Download Resource Management Strategies

South Orange County Watershed Management Area
IRWM Plan FINAL JULY 2013
5
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
5.1 Process to Consider Resource Management Strategies
As part of the process to develop the goals, objectives and regional strategies for the
South Orange County Region, as detailed in Section 4, the California Water Plan
Update 2009 resource management strategies (RMS) were considered and evaluated
for applicability to the region. A key objective of the California Water Plan Update 2009
is to present a diverse set of resource management strategies to meet the water-related
resource management needs of each region statewide. The 27 RMS are summarized
below, grouped by their intended outcome.
•
Reduce water demand: Water conservation has become a viable long-term
supply option because it saves considerable capital and operating cost for
utilities and consumers, avoids environmental degradation, and creates
multiple benefits.
o Agricultural Water Use Efficiency RMS
o Urban Water Use Efficiency RMS
•
Improve operational efficiency and transfers: California’s water system
responds to our need to move water from where it occurs to where it will be
used.
o
o
o
o
•
Conveyance—Delta RMS
Conveyance—Regional/Local RMS
System Reoperation RMS
Water Transfers RMS
Increase water supply: California’s communities are finding innovative ways
to generate new supplies.
Conjunctive Management & Groundwater Storage RMS
Desalination – Brackish & Seawater RMS
Precipitation Enhancement RMS
Recycled Municipal Water RMS
o Surface Storage—CALFED RMS
o Surface Storage—Regional/Local RMS
o
o
o
o
•
Improve water quality: Improved water quality can directly improve the health
of Californians and our ecosystem.
Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution RMS
Groundwater/Aquifer Remediation RMS
Matching Quality to Use RMS
Pollution Prevention RMS
Salt and Salinity Management RMS
o Runoff Management RMS
o
o
o
o
o
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•
Practice resource stewardship: Protect other resources as water supplies are
made available for other beneficial uses.
Agricultural Lands Stewardship RMS
Economic Incentives (Loans, Grants, Water Pricing) RMS
Ecosystem Restoration RMS
Forest Management RMS
Land Use Planning and Management RMS
Recharge Area Protection RMS
Water-dependent Recreation RMS
o Watershed Management RMS
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
•
Improve flood management: Promote and practice integrated flood
management to provide multiple benefits including better emergency
preparedness and response, higher flood protection, more sustainable flood
and water management systems, and enhanced floodplain ecosystems.
o Flood Risk Management RMS
The RMS also considered the effects of Climate Change on the IRWM region. Due to
the significance of climate change on all strategies, a complete climate change analysis
was completed and is include in Appendix J.
The RMS considered relevant to the South Orange County IRWMP objectives were
developed into regional strategies. The regional strategies that implement the objectives
were reviewed by the IRWM Group for relevance to the WMA. Input from the Cities,
water and wastewater districts, and the County was instrumental in updating the
objectives to reflect current watershed, land use, and natural resources management
plans for the WMA. Based on feedback, appropriate refinement to the objectives and
strategies were made by Subgroup representatives and presented back to the IRWM
Group for final approval. The following sections identify the RMS considered, RMS
determined applicable to the Region and incorporated in the strategies and objectives,
and RMS determined non-applicable to the Region.
5.2 Resource Management Strategies (RMS) Applicable to Region
In many cases, strategies and projects primarily targeted at one plan objective will also
support other plan objectives. Strategies and projects that address multiple objectives
are typically the most cost-effective and resource-efficient, and are for the most part
given higher priority in this IRWMP.
In developing IRWM Plan goals, objectives and regional strategies, as detailed in
Section 4.3, the IRWM Group considered the 2009 California Water Plan RMS. The
RMS deemed applicable to the South Orange County IRWM Region were incorporated
into the development of the IRWM Plan strategies to help achieve those objectives.
Table 5-1 summarizes the California Water Plan Update 2009 Resource Management
Strategies Considered and their applicability to the South Orange County IRWM
Regional Goals and Objectives:
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Table 5-1: Resource Management Strategies Applicability to Region
Goals and Objectives
2009 California Water Plan Resource
Management Strategies Considered
Integrate Flood
Management
Improve Water
Quality
FR-1
WQ-1
FR-2
WQ-2
Promote Water Use Efficiency
Increase Water Supply and Reliability
WS-1
WS-2
WS-3
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency
WS-4
WS-5
WS-6
WS-7
WC-1
WC-2
WC-3
WC-4
Protect Natural Resources
NR-1
NR-2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Conveyance - Delta
X
Conveyance – Regional / Local
X
System Reoperation
Water transfers
X
Conjunctive Management & Groundwater
X
Desalination – ocean and groundwater
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Precipitation Enhancement
X
Recycled Municipal Water
X
X
X
Surface Storage – CALFED
Surface Storage – Regional/local
X
X
X
Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution
Groundwater Remediation / Aquifer Remediation
Matching Quality to Use
NR-4
X
X
Urban Water Use Efficiency
NR-3
Not Applicable
to Region
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5-3
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Table 5-1: Resource Management Strategies’ Applicability to Region (Cont.)
Goals and Objectives
2009 California Water Plan Resource Integrate Flood Improve Water
Quality
Management Strategies Considered Management
FR-1
FR-2
X
Urban Runoff Management
Flood Risk Management
X
Protect Natrual Resources
WQ-1 WQ-2 WS-1 WS-2 WS-3 WS-4 WS-5 WS-6 WS-7 WC-1 WC-2 WC-3 WC-4 NR-1
Salt and Salinity Management
Pollution Prevention
Promote Water Use
Efficiency
Increase Water Supply and Reliability
X
X
X
X
X
X
NR-2
NR-3
NR-4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Agricultural Lands Stewardship
Economic Incentives (Loans, Grants, and
Water Pricing)
Ecosystem restoration
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Forest Management
X
Recharge Area Protection
X
Water-Dependent Recreation
Watershed Management
Not
Applicable
to Region
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Crop Idling for Water Transfers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dewvaporation or Atmospheric Pressure
Desalination
Fog Collection
X
X
Irrigated Land Retirement
X
Rainfed Agriculture
X
Waterbag Transport / Storage Technology
X
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5.3 Resource Management Strategies (RMS) Not Applicable to Region
Nearly all types of resource management strategies are applicable and considered
within the South OC IRWM Plan and proposed projects. Although most of the resource
management strategies were identified as applicable to the region, several were not.
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Agricultural Lands Stewardship are not applicable
to the very limited amount of agricultural land present in the Region.
Conveyance – Delta and Surface Storage – Calfed is not directly applicable to our
region, as most of the Region’s conveyance issues are related to local infrastructure
and the Region does not own or operate conveyance in the Delta region or surface
storage facilities in the Calfed region. Precipitation enhancement does not apply to our
region as artificial cloud seeding is not a practice within the region.
Although the Region includes Cleveland National Forest and other open space, the
forest management RMS is not applicable to the South Orange County Region because
the Cleveland National Forest is directly managed by the US Department of Agriculture
Forest Service. Crop idling for water transfers does not apply due to the limited
agricultural land and farming that occurs in the region, where crop idling doesn’t occur.
Dewvaporation or Atmospheric Pressure Desalination is not a practice used within the
region; however, reverse osmosis desalination is practiced and addressed accordingly.
Fog collection is not applicable due to the limited rainfall and precipitation within the
Region, Irrigated Land Retirement is not applicable since it is not a strategy used within
our limited agricultural farming practices. Rainfed Agriculture is not applicable due to the
low rainfall received. Waterbag Transport/Storage Technology has not been explored in
our region, as our above ground reservoir storage facilities are used instead; this is not
a practice applicable to our region at this time.
5.4 Regional Strategies
The state’s RMS were considered in the development of regional objectives and
strategies. The IRWM Plan includes multiple projects that will implement the regional
strategies. Each project accomplishes several aspects of water management for the
region. Strategies and projects that address multiple objectives are typically the most
cost-effective and resource-efficient, and are for the most part given higher priority in
the IRWM Plan. The regional goals, objectives and strategies developed by the South
OC IRWM Group are discussed in Section 4.3.The following explains how the strategies
were developed and items considered in developing the IRWM Plan goals, objectives,
and regional strategies.
5.4.1 Integrate Flood Management Strategies
The WMA considered Flood Management Strategies in developing the IRWM Plan
goals, objectives, and strategies. This management strategy will help stabilize
streambeds impacted by development-exacerbated stormflows and convert hardened
ditches and channels to widened soft-bottomed naturally-vegetated channels where
feasible, to address erosion and flood control. Project performance would typically be
measured by linear feet of streambed stabilized and/or converted channel; and acreage
of soft-bottom channel created. This would also be accomplished by managing
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development through the planning process (County and cities) to reduce post-project
flow to pre-project flow.
A key component of Flood management is the use of geographic information systems,
data bases and other data management tools to support data development and manage
the Region’s watersheds. It promotes the development, installation, application or
updating of flood control and pollutant control data, methods of measurement and
management to protect waterways. Short-term per-project performance may be
measured by expansion of catalogued data, confirmation of previous data conclusions,
identification of erosion and sedimentation sources, and identification of accurate and
rapid source tracking methods. Long-term per-project performance would typically be
measured by estimated reduction in nuisance runoff volume or rate discharged to
beaches; and/or estimated reduction in concentration or quantity of pathogens or
indicator pollutants discharged compared to pre-project conditions.
5.4.2 Improve Water Quality Strategies
The WMA considered water quality during the development of the IRWM Plan’s goals,
objectives, and strategies. This management strategy will promote the region-wide
utilization of centralized and decentralized structural Best Management Practices,
appropriate to non-point-source pollutants and land use types, to minimize the
discharge of pollutants into or from municipal storm drain systems and into downstream
aquatic ecosystems, during both wet and dry weather. Per-project performance would
typically be measured by the number and area of sites affected; estimated reduction in
nuisance and/or storm runoff volume or rate; and/or estimated reduction in quantity of
key pollutants potentially exposed to discharge to the environment, compared to preproject or conventional conditions.
Groundwater quality is also an important part of this strategy. This strategy will help
prevent contamination of aquifers by sewage, industrial or other wastes. In some cases,
groundwater remediation is necessary to improve the quality of degraded groundwater
for beneficial use. Drinking water supply is the beneficial use that typically requires
remediation when groundwater quality is degraded. In 1985 trichloroethylene, also
known as TCE, was found in portions of the groundwater basin beneath the former El
Toro Marine Corps Air Station and central Irvine within IRWD’s service area. TCE is a
volatile organic compound, or VOC, that was widely used as a solvent for aircraft
cleaning. Prior to the development of stricter environmental regulations in the mid1970’s, it was common to dispose of cleaning solvents by simply rinsing off the aircraft
and allowing the runoff to run into the ground. As a result of these past disposal
practices, a one-by-three mile plume of contamination now extends off the base (see
map to right). The contamination is about 150 feet deep beneath the base and 300-700
feet deep in the community area. However, drinking water in Irvine has been and
continues to be absolutely safe. IRWD’s drinking water meets or exceeds all state and
federal water quality requirements. IRWD maintains a state-certified water quality
laboratory that performs more than a quarter of a million tests annually on our water
supply to ensure that high quality water is monitored and maintained. The plume is
several miles from IRWD’s drinking water well field and therefore does not affect
IRWD’s drinking water supply.
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IRWD, the Orange County Water District and the United States Department of the Navy
have completed a joint project, the El Toro Groundwater Remediation Project, which is
designed to clean up the TCE plume. This project began full operation in January 2007
and pumps water from the plume of TCE contamination. Following treatment to remove
the TCE, this water is used only for non-drinking purposes. Each year the El Toro
Groundwater Remediation Project provides 1.3 billion gallons of clean water for nondrinking water purposes, which is enough to irrigate 1,300 acres of landscaping. The
cleanup of the plume is expected to take approximately 40 years.
This strategy also protects recharge of groundwater aquifers in a cost-effective manner
consistent with minimizing socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This will include
potential production from the San Clemente wells as well as possible production from
the San Mateo Groundwater Basin. Arrangements with Camp Pendleton and/or the
Bureau of Reclamation may need to be developed for usage of San Mateo water.
5.4.3 Increase Water Supply and Reliability Strategies
This strategy implements water savings and benefits including improvements in
technology and management of water. This strategy also promotes the utilization of
structural and non-structural Best Management Practices to eliminate nuisance runoff,
and prevent potential pollutants from entering municipal storm drain systems and
aquatic ecosystems, during both wet and dry weather. Per-project performance would
typically be measured by the number and area of sites affected; estimated reduction in
water usage or nuisance runoff volume or rate; and/or estimated reduction in quantity of
key pollutants potentially exposed to discharge to the environment, compared to preproject or conventional conditions.
South Orange County is highly dependent on imported water resources for about 90%
of its needs. Because of this level of dependence on imported water, the Region
continues to work with MWDOC and Metropolitan on improving regional and local water
conveyance facilities. Based on projects being implemented throughout South Orange
County, the need for imported supply will decrease through to 2030, thus helping to
improve the reliable conveyance of water to South Orange County and the Southern
California Region.
A few MWDOC member agencies have also expressed interests in pursuing transfers of
water from outside of the region to improve water supply reliability. MWDOC will
continue to help its member agencies in developing these opportunities and ensuring
their success. In fulfilling this role, MWDOC will look to help its member agencies
navigate the operational and administrative issues of wheeling water through the
Metropolitan water distribution system. Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) has
actively pursued additional water supply reliability through water transfers and
successfully completed water transfers in the late 1990's through the Metropolitan
system. At present the future of such transfers as a reliable and cost-effective means of
providing the basic supply are uncertain, however, transfer with specific purposes, such
as supplementing dry year supplies can be effective.
SMWD will continue to pursue water transfers as an alternative water supply and is
currently working with MWDOC and other agencies to investigate possible transfers.
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The Supplemental Dry Year Agreements are transfer agreements that are triggered
under specific conditions when supplies from Metropolitan are limited. Cucamonga
County Water District and Golden State Water Company (GSWC) will utilize
groundwater in lieu of taking delivery of imported water from Metropolitan. SMWD has a
transfer agreement with Cucamonga County Water District of 4,250 AFY, both short
term and long term. SMWD also has a short term transfer agreement with GSWC of
2,000 AFY. 66
Through conjunctive management, the WMA coordinates use of both surface water and
groundwater resources to maximize the availability and reliability of water supplies in a
region to meet various management objectives. Managing both resources together,
rather than in isolation, allows water managers to use the advantages of both resources
for maximum benefit. Implementation of conjunctive management will increase pumping
and needed treatment of local groundwater for water supply, consistent with
sustainability and conjunctive use with other supplies. The projection for groundwater
production out of San Juan Basin is anticipated to move from 3,674 AFY in 2010- to
8,594 AFY in 2035. Additional dry-year yield may be developed through Groundwater
Management Planning, discussed in Section 3.3.2.
Desalination is also part of this strategy and is included in the development of the IRWM
Plan goals, objectives, and regional strategies. Application of desalination technology is
increasingly being recognized as one important supply component to develop new
sustainable water supplies and to bolster water system reliability. In Orange County,
there are three proposed ocean desalination projects that could serve MWDOC and its
member agencies with additional water supply. These are the Huntington Beach
Seawater Desalination Project, the South Orange Coastal Ocean Desalination Project,
and the Camp Pendleton Seawater Desalination Project (the Camp Pendleton Seawater
Desalination project would likely serve San Diego County, but would contribute to
offsetting regional water supplies). Desalination can help meet the goals and objectives
of the region. Development of potable supplies through desalination of ocean sources
has the opportunity to produce 15,000 AF of supplies or possibly more by 2030. At this
time, research is still underway to identify the opportunities and constraints to utilizing
this source for potable supplies at both the South Orange Coastal and Camp Pendleton
sites.
MWD instituted its Groundwater Recovery Program in 1991 to provide financial
incentives (up to $250 per acre-foot) to local agencies to develop brackish groundwater
impaired from either natural causes or from agricultural drainage. The purpose of the
program was to increase utilization of groundwater storage within the region for firm
local production, conjunctive use storage, and drought supply. In MWDOC’s service
area, five groundwater recovery brackish water projects have contracts with
Metropolitan.
66
Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). 2010 Urban Water Management Plan Update.
Available online 1/26/13:
http://www.mwdoc.com/Uploads/MWDOC_2010_RUWMP_final_draft_Submitted_04_28_11.pdf
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Recycled water was also included during the development of the IRWM Plan goals,
objectives, and regional strategies. The WMA plans to increase the production and
distribution capacity for expanding the use of recycled water. Orange County is the
leader in water recycling in the State of California, in both quantity and innovation.
Water supply and wastewater treatment agencies in Orange County have received welldeserved recognition in the field of water reclamation and reuse. Based on MWDOC’s
projections, expansion of recycled supplies is expected to amount to 20,000 AF by
2030. This projection includes the use of some creek diversions for beneficial uses.
Drinking water treatment and distribution are also part of this strategy. These will aid in
the development of local potable supplies including water treatment improvements to
help reduce the risk of drought exposure to the South Orange County Region and will
implement projects that will improve the reliability of the water supply system. The
Region depends on a combination of imported and local supplies to meet its water
demands and has taken numerous steps to ensure its member agencies have adequate
supplies. Development of groundwater, groundwater recovery, recycled water systems,
desalination opportunities, and collection of urban return flows augment the reliability of
the imported water system.
Specific projects to improve the system reliability include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Orange County Cross Feeder
Coastal Junction Pump Station
IRWD Interconnections
Groundwater Emergency Service Program
Upper and Lower Chiquita reservoirs
Ocean desalination facility
5.4.4 Promote Water Use Efficiency Strategies
The WMA considered Water Use Efficiency during the development of the IRWM Plan
goals, objectives, and regional strategies. This strategy promotes the region-wide
utilization of non-structural and structural Best Management Practices, appropriate to
non-point-source pollutants and land use types, to conserve water and prevent potential
pollutants from entering municipal storm drain systems and aquatic ecosystems, during
both wet and dry weather. MWDOC is currently developing a WUE Master Plan that will
provide a 5-year implementation plan and specific savings goals. Per-project
performance would typically be measured by the number and area of sites affected; and
estimated reduction in quantity of water discharged and key pollutants potentially
exposed to discharge to the environment, compared to pre-project or conventional
conditions.
One major area in which MWDOC works with other agencies to manage Orange
County’s water supply is water use efficiency. In terms of water management, MWDOC
became a signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1991, monitored
by the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC), which develops and
maintains 14 Best Management Practices (BMP) for urban water use efficiency. The
urban water use efficiency practices are intended to reduce long-term urban demands
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from what they would have been without implementation of these practices, and are in
addition to programs that may be instituted during occasional water supply shortages.
For more than 30 years, MWDOC's Public Information and Water Education programs
have reached thousands of consumers and nearly 90,000 Orange County students
annually. The programs are performed on behalf of, and in coordination with, MWDOC’s
member agencies and are designed to facilitate a student’s understanding of current
water issues, as well as the challenges, opportunities, and costs involved in securing a
reliable supply of high quality water. In 2004, MWDOC formed a partnership with the
Discovery Science Center to bring the School Education Program to even more
students and provide them with even greater educational experiences in the areas of
water and science. 67
To facilitate the implementation of BMPs, MWDOC focuses its effort on the following
three areas:
•
•
•
Regional Program Implementation: MWDOC develops, obtains funding for,
and implements regional BMP programs on behalf of all retail water agencies
in Orange County.
Local Program Assistance: Upon request, MWDOC assists retail agencies in
developing and implementing local programs within their individual service
areas. MWDOC provides assistance with a variety of local programs
including, but not limited to: Home Water Surveys, Landscape Workshops
(residential and commercial), Public Information, School Education,
Conservation Pricing, and Water Waste Prohibitions.
Research and Evaluation: An integral component of any water use efficiency
program is the research and evaluation of potential and existing programs. In
the past five years, MWDOC has conducted research that allows agencies to
measure the water-savings benefits of a specific program and then compare
those benefits to the costs of implementing the program. This cost/benefit
analysis enables individual agencies to evaluate the economic feasibility of a
program prior to its implementation.
Regional/local surface storage management also promotes water use efficiency and
includes investigation of emerging technology and regulatory actions for on-site capture,
storage and re-use of rainwater for irrigation purposes, consistent with water quality and
vector control needs. Surface water provides an additional local source to some
MWDOC member agencies, including IRWD and Trabuco Canyon Water District.
Surface water supplies in Orange County are captured mostly from Santiago Creek into
Santiago Reservoir (a.k.a. Irvine Lake) and some reclaimed from local streams and
surface runoff in South Orange County (in the Santa Margarita Water District service
area). There are a few other dams located on the smaller streams throughout the
County; however, these are generally only for flood control or local agricultural use.
Effort has been made in exploring the opportunity for increasing utilization of water in
67
Municipal Water District of Orange County. 2010 Regional Urban Water Management Plan. 4/28/11.
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San Juan Basin in South Orange County through the development of desalters and
percolation basins.
5.4.5 Protect Natural Resources Strategies
The WMA considered protection of natural resources during the development of the
IRWM Plan goals, objectives, and strategies. This strategy has multiple benefits of
eliminating or reducing non-native surface runoff from affecting riparian eco-systems,
water reuse, and creating additional beneficial uses. At this time, it is difficult to project
the quantity of supplies that could be developed from this source. The goal would be to
increase capacity to capture, treat and utilize dry-weather surface runoff and
stormwater, primarily for non-potable uses.
Protecting receiving waters and marine Areas of Special Biological Significance to the
extent feasible is part of this strategy. Implemented projects may have a number or
acreage of sites retrofitted with control measures; and measure estimated reduction in
daily or storm discharges to the receiving waters or ASBS. This strategy will help reestablish native aquatic, riparian and transitional biotic communities along
streamcourses to the extent feasible. Project performance would typically be measured
by linear feet of restored streamcourse; acreage of vegetation re-established; species
diversity; and percent cover.
In addition, this strategy provides opportunities for controlled recreational access and
enjoyment of aquatic ecosystem areas to minimize the environmental impacts of
uncontrolled use. Per-project performance would typically be measured in linear feet or
acreage of area made accessible; and estimated recreational use or capacity for use.
Integration of these regional strategies to meet the IRWM Plan objectives enhances the
benefits of project implementation throughout the South Orange County region.
5.5 Regional and Inter-regional Benefits
Implementation of the IRWM Plan and its projects will lead the Region into a future with
a reliable water supply, protected and improved water quality, and achievement of the
statewide priorities and program preferences for integrated regional planning. The
IRWM Plan has served as an impetus to bring stakeholders together to discuss
common goals, address concerns, and brainstorm solutions.
As the Plan is implemented and benefits of water supply and water quality are realized,
so will adjacent areas and regions benefit from the South Orange County regional
efforts. Benefits to implementing projects with interregional benefits/advantages include
increased opportunity for project implementation, collective planning to monitor regional
changes and facilitate refinements for implementation, increased participation and
cooperation by the public, shared costs, and cooperative land-based planning as
opposed to confinement within political boundaries.
Development of South Orange County local supplies and enhancement of reliability of
its existing supplies also provides enhanced reliability of imported water suppliers for
other regions. When dependence on imported water for the Region is reduced, water
supply to other regions will increase, enhancing their reliability.
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Long-term attainment and maintenance of water quality standards within the
watersheds throughout the Region will result in enhanced local supplies, habitat
restoration, pollution control, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Pollution reduction
in impaired water bodies and sensitive habitat will benefit South Orange County wildlife
habitat. Overall watershed health realized in the Region provides greater opportunities
for communities to enjoy the area in which they live, including beach activities, hiking,
biking, bird watching, horseback riding, and other activities that thrive in this Region.
The IRWM Plan will establish an integrated regional water management model that
could be used as a model for other regions and areas of the State. Individual projects
that are implemented and produce beneficial results may also be used as pilot projects
that are transferable to other regions. Regional planning presents the opportunity for
collective and collaborative planning in a logical and beneficial process. The
prioritization of projects within the Region provides the greatest benefit for the greater
good.
Moreover, it is important to recognize that the objectives of the Region regarding water
supply reliability, groundwater management, water conservation, and water quality /
pollution reduction, along with achievement of specific statewide priorities, clearly
require regional solutions. In certain cases, “Regional Action Projects” have been
defined where appropriate to implement a single strategy across the entire region that
would involve all participants on a phased, as-needed funding basis. Regional solutions
are being implemented in the objectives.
Collaboration of regional projects and priorities will achieve substantially enhanced
regional benefits, increased opportunity for project implementation, collective planning
to monitor regional changes and facilitate refinements for implementation, increased
participation and cooperation by the public and interregional benefits to adjacent areas.
Certain watershed and habitat areas and the improvements made to them know no
boundaries. Neighboring regions will experience benefits from the implementation of the
South Orange County IRWM Plan.
5.6 Disadvantaged Communities / Environmental Justice Benefits
Disadvantaged communities are a major concern for the IRWM Group. In order to
address disadvantaged communities, the IRWM Group has made it a top priority to
incorporate disadvantaged communities within their projects. The disadvantaged
communities of South Orange County, as discussed in Section 3.6 Disadvantaged
Communities, predominantly utilize the waters within the Region as recreational hubs.
Waters within the Region include area beaches, local creeks and streams, and wetland
environments. Since these waters are 100 percent accessible to the disadvantaged
communities of South Orange County, projects focusing to provide safe drinking water
and enhance water quality will primarily benefit these communities. Figure 3-15 depicts
the disadvantaged communities throughout the entire South Orange County IRWM
Region.
Water quality of the watersheds greatly impacts the recreational opportunities for the
disadvantaged community members, especially since portions of the watersheds that
drain into the beach areas are impaired waters. The San Diego Regional Water Quality
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Control Board has designated beneficial uses for many of the watershed waters for
agricultural supply, contact and non-contact water recreation, warm freshwater habitat
and wildlife habitat. Groundwater municipal supply is a beneficial use in the San Juan
basin and easterly portion of Aliso Creek. Projects proposed in this plan will contribute
to each of these beneficial uses, enhancing the opportunity to disadvantaged
communities.
Coastal Benefits
The surrounding areas of Doheny State Beach Park, the Dana Point Harbor, area
beaches, and parks located along regional stream courses serve as community
gathering places for these communities and are used heavily year round on the
weekends. Many of the recreational areas are accessible via public transit and often do
not charge an entrance fee for walk-in visitors. Many recreational areas are also
handicapped accessible. Today, Doheny state Beach continues to have millions of
visitors each year.
Projects focused on improving the water quality of Aliso Creek Beach, like Aliso Viejo’s
Dairy Fork Wetland project, will greatly benefit disadvantaged communities, especially
low-income apartment complexes along the upper Aliso Creek. Aliso Creek beach is
accessible through the Orange County Transportation Authority bus system since it is a
facility of the County of Orange. This beach along with beaches and parks in the Region
serve the disadvantaged communities equally since there is no entrance fee.
The City of San Clemente Recycled Water Treatment and Distribution project was
funded under Proposition 50 IRWM Implementation Grant Program. Upon completion
in 2014, the project will reduce wastewater effluent into the ocean accommodating
disadvantaged communities that utilize neighborhood parks and beaches as a weekend
retreat. Disadvantaged communities will continue to enjoy the beach and ocean
resources as a result of fewer beach closure days due to higher water quality. Water
quality is a key consideration for the Region to ensure protection of the health and
safety of the entire population in the area, especially for the disadvantaged community
residents that do not have the means to travel to other areas of the state or country.
Inland Benefits
Multiple creek restoration, wetland, and Arundo removal projects are underway in the
Region, and include the Audubon’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary, which will restore 125 acres
of the Bell Creek riparian zone providing wildlife and habitat research education
programs for kids and adults. This and other creek habitat and restoration projects will
significantly benefit the continued enjoyment of the Region’s natural systems for low
income populations.
In addition, El Toro Water District’s Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion was
funded by Proposition 84 Round 1 Implementation Grant and consists of constructing a
new recycled water distribution system to serve the El Toro Water District Service Area
that includes disadvantaged communities in the City of Laguna Woods. The project
would result in the conversion of approximately 75 existing potable water dedicated
irrigation meters to recycled water. The conversions would reduce the amount of
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potable water imported by the District by as much as 300 acre feet per year. This
Project would directly benefit disadvantaged community members.
These projects would meet multiple objectives and provide multiple benefits, including
recreational and aesthetic benefits. Expanded opportunities for recreational benefits
include contact and non-contact water recreation, walking paths, bird watching, nature
study, painting and photography, and other passive activities.
Recreational opportunities will result from the implementation of the Oso Creek MultiUse Trails Project in Laguna Niguel. This project will provide and expand creek-side
trail-ways for recreation and easier access to regional trails, the metrolink station, and
bus route links, and will expand the opportunity for use by disadvantaged communities.
Educational and public outreach activities like those found in the Audubon Starr Ranch
project will increase residents’ understanding and appreciation of wetlands and other
areas of significance, including how human interaction impacts habitat areas and other
natural resources. The Audubon Starr Ranch project will inspire broad implementation
of water quality and water conservation improvements across the community.
Additional projects within the Region continue to incorporate measures to improve
infrastructure needs in disadvantaged communities, such as offering catch basin insert
installation to multi-family housing complexes where economically disadvantaged
concentrations are significant.
Benefits of Disadvantaged Community Participation
Through addressing water quality issues in areas of recreational use, the IRWM Plan
incorporates environmental justice in a way that provides every resident equal
opportunity and fair treatment in the regional water planning process. As part of the
disadvantaged communities, the IRWM Group has and will continue to actively involve
regional minority communities, including the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians and
Hispanic community groups to ensure their active involvement in the IRWM Plan.
Additionally, the IRWM Plan projects have recognized the benefits to support
disadvantaged communities within their areas of influence. The following describes the
outreach completed as a part of this IRWM Plan.
The Juaneno Band of Mission Indians tribe provided a letter of support for the 2005
IRWMP. In June 2012, David Belardes (Chief and Chairman of Juaneno Band of
Mission Indians) was contacted and notified about the July 9, 2012 Stakeholder
Workshop.
The Laguna Woods Village Professional Community Management (Homeowner’s
Association) was contacted and the July 9, 2012 Stakeholder Workshop announcement
and OC link was provided to Professional Community Management. The invite notice
and link were posted on the HOA website on in July 2012. 68.
68
Wendy Bucknum, Professional Community Management. Laguna Woods Village HOA. 7/6/12.
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The National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) provided a letter of support for
the 2005 IRWM Plan as a result of outreach efforts. In June 2012, NHEC was contacted
and provided a copy of the 2005 letter of support. NHEC was invited to the July 9, 2012
Stakeholder Workshop.
Latino Health Access provided a project for inclusion in the 2005 IRWM Plan. Latino
Health Access was contacted in June 2012 and invited to the July 9, 2012 Stakeholder
Workshop.
OC Watersheds staff attended a California Latino Water Coalition (CLWC) event in
2010 at the Orange County Water District. In June 2012, CLWC was contacted via
phone and email and invited to attend the July 9, 2012 Stakeholder Workshop.
The IRWM Plan and implementation of its projects will significantly benefit the Region’s
disadvantaged communities and support regional environmental justice.
5.7 Environmental Impacts / Benefits to Other Resources
The regional watersheds contain a wide variety of environmental resources, extending
from headwaters to ocean, and from urban landscape to forested mountaintop. These
resources include water, wildlife, cultural and physical landscapes.
Currently, local watersheds are suffering from a variety of water resource and related
land resource problems. Most of these are related to widespread changes in the
watersheds, including changes in the hydrologic regime, channel instability, habitat loss,
ecosystem degradation, declines in water quality, threats to recreational resources, and
others. While change is a part of the evolution of any landscape, dramatic change from
a balanced historic state often results in undesirable consequences.
All proposed projects within the IRWM Plan are individually evaluated under CEQA
guidelines to identify potential impacts (both negative and beneficial) to the following:
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Aesthetics
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Geology and Soils
Hazardous Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Noise
Population and Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation and Traffic
Utilities and Service Systems
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Where significant potential negative impacts are identified, the CEQA/NEPA process
will implement appropriate mitigation measures into the project. Responsibility for
mitigation measures lies with the individual project sponsor(s). Where there are
potential impacts to jurisdictional waters, habitats or species, mitigation requirements
are determined within permitting processes with the RWQCB, US Army Corps of
Engineers, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Federal anti-degradation
policies for surface water quality and "no net loss" policies for wetlands are typically
reflected in the permit requirements. The data management methods identified in
Section 7 will work in conjunction with environmental impact analysis and ongoing
project monitoring to identify potential impacts.
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