Urban stormwater management in the City of Watsonville

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Summary

The City Of Watsonville's storm drain system directs storm water runoff through a network of underground pipes that eventually discharges into the Monterey Bay. This system includes 2000 storm drain inlets, 50 miles of pipeline, and 15 storm water pumps located along Corralitos Creek and the Pajaro River, which is currently listed as an impaired waterbody in the 303 d list. The system was originally designed to control flood events.[1] The untreated storm water runoff drains directly into the ocean.

Regulatory Background

Many federal, state and local 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.

Federal Regulations

For federal regulations, see Urban stormwater regulations applicable to central coast region

Local Regulations

The City of Watsonville follows Low Impact Development Best Management Practices that are outlined in the Design Guide,[2] which is an interim guide where the Watsonville designates 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.

Additionally, TMDL's are required by the Clean Water Act (CWA):

Annual Review

Watsonville submits an annual review of their 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

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 because of past scares with E.coli contaminated lettuce in the region.[3]

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).[4] This area contains significant and diverse coastal habitats including, salt marsh, brackish and fresh water marsh making the Watsonville Slough a valuable resource for both coastal plant communities as well as fish and migratory birds.

  • Salsipuedes Creek Capacity Enhancement & Restoration Project: City and County staff are partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers to receive early feedback with regard to permitting the project. Corps staff are in the process of securing permits for a bench excavation project along the creek. The process requires preparation of 70% complete design plans for the project and a hydraulic bank stability assessment, to be completed by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Inc. (NHC)[5]

Stakeholders

References

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

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.