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City of Seal Beach Agenda Report
Date: May 13,2002
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: John B. Bahorski
City Manager
Subject: Resolution of Support for the Army Corps of Engineers Watershed
Feasibility Study of Coyote Creek and Westminster Watersheds
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The County of Orange is requesting Seal Beach adopt a resolution of support for the
Westminster and Coyote/Carbon Creek Feasibility Studies that will be conducted by the
Army Corps of Engineers. This resolution will help establish local agency interest in
these studies and allow the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward beyond the
reconnaissance phase.
BACKGROUND:
The Westminster watershed is approximately 90 square miles in area and includes a
variety of urbanized areas and uses. This watershed includes the cities of Anaheim,
Stanton,Cypress, Garden Grove,Westminster, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Seal
Beach and Huntington Beach. Within the watershed the Bolsa Chica flood control
channel drains to Anaheim Bay and Huntington Harbour. This channel lies completely
within the City of Seal Beach and,therefore, creates a vital interest for the City to
participate in the Westminster feasibility study. Anaheim Bay,which is completely
within the City of Seal Beach, is on the 303 (d)impaired water body list for metals,
pathogens, and pesticides. This study will help address projects that could help remove
that designation. It is the goal of the watershed study:
• To reduce the concentrations of metals, pathogens and pesticides and restore the
beneficial uses designated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board
• Increase public recreation opportunities in Sunset Marina
• Reduce shoaling impacts in Anaheim Bay
• Reduce the presence of exotic/invasive aquatic plants
AGENDA ITEM I
The cost of the feasibility study is $2,500,000, and that is to be divided equally between
the Federal government and local agencies. At this time, the County is preparing different
methods to allocate the local agency share. Staff will return with a cost sharing agreement
and Council can then determine whether or not to participate in the study.
The Coyote/Carbon Creek Watersheds are in both Orange and Los Angeles County and
immediately north of the Westminster watershed. These watersheds drain 165 square
miles of mostly highly urbanized development that includes residential, commercial and
industrial uses. Ultimately, these watersheds drain to the San Gabriel River and impacts
the beaches of Seal Beach. The Regional Water Quality Control Board is proposing to
have the City beach from 1st Street to the Pier added to the 303 (d) list for coliform.
Clearly the City is impacted by what occurs upstream of the City limits and needs to help
shape the improvements that may come from the Army Corps of Engineer study. A
sample of the goals for the watershed study that will benefit Seal Beach are:
• Improve the aesthetics conditions in the flood control channels
• Improve beach nourishment opportunities from sources in the Coyote Creek
watershed
• Reduce concentrations of ammonia and coliforms in the Coyote Creek watershed
The Coyote Creek feasibility study will cost $2,000,000 with a 50-50 split between the
Federal government and local agencies. Staff will return to City Council with a cost
sharing agreement once the methodology is determined on local sharing. At that time the
City can determine whether or not to participate.
Both feasibility studies are long-term studies that will take seven to eight years from the
beginning of the study to start of construction. The Westminster and Coyote Creek •
studies are not anticipated to implement improvements until July 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution_supporting the Army Corps of Engineers watershed feasibility
studies for Coyote/Carbon Creek and Westminster Watersheds.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Resolution supporting the Army Corps of Engineers feasibility studies
B. Watershed Maps for Westminster and Coyote/Carbon Creek