Urban stormwater management in Santa Cruz County
A watershed-related issue examined by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.
Background
Santa Cruz County has four incorporated cities including Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, the City of Capitola, and Wastonville, with a combined population of nearly 223,000 inhabitants [1]. Each incorporated city is responsible for meeting State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)regulations regarding water quality. Although the incorporated ares of the county are not beholden to the same laws, the combined population of Aptos, Ben Lomond, Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Rio Del Mar, Soquel and Zayante, which is roughly 135,936, also contributes to runoff issues in the region [2]. Santa Cruz County residents and municipalities recognize that the natural resources located in the region provide important habitats for aquatic life of all varieties and opportunities for public recreation and enjoyment as well as commercial operations and ventures. They also understand that all urban runoff eventually flows to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), a federally protected marine area of biological and economical importance along the Central Coast of California.
Incorporated Cities
References
- ↑ Population Statistics for Incorporated Cities of Santa Cruz County
- ↑ Population Statistics for Incorporated Cities of Santa Cruz County
