flow capacity of the Salinas River.<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program">[http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP.html MCWRA Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program] </ref> The Program would establish guidelines and procedures for participants to routinely  and voluntarily implement maintenance activities along the river, such as native and non-native vegetation management and sediment management .<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20DRAFT%20EIR.html Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR] </ref> While the final EIR was published in September of 2013, many stakeholders were unhappy with the Program because they felt it did not adequately address all of the issues. As a result, the (MCWRA) held four meetings in the beginning of 2014 to work with interested groups in understanding their concerns and incorporating new process in the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program.<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "> [http://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2014/march/Item_3/2_mcwra.pdf MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014] </ref> Currently, there is a large controversy surrounding the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program and many organizations, particularly those representing landowners and growers, are further frustrated by the amount of time it is taking to allow for channel maintenance.<ref name="Monterey Farm Bureau Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program"> [http://montereycfb.com/index.php?page=salinas-river Monterey Farm Bureau Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program] </ref> In contrast, many environmental groups are concerned with the impacts of vegetation removal and dredging to threatened [[Steelhead| steelhead]] trout, particularly the impacts to habitat and migration routes.<ref name="The Californian River Wrangles Unresolved Dec. 2012"> [http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/99999999/NEWS11/312100029/River-wrangles-unresolved The Californian River Wrangles Unresolved Dec. 2012] </ref>
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==Implementation==
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Phase I of implementation began work on the Chular and Gonzalez RMUs on October 10, 2014 and ended November 15, 2014 <ref name="Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season"/>. Maintenance activities included trimming native vegetation, smoothing sediment piles, and removing dead Arundo cane plants, an invasive species. Arundo was also removed from secondary channels as a mitigation activity, using multiple types of heavy equipment including rotary and front loaded mowers, tractors, bulldozers, and backhoes <ref name="Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season"/>. Arundo plants were not treated with herbicide due to dry conditions likely limiting the success of such treatments <ref name="Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season"/>. Mitigation and maintenance activities did not impact water quality or erosion in either RMU, as there were no measurable runoff or flow events while activities were carried out <ref name="Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season"/>.
  
 
== Location ==
 
== Location ==
[[file:Salinas River Map.png|thumb|300px|right|Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Area]]
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[[file:Salinas River Map.png|thumb|300px|right|Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Area]]
 
The [[Salinas River]] is the largest river in [[California's Central Coast Region]]. The Salinas River is 170 miles long and drains an area of approximately 4,200 square miles. The headwaters of the Salinas river are in the La Panza Range in San Luis Obispo County. The Salinas River flows northwest through the [[Salinas Valley]] in Monterey County. The river drains to both the [[Salinas River Lagoon]] and the [[Moss Landing Harbor]] through the [[The Old Salinas River Channel |Old Salinas River Channel]]. Both the Salinas River Lagoon and Moss Landing Harbor empty into the [[Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary]].   
 
The [[Salinas River]] is the largest river in [[California's Central Coast Region]]. The Salinas River is 170 miles long and drains an area of approximately 4,200 square miles. The headwaters of the Salinas river are in the La Panza Range in San Luis Obispo County. The Salinas River flows northwest through the [[Salinas Valley]] in Monterey County. The river drains to both the [[Salinas River Lagoon]] and the [[Moss Landing Harbor]] through the [[The Old Salinas River Channel |Old Salinas River Channel]]. Both the Salinas River Lagoon and Moss Landing Harbor empty into the [[Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary]].   
  
 
The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program focuses on the Salinas River from river mile 2 (where the river crosses under the Highway 1 Bridge) to river mile 94.<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20DRAFT%20EIR.html Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR] </ref> In addition to the mainstem Salinas River, the Program also includes three tributaries: San Lorenzo Creek, Bryant Canyon Channel, and Gonzales Slough.
 
The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program focuses on the Salinas River from river mile 2 (where the river crosses under the Highway 1 Bridge) to river mile 94.<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20DRAFT%20EIR.html Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR] </ref> In addition to the mainstem Salinas River, the Program also includes three tributaries: San Lorenzo Creek, Bryant Canyon Channel, and Gonzales Slough.
  
== Resource/s at stake<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "> [http://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2014/march/Item_3/2_mcwra.pdf MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014] </ref> ==
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== Resources at stake<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "> [http://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2014/march/Item_3/2_mcwra.pdf MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014] </ref> ==
  
====Proposed cons of channel alterations====
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===Potential impacts of channel alterations===
* Damage to the environment  
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* Damage to the environment.
** River ecosystem and surrounding habitat. This is particularly important for threatened [[Steelhead Management in the Salinas Watershed|steelhead trout]]
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** River ecosystem and surrounding habitat degradation could impact multiple [[Special Status Species of the Central Coast|special status species]].
* Negatively effect the anesthetics of the river
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***[[Steelhead Management in the Salinas Watershed|Steelhead trout]], [[Special Status Animals on the Central Coast|California red-legged frog]], [[Special Status Animals on the Central Coast|California tiger salamander]], [[Special Status Animals on the Central Coast|Southern sea otter]], [[Special Status Animals on the Central Coast|San Joaquin kit fox]], [[Special Status Animals on the Central Coast|bank swallow]], [[Special Status Animals on the Central Coast|least Bell’s vireo]], and multiple [[Special Status Plants on the Central Coast|special status plant species]].<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"/>
* Removal of riparian vegetation and increased water flow could increase erosion potential
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* Negatively effect the aesthetics of the river.
====Proposed cons of channel neglect====
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* Removal of riparian vegetation and increased water flow could increase erosion potential.
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 +
 
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The EIR claims that the only unavoidable impact from this proposed program is the degradation of the aesthetics of the river.<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"/>
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===Potential impacts of continued inaction===
 
* Damage to agricultural crops
 
* Damage to agricultural crops
 
** A $4 billion dollar annual industry.<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "> [http://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2014/march/Item_3/2_mcwra.pdf MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014] </ref>
 
** A $4 billion dollar annual industry.<ref name="MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014 "> [http://waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/board_info/agendas/2014/march/Item_3/2_mcwra.pdf MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014] </ref>
* Food Safety risks  
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* Food Safety risks.
 
**Flood waters can transport pathogens to crops.  
 
**Flood waters can transport pathogens to crops.  
 
**Vegetation growing near agricultural lands is a potential threat to food safety because it creates habitat for wildlife.<ref name="Natural Resource Conservation Practices"> [http://sustainableagriculture.net/fsma/learn-about-the-issues/conservation/ Natural Resource Conservation Practices] </ref>
 
**Vegetation growing near agricultural lands is a potential threat to food safety because it creates habitat for wildlife.<ref name="Natural Resource Conservation Practices"> [http://sustainableagriculture.net/fsma/learn-about-the-issues/conservation/ Natural Resource Conservation Practices] </ref>
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== Stakeholders ==
 
== Stakeholders ==
  
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===Key Stakeholders===
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*Salinas River Task Force
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**[[Grower Shipper Association of the Central Coast]]
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**[[Salinas River Channel Coalition]]
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**[[Salinas Valley Water Coalition]]
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**[[Monterey County Farm Bureau]]
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* Farmers/Land owners
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* [[Monterey Coastkeeper]]
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* [[The Nature Conservancy]]
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* [[Resource Conservation District of Monterey County]]
  
*General Public
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===Other Stakeholders===
*City/land managers
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* City Land Managers
*Farmers
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* General Public
*Land owners
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* UC extension scientist
*UC extension scientist
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*[[USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service]] (NRCS)
 
*[[USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service]] (NRCS)
*[[Resource Conservation District of Monterey County]]
 
*[[The Nature Conservancy]]
 
*[[Monterey County Farm Bureau]]
 
 
*[[Monterey County Water Resources Agency]] (MCWRA)
 
*[[Monterey County Water Resources Agency]] (MCWRA)
*[[Salinas Valley Water Coalition]]
 
*[[Salinas River Channel Coalition]]
 
*[[Grower Shipper Association of the Central Coast]]
 
 
*[[Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS)]]
 
*[[Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS)]]
*[[Monterey Coastkeeper]]
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* NOAA [[National Marine Fisheries Service]]
*NOAA [[National Marine Fisheries Service]]
+
  
 
== Laws, policies, & regulations ==
 
== Laws, policies, & regulations ==
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'''(Information is current as of April, 2014)'''
  
The MCWRA is responsible for the following:
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'''The MCWRA is responsible for the following:'''
* A 404 Permit is required, which regulates dredging or fill material discharged into waters under the Clean Water Act.<ref name="EPA Clean Water Act 404 Permitting"> [http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/cwa/dredgdis/ EPA Clean Water Act 404 Permitting] </ref>
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* [[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast Region|404 Permit]]
* A 401 Permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board in the Central Coast, which is a water quality certification necessary for the 404 permit.<ref name="State Water Resources Control Board 401 Permit"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/cwa401/ State Water Resources Control Board 401 Permit] </ref>
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**Regulates dredging or fill material discharged into waters under the [[Clean Water Act]].<ref name="EPA Clean Water Act 404 Permitting"> [http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/cwa/dredgdis/ EPA Clean Water Act 404 Permitting] </ref>
*An Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Biological Opinion will be required under the Endangered Species Act.
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* [[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast Region|401 Permit]] from the Regional Water Quality Control Board in the Central Coast,  
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**A water quality certification necessary for the 404 permit.<ref name="State Water Resources Control Board 401 Permit"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/cwa401/ State Water Resources Control Board 401 Permit] </ref>
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*[[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast Region|An Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7]] and Biological Opinion  
 
* A Mitigated Negative Declaration was created for the initial study through the [[CEQA Overview| CEQA]] process in 2009.<ref name="SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/Agency_data/SRCMP/SR%20CMP_MND_Public%20Draft_7-1-09.pdf SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration] </ref>  
 
* A Mitigated Negative Declaration was created for the initial study through the [[CEQA Overview| CEQA]] process in 2009.<ref name="SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/Agency_data/SRCMP/SR%20CMP_MND_Public%20Draft_7-1-09.pdf SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration] </ref>  
* An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was created through the CEQA process.<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20DRAFT%20EIR.html Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR] </ref>
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* [[Environmental Impact Report (EIR)]] was created through the CEQA process (Final Draft: September, 2013).<ref name="Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP%20DRAFT%20EIR.html Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR] </ref>
  
  
A local applicant would be required to obtain the following:  
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'''Required permits and applications for potential participants:'''
* Permit for Streambed Alteration under Section 1600-1616 through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.<ref name="CA DFW Streambed Alteration Program"> [http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/1600/ A DFW Streambed Alteration Program] </ref>
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* Permit for Streambed Alteration under Section 1600-1616 through the [http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/1600/ California Department of Fish and Wildlife].<ref name="CA DFW Streambed Alteration Program"> [http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/1600/ A DFW Streambed Alteration Program] </ref>
 
* An outline and description for a permit from MCWRA for a 5 year project.<ref name="Salinas River Short Term Sustainability Proposal"> [http://montereycfb.com/uploads/Short%20Term%20Channel%20Maintenance%20Proposal%20021314.pdf Salinas River Short Term Sustainability Proposal] </ref>
 
* An outline and description for a permit from MCWRA for a 5 year project.<ref name="Salinas River Short Term Sustainability Proposal"> [http://montereycfb.com/uploads/Short%20Term%20Channel%20Maintenance%20Proposal%20021314.pdf Salinas River Short Term Sustainability Proposal] </ref>
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*Annual Applications to MCWRA
  
  
For more information on required permits see [[Common Permits Required for Restoration in the Central Coast]]
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'''Bills proposed to address the conflicts associated with the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program:'''
 
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* [http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140SB1398 SB 1398] was introduced by [http://district12.cssrc.us/ Senator Anthony Cannella] in February 2014. SB 1398 would prevent lawsuits against farmers and landowners clearing vegetation unless it threatens safety. This bill would act as a loophole to CEQA and allow farmer's to clear the banks without the CEQA permits.<ref name="Monterey County Weekly Cannella's proposed SB 1398"> [http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/article_fcbf1a5e-644f-11e3-af04-001a4bcf6878.html Monterey County Weekly Cannella's proposed SB 1398] </ref>  
 
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* [http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB155 AB 155] was introduced by [Assembly member http://asmdc.org/members/a30/ Luis Alejo] in January 2013. AB 155 would require MCWRA to develop a "consensus-based comprehensive Salinas River Management Program".<ref name="Alejo's proposed AB 155"> [http://www.legtrack.com/bill.html?bill=201320140AB155 Alejo's proposed AB 155] </ref>
Two Bills have been proposed to address the current conflicts associated with the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program:
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* SB 1398 was introduced by Senator Anthony Cannella in February 2014. SB 1398 would prevent lawsuits against farmers and landowners clearing vegetation unless it threatens safety. This bill would act as a loophole to CEQA and allow farmer's to clear the banks without the CEQA permits.<ref name="Monterey County Weekly Cannella's proposed SB 1398"> [http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/article_fcbf1a5e-644f-11e3-af04-001a4bcf6878.html Monterey County Weekly Cannella's proposed SB 1398] </ref>  
+
* AB 155 was introduced by Assembly member Luis Alejo in January 2013. AB 155 would require MCWRA to develop a "consensus-based comprehensive Salinas River Management Program".<ref name="Alejo's proposed AB 155"> [http://www.legtrack.com/bill.html?bill=201320140AB155 Alejo's proposed AB 155] </ref>
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== Systems ==
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The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program would allow volunteers to clear the stream banks of non-native vegetation, as well as dredge the channel to remove sediment. The dredging of the channel would create a larger channel to accommodate higher flows and reduce the risk of flooding. Currently, the riverbed and banks are overgrown with vegetation, primarily non-native vegetation, which is also reducing the capacity of the channel to hold water and diverting the flow.
+
  
 
== Science ==
 
== Science ==
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== Tools ==
 
== Tools ==
  
There will be a site screening processes to determine the best sites for maintenance. Within this screening process HEC-RAS will be used to along transects of the river to determine the flow capacity at particular sites.<ref name="SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/Agency_data/SRCMP/SR%20CMP_MND_Public%20Draft_7-1-09.pdf SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration] </ref>
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There will be a site screening processes to determine the best sites for maintenance. Within this screening process [[HEC-RAS]] was used along transects of the river to determine the flow capacity at particular sites.<ref name="SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration"> [http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/Agency_data/SRCMP/SR%20CMP_MND_Public%20Draft_7-1-09.pdf SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration] </ref>
  
 
== Future research ==
 
== Future research ==
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*Using Hydrologic modeling to determine the current capacity of the Salinas River and compare this with predictions of the capacity of the river with the proposed maintenance.  
 
*Using Hydrologic modeling to determine the current capacity of the Salinas River and compare this with predictions of the capacity of the river with the proposed maintenance.  
 
+
*Monitor the effects of channel maintenance on special status species.
 +
*Study the impact of the Salinas River on The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
 +
*Model changes in flood potential with climate change trends
  
 
A potential AMWS thesis topic:
 
A potential AMWS thesis topic:
  
 
*Using Aerial photography to analyze the historic changes to the Salinas River. This would include analyzing the changes in vegetation and channel migration before maintenance efforts began in 1995, throughout the time of maintenance (1995-2008), and since maintenance halted after 2008.
 
*Using Aerial photography to analyze the historic changes to the Salinas River. This would include analyzing the changes in vegetation and channel migration before maintenance efforts began in 1995, throughout the time of maintenance (1995-2008), and since maintenance halted after 2008.
 +
 +
==Links==
 +
*[[Salinas River]]
 +
*[[Steelhead Management in the Salinas Watershed]]
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*[[Special Status Species of the Central Coast]]
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*[[Monterey County Farm Bureau]]
 +
*[[CEQA projects on the Central Coast]]
 +
*[http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/SalinasRiverStreamMaintenanceProgram/SRSMP.html Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program]
 +
*[http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/1600/ Cal Fish and Wildlife Lake and Streambed Alteration Program]
 +
*[http://www.ceqanet.ca.gov/ProjDocList.asp?ProjectPK=610064 CEQAnet Project Description SCH Number 2011041066]
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Latest revision as of 13:15, 9 April 2015

A watershed-related issue examined by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.

Summary

The Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program (SMP) is a Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) project, designed to establish uniform standards for maintenance, specifically vegetation and sediment management, along the Salinas River. The goals of the project are to improve flood protection, limit damage to surrounding property, while avoiding harm to beneficial riparian habitats [1].

History

Throughout the 20th Century the Salinas Valley experienced a number of floods that greatly impacted the surrounding towns and agricultural lands. From 1995 through 2008 the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) obtained a master permit allowing landowners and growers to perform maintenance work along the Salinas River to reduce the risks associated with flooding.[2] However, in 2008, the permitting changed and the MCWRA was required to develop a new program and obtain new permits, including a US Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit, a Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board 401 Permit, and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1600 permit, as well as complete the CEQA review processes [3]. The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program was developed to allow regular maintenance activities along the Salinas River. As of April 2014, the goals of the program are to establish a regular and uniform set of maintenance activities to improve flood protection and minimize flood damages. To accomplish these goals the plan calls for a short term phase and a long term program.

Planning Process

Short term implementation

The short term phase (5-10 years) would focus on channel alterations that would mitigate up to 10 year flood events. Flood damage mitigation would be accomplished by increasing the channel capacity and flow capacity of the Salinas River.[4] The Program would establish guidelines and procedures for participants to routinely and voluntarily implement maintenance activities along the river, such as native and non-native vegetation management and sediment management [5]. Common practices in this stage of implementation will include bulldozing to remove sediment buildup and mowing and herbicide application to remove vegetation buildup [5].

Long term implementation

The long term aspect of the program is referred to as a "holistic river system focus".[6] The goal is for the program to improve native species habitat and water quality. In addition the program would attempt to help deal with sea water intrusion and investigate the effects of the Salinas River on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The long term aspect of the program is still conceptual, lacking proper funding, objectives, and facilitation between stakeholders.

Details

The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program would allow volunteers to clear the stream banks of non-native vegetation, as well as dredge the channel to remove sediment. The dredging of the channel would create a larger channel to accommodate higher flows and reduce the risk of flooding. Currently, the riverbed and bank conditions encourage vegetation growth, primarily non-native vegetation, which reduces the capacity of the channel to hold water and divert flow.

As of April 2014, potential participants would have to submit annual applications to MCWRA in order to participate in channel maintenance. The MCWRA would be responsible for establishing guidelines for approved maintenance each year, and providing that information to applicants. The majority of the maintenance would be vegetation and sediment removal. Beyond the removal of material, maintenance also includes depositing removed material within the watershed and constructing roads to access maintenance areas. Participants will be responsible for the implementation, oversight, and workforce for proposed maintenance projects.

Controversy

While the final EIR was published in September of 2013, many stakeholders opposed the Program as they did not feel that it provided adequate flood protection [7]. As a result, the MCWRA held four meetings in the beginning of 2014 to work with interested groups in understanding their concerns and incorporating new process in the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program.[6] Controversy arose surrounding the Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program from many organizations, particularly those representing landowners and growers, who were further frustrated by the amount of time it took to allow for channel maintenance.[8] In contrast, many environmental groups were concerned with the impacts of vegetation removal and dredging to special status species. Of particular concern is potential impacts on steelhead trout migration routes, which was not addressed for in the final EIR.[9]. Volume 2 of the Final EIR was released in June 2014, which addressed public comments related to these issues [10]. After public comments had been addressed, the SMP was approved by Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors in July 2014, with final authorization of the SMP being granted on October 7, 2014 [11].

Implementation

Phase I of implementation began work on the Chular and Gonzalez RMUs on October 10, 2014 and ended November 15, 2014 [11]. Maintenance activities included trimming native vegetation, smoothing sediment piles, and removing dead Arundo cane plants, an invasive species. Arundo was also removed from secondary channels as a mitigation activity, using multiple types of heavy equipment including rotary and front loaded mowers, tractors, bulldozers, and backhoes [11]. Arundo plants were not treated with herbicide due to dry conditions likely limiting the success of such treatments [11]. Mitigation and maintenance activities did not impact water quality or erosion in either RMU, as there were no measurable runoff or flow events while activities were carried out [11].

Location

Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Area

The Salinas River is the largest river in California's Central Coast Region. The Salinas River is 170 miles long and drains an area of approximately 4,200 square miles. The headwaters of the Salinas river are in the La Panza Range in San Luis Obispo County. The Salinas River flows northwest through the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. The river drains to both the Salinas River Lagoon and the Moss Landing Harbor through the Old Salinas River Channel. Both the Salinas River Lagoon and Moss Landing Harbor empty into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program focuses on the Salinas River from river mile 2 (where the river crosses under the Highway 1 Bridge) to river mile 94.[5] In addition to the mainstem Salinas River, the Program also includes three tributaries: San Lorenzo Creek, Bryant Canyon Channel, and Gonzales Slough.

Resources at stake[6]

Potential impacts of channel alterations


The EIR claims that the only unavoidable impact from this proposed program is the degradation of the aesthetics of the river.[5]

Potential impacts of continued inaction

  • Damage to agricultural crops
    • A $4 billion dollar annual industry.[6]
  • Food Safety risks.
    • Flood waters can transport pathogens to crops.
    • Vegetation growing near agricultural lands is a potential threat to food safety because it creates habitat for wildlife.[12]
  • Damage to infrastructure
    • Transportation (roads, highways,bridges), communication, power.
  • Damage and breach of wastewater treatment facilities - public health risk.
  • Damage to city Infrastructure - city buildings and services including access to clean water.
  • Loss of Jobs.
  • loss of life - human and animal.

Stakeholders

Key Stakeholders

Other Stakeholders

Laws, policies, & regulations

(Information is current as of April, 2014)

The MCWRA is responsible for the following:


Required permits and applications for potential participants:


Bills proposed to address the conflicts associated with the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program:

  • SB 1398 was introduced by Senator Anthony Cannella in February 2014. SB 1398 would prevent lawsuits against farmers and landowners clearing vegetation unless it threatens safety. This bill would act as a loophole to CEQA and allow farmer's to clear the banks without the CEQA permits.[18]
  • AB 155 was introduced by [Assembly member http://asmdc.org/members/a30/ Luis Alejo] in January 2013. AB 155 would require MCWRA to develop a "consensus-based comprehensive Salinas River Management Program".[19]

Science

  • Transects will be conducted in areas of proposed maintenance to evaluate the amount of vegetation and to analyze the changes from sediment removal.[15]
  • Aerial photography may also be used to analyze sites proposed for maintenance.[15]
  • Wildlife surveys were conducted to determine the species present in proposed maintenance areas.[15]
  • Special Status Species surveys were conducted along the Salinas River to determine the presence of these species.[15]

Tools

There will be a site screening processes to determine the best sites for maintenance. Within this screening process HEC-RAS was used along transects of the river to determine the flow capacity at particular sites.[15]

Future research

There are a number of potential research opportunities related to the Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program:

  • Using Hydrologic modeling to determine the current capacity of the Salinas River and compare this with predictions of the capacity of the river with the proposed maintenance.
  • Monitor the effects of channel maintenance on special status species.
  • Study the impact of the Salinas River on The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
  • Model changes in flood potential with climate change trends

A potential AMWS thesis topic:

  • Using Aerial photography to analyze the historic changes to the Salinas River. This would include analyzing the changes in vegetation and channel migration before maintenance efforts began in 1995, throughout the time of maintenance (1995-2008), and since maintenance halted after 2008.

Links

References

  1. Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Guidelines
  2. Salinas River Historical and Current Briefings
  3. SRSMP Draft Permitting Flowchart
  4. MCWRA Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Final EIR
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 MCWRA Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program Update, March 2014
  7. Salinas River maintenance program hits a setback
  8. Monterey Farm Bureau Salinas River Channel Maintenance Program
  9. The Californian River Wrangles Unresolved Dec. 2012
  10. Comments on the Draft EIR, Flood Damage Statistics, Letters, Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Salinas River Stream Maintenance Program Annual Report – 2014 Season
  12. Natural Resource Conservation Practices
  13. EPA Clean Water Act 404 Permitting
  14. State Water Resources Control Board 401 Permit
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 SRCMP Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration
  16. A DFW Streambed Alteration Program
  17. Salinas River Short Term Sustainability Proposal
  18. Monterey County Weekly Cannella's proposed SB 1398
  19. Alejo's proposed AB 155

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.