Urban stormwater management in the City of Watsonville

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Summary

The City Of Watsonville has a storm drain system which directs storm water runoff from streets along gutters and through underground pipes to discharge into the major waterways, and eventually the Monterey Bay. This includes the maintenance of 2000 storm drain inlets, 50 miles of storm water pipeline, and 15 storm water pumps located along Corralitos Creek and the Pajaro River [1]. The system is only designed to control flooding. The storm water is untreated drains flows directly into the ocean.

Watersheds

  • Pajaro River

Stakeholders

Regulatory Background

Many laws and policies have been implemented and enforced over the last few decades to reduce pollutants and contaminants being discharged into the Pajaro River, and the Watsonville Slough Complex.

Local Regulations


Storm Water Management Plan

Watsonville submits an annual review of the Storm Water Management Plan's (SWMP) effectiveness, BMPs effectiveness and improvement opportunities to achieve the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP) that are required under Phase II permit requirements. Watsonville's Annual Reports:

Timeline

  • 1997 Current Industrial Activities Storm Water General Permit
  • 2009 Storm Water Management Plan approved.
  • 2010 City of Watsonville Urban Water Management Plan [1]
  • 2011 Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Resources at Stake

A large percent of the population relies on the continued health and vitality of the agricultural industry for their income and livelihood. Storm water problems are a continuous threat to that economic sector due to past scares with E.coli contaminated lettuce in the region.[2] Also, the Watsonville Slough system is comprised of Harkins, Gallighan, Hanson, Struve, and Watsonville Sloughs and drains an area of approximately 50 km2 (13,000 acres).[3] This area contains significant coastal habitats including, salt marsh, brackish and fresh water marsh and the diversity of habitats within this coastal area makes the Watsonville Slough a valuable resource for both coastal plant communities as well as fish and migratory birds.

Management Strategies

  • Low Impact Development Best Management Practices are outlined in the Design Guide.[4] The Design Guide is similar to the hydromodification control standards active in Marin County. This is an interim guide while the City of Watsonville irons out a common hydromodification control standard with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Design Guidance replaces the City of Watsonville’s Storm Water Land Development Standards.
  • The Storm Water Control Plan provides information on the status of measurable goals, an evaluation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and their effectiveness and any revisions to BMPs or measurable goals.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag


References

  1. ↑ Sewer/Storm Drains
  2. ↑ Flynn, Dan. E. coli-Contaminated Lettuce Came from a California LGMA Grower. 2013 Jan 15. www.foodsafetynews.com
  3. ↑ Non-Point Source Program - CCA NPS Watershed Assessment for Watsonville Slough
  4. ↑ Low Impact Development Best Management Practices - Design Guide

Links

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.

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