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HomeMy WebLinkAbout18 - Newport Bay/San Diego Creek Watershed Feasibility StudyFebruary 22, 1999 Agenda Item No. 18 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL February 22, 1999 TO: Mayor & Members of the City Council FROM: Norma Glover, Member Newport Bay Executive Watershed Committee RE: Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Feasibility Study The City of Newport Beach is actively involved in numerous projects, plans and studies designed to improve water quality, habitat or navigation in Upper and Lower Newport Bay. The public is familiar with some of these projects, such as the Unit 3 Dredging Project and the dredging of the channel near the Nautical Museum. However, the public may be unaware of many other important projects and the incredible amount of time, money and effort spent in developing plans and specifications, applying for various permits and approvals and obtaining funding from the Legislature and Congress. I have asked staff to prepare a graphic that depicts and /or describes these projects and plans (Exhibit A). The Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Feasibility Study (Study) is one of the most important projects. This Study will serve as a "general plan" to help guide decision makers and will evaluate possible projects in the watershed that could prevent pollutants from entering Newport Bay or could restore valuable habitat. I have attached a portion of the final draft of the Project Study Plan (PSP) for your information (Exhibit B). This Study will take approximately two (2) years to complete and is estimated to cost $2,337,000. The cost of the Study will be shared equally by the Army Corps of Engineers and the public and private entities that make up the Executive Watershed Committee. The City of Newport Beach share of the cost of the Study is estimated to be a total of $80,000 over the next two (2) fiscal years. The Orange county Board of Supervisors has indicated its willingness to act as the lead public agency and coordinate cost sharing agreements with other members of the Executive Watershed Committee. The Harbor Quality Committee and other community groups strongly support this project. I am recommending the City Council take the following action: 1. Approve in concept the final draft of the PSP; 2. Confirm the City's intent to enter into a cost sharing agreement that equitably distributes the local funding share among public entities in the watershed; and 3. Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors, the Executive Watershed Committee and the Army Corps of Engineers advising of this action. Nay" C e-av L 44ORMA GLOVER Member of the City Council Chair of the Harbor Quality Committee F:\cat\shared\burn\watershedccmemo02l799.doc 2 I Q H S Q F Q U) W 0 cc am 0 a W z _ m ^ ^ON c.E yOiN� o oyO Eaa A2- Amrym`m�a�c HM, j�ln° nT� '" v y Omli Wmm �m ? m EC2F JFO` 0 t/1 TE nu'4�'�uo N Ira pN �4 C1 A o cUII m2y �Nm w m a E 7 m p nE Ey Bm u W L O c C yEAC� Q ; 1� ;mom -11 qdplpk az -11 qdplpk Newport Bay /San Diego Creek tt'atershed Study Project Studv Plan INTRODUCTION Final Draft Revised January 14, 1999 The Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed has undergone many changes since the first Spanish settlers arrived, but none more obvious than the impacts related to decades of urban growth. Since the end of World War II, commercial and residential development has replaced open space and agricultural lands. By the late 1960's, development had significantly altered the landscape, increasing the size and number of channels that drained into Newport Bay. The impacts of construction and the new storm flow drainage systems were not widely recognized until the storms of 1969 deposited tremendous volumes of sediment in Newport Bay. Business joined government in seeking potential solutions to the newly evident problems of sediment scour and deposition. Basins were constructed in foothills, channels, and the bay to control sedimentation. The urbanization of the watershed continues today, with more growth planned for the forseeable future. Once stable channels have significantly eroded. More severe winter storm seasons, such as the El Nino winter of 1997 -98, have tested the stability of the channels in the watershed. In that year alone, several hundred thousand cubic yards of material deposited in the bay and watershed channel basins were filled to capacity. Channel erosion, including incising and loss of bank slopes, were clearly evident along Serrano Creek an other tributaries to the bay. For years, there have also been concerns about the declining water quality in the watershed and bay. Regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Corps. and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board ( RWQCB) are more actively enforcing water quality standards in the watershed and bay. EPA and the RWQCB have implemented phased Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) for the watershed and bay. Local governments are finding it more difficult and expensive to try to independently comply with multiple agency water quality requirements. Private property owners and cities are also adversely affected by upstream and downstream construction. Large developments have increased surface runoff, and improved channels carry storm flows at much higher velocities, resulting in becater downstream channel scour and erosion. Habitats for many species are also disappearing and remaining habitats are being isolated because new construction has cut off long -used wildlife condors. Many times residents are not aware of new projects until too late, because developers and regulatory agencies do not effectively notify the public. The public has become increasingly vocal about the dwindling natural resources in the Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed, and they want a say in future watershed issues before it is too late. Progress has been made in the preservation of open space for sensitive species or habitats. Committees, organizations and small groups have been formed to address multiple watershed and bay problems. Hundreds of studies have been completed since the 1960's to address a variety of problems in the watershed and bay. The projects constructed according to some of these study recommendations have had varying degrees of success because urban growth has continued so rapidly. The Corps has been actively involved in a two- phased, cost - shared study effort at Newport Bay since the early 1990's. The current ecosystem restoration feasibility study is nearing completion, and will address restoration measures for the Upper Bay. In 1998, the Corps was requested to prepare a reconnaissance report for the Newport Bay /San Diego Creek watershed. This Project Study Plan (PSP) is a product of that stud}, and is the plan of action for a more detailed, cost - shared feasibility study. The Corps will PA Newport Bav /San Diego Creek fatershed Study Project Study Plan Final Draft Revised Jamtaty 14, 1999 work with the study sponsor, Orange County Public Facilities and Resources Department (OCPFRD), in preparing products that compliment ongoing watershed study efforts. The purpose of the watershed feasibility study will be to develop an integrated "watershed management plan" (the PLAN) to maintain, restore and enhance activities that contribute to a healthy watershed and bay. The Corps will work with the Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee ( NBWEC) and Management Committee ( NBWMC) to coordinate study activities. Both committees are represented by resource managers, regulators. political entities, developers, and the public. The NBWMC will be used as the "umbrella" organization for this study and other watershed affairs to provide open communication. and coordination for all members and to avoid duplication of efforts. The PSP is a living document and will be revised based on changed conditions and results of other study efforts. The Corps will provide comprehensive tools to assist managers in making decisions that affect the future of the watershed and bay. It is intended that these tools benefit the decision makers long after the completion of the study. Models will be developed to address hydrologic, hydraulic and sediment transport functions in the watershed. These models will be linked to Orange County's Geographic Information System (G1S) so that they can be used to look at different restoration measures, or at impacts resulting from proposed future land use changes. Several preliminary sites have been selected to investigate the potential for site specific restoration projects. These "spin -off' studies will be investigated at a reconnaissance level for this study. If there is strong interest in pursuing any of these measures, and a willing cost - sharing partncr is identified, a scparate site - specific PSP will be developed and implemented. Current channel and basin maintcnance activities will be rcvicwcd to recommend potcntial improvements in currcnt activitics, from a comprchcnsive watershcd approach, to optimize trapping and erosion control activitics near the sourcc of the problcros. Environmcntal survcys will be conducted to map rcmaining riparian habitats along strcam corridors and to support restoration mcasures. A comprchcnsive, joint programmatic Environmcntal Impact Statcment(Environmcntal Impact Rcport (EIS/EIR) will be dcvclopcd to providc information for use in dcciding on future restoration or dcvelopmcnt activitics. The modcls bcing dcvclopcd will indircctly assist in addressing some of the TMDL objcctives by idcntifying how cffcctivc the currcnt scdimcnt control facilitics are, and what may happen in the futurc if new structural or non - structural facilities are constructcd, or if maintenance activities are modificd. Spin -off studies, such as constructed wetlands, will also address potcntial benefits that will assist in meeting the TMDL objectives. Information on surface water quality and ground watcr quality, and the interaction of surfacc water and groundwater will be investigated for this study. The study area includes the entire watershed and bav, but study efforts will focus on the watershed since the Corps' Newport Bay feasibility study is nearing completion. Recommendations and analvses in this watershed study will address any impacts to sediment transport, water quality, or operations and maintenance activities within the bay. This cost - shared study is estimated to take 29 months to complete at a total cost of $2,337,000. Some of the costs will be offset by the contribution of in -kind services from Orange County. ii 9 E E _ v L a 3:� 6` LD Lr I '\ y y� 8.a v d \,\`4,4 1 �. y \ 5655£a�C `3+6�dS q Jd \ 1 / � it If �yygp i ' r i pp 1 l� Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Study Project Sntdv Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS Final Draft Revised January 14, 1999 INTRODUCTION ... ..................................................................... t STUDY AREA MAP ....................................... .............................ut LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .............. ............................... v 1. STUDY AREA ................................. ............................... 1 -1 11. BACKGROUND ................................ ............................... 2 -1 2.1 The Reconnaissance Study .................. ............................... 2 -1 2.2 Other Watershed Study Efforts .............. ............................... 2 -1 111. FEASIBILITY STUDY DESCRIPTION ............. ............................... 3 -1 3.1. Study Objectives .......................... ............................... 3 -1 3.3. "Spin -Off' Site Investigations ............... ............................... 3-4 IV. LOCAL SPONSORSHIP ......................... ............................... 4 -1 V. STUDY MILESTONES .......................... ............................... 5 -1 Vl. SCOPE OF WORK .............................. ............................... 6 -1 6.14. Plan Formulation (Subaccount 14) ............. ............................... 6 -1 6.13. Study Managemcnt: Corps /Local Sponsor (Subaccount 13) ....................... 6 -6 6.1. Coordination and Public lnvolvcmcnt (Subaccount 01) .......................... 6 -8 6.2. Institutional Studics (Subaccount 02) ........ ............................... 6 -10 6.3. Social Studics (Subaccount 03) ............. ............................... 6 -11 6.4. Cultural Rcsourccs Studics (Subaccount 04) ... ............................... 6 -11 6.5. Environmcntal Studies (Subaccount 05) ...... ............................... 6 -12 6.6. Fish and Wildlifc Studies (Subaccount 06) .... ............................... 6 -15 6.7. Economic Studies (Subaccount 07) .......... ............................... 6 -16 6.8. Surveying and Mapping (Subaccount 08) ..... ............................... 6 -19 6.9. Hydrology, Hydraulics, Sedimentation, and Groundwatcr Investigations (Subaccount 09) ............. ..................:............ 6 -22 6.10. Geotechnical Investigations (Subaccount 10) .. ............................... 6 -31 6.11. Design and Cost Estimates (Subaccount 11) ... ............................... 6 -32 6.12. Real Estate Studies (Subaccount 12) ......... ............................... 6 -33 6.22. Regulatory (Subaccount 22) ................ ............................... 6 -33 6.15. Report Preparation (Subaccount 15) ......... ............................... 6 -34 6.16. Programs and Project Management (Subaccount 16) ........................... 6 -34 6.17. Quality Control and Review (Subaccount 17) .. ............................... 6 -35 6.18. Contingencies (Subaccount 18) ............. ............................... 6 -38 6.23. "Spin- Off' PSP Costs .................... ............................... 6 -38 V11. STUDY COST SUMMARY ....................... ............................... 7 -1 VIII. DETAILED COST BREAKDOWN ................. ............................... 8 -1 IX. STUDY SCHEDULE ............................ ............................... 9 -1 iv Newport Bw /San Diego Creek Watershed Study Final Draft Project Study Plan Revised Jemuary 14, 1999 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS APE Area of Potential Effect ASA Assistant Secretary of the Army CDFG California Department of Fish and Game CEQA California Environmental Quality Agency CESPL OM Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division, LA District, Operations Manual COE United States Army Corps of Engineers COE -LAD United States Army Corps of Engineers- Los Angeles District Corps United States Army Corps of Engineers EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement (addresses NEPA compliance) EIR Environmental Impact Report (addresses CEQA compliance) EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FCSA Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement GIS Geographic Information System HEC -1 Hydrologic Engineering Center - Flood Hydrograph Package Computer Program HEC -2 Hydrologic Engineering Center - Water Surface Profiles Computer Program HEC -HMS Hydrologic Engineering Center - Hydrologic Modeling System HEC -RAS Hydrologic Engineering Center - River Analysis System HEP Habitat Evaluation Procedure HGM Hydro - Geomorphic Method HQUSACE Hcadquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HTRW Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Wasted IRWD Irvine Ranch Water District LIS Land Information System MCAS Marine Corps Air Station MOA Mcmorandum of Agreement NBWEC Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee NBWMC Ncwport Bay Watershcd Management Committee NCCP /HCP Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan NEPA National Environmental Protection Act 0 &M Operations and Maintenance OCPFRD Orange County Public Facilities & Resources Department OMB Office of Management and Budget PCA Project Cooperation Agreement PF &RD (Orange County) Public Facilities and Resources Department PSP Project Study Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Plan RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board SAM Sediment Analysis Module SAMP Special Area Management Plan SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board SMAC Study Management Advisory Committee SPD South Pacific Division SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board TIC The Irvine Company TMDL Total Maximum Dailv Loads USFWS U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service �2 Newport Bav/San Diego Creek Watershed Studv Final Draft Project Studv Plan Revised January 14, 1999 I. STUDY AREA The Newport Bay watershed is located along the southern California coast, approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles and 75 miles north of San Diego. The watershed encompasses an area of approximately 98,500 acres (154 square miles), with overland flows draining toward the Pacific coast into Newport Bay. Major cities within the watershed include Newport Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and portions of Orange. Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana (see study map). The watershed has been rapidly urbanizing over the last two decades, with large tracts of agricultural land being transformed into commercial and residential uses. Other land uses include light industrial, county and state open spaces, and federal properties. Two large military facilities are also situated within the study area and are scheduled for closure. These are the El Toro and Tustin Marine Corps Air Stations. The principle watercourse of the Newport Bay watershed is San Diego Creek, which accounts for 78,080 acres (122 square miles), or about 80% of the Newport Bay watershed area. The other drainage areas include the Santa Ana -Delhi channel, Big Canyon and some additional small tributaries. All of the channels empty into Newport Bay, a coastal estuary of local, state and Federal significance that is home to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (UMBER). Most of the general erosion and sediment transport issues identified in the PSP address the San Diego Creek watershed area. Water quality data collection and potential ecosystem restoration opportunities address the entire Newport Bay watershed. 1 -1 /5 Newport Bay /San Diego Creek fVatershed Study Project Study Plan II. BACKGROUND 2.1 The Reconnaissance Study Final Draft Revised January 14, 1999 The Newport Bay Watershed 905(b) Reconnaissance Study was conducted by the Corps of Engineers to review and assess past and current activities and trends within the watershed, and to identify opportunities for addressing river management issues from a basin -wide perspective. Issue areas briefly investigated included hydrology, hydraulics, flooding, river geomorphology, erosion, sedimentation, land use, geology, soils, water quality, groundwater, vegetation, endangered specie's, and cultural resources. The study identified opportunities for the development of an integrated watershed management plan (the PLAN) comprising a range of inter - related disciplines currently addressed separately by local, state, and federal agencies. The Reconnaissance Study also identified opportunities for multiple -use projects within the watershed that could become critical structural elements of the PLAN, and would provide environmental restoration and water quality benefits associated with watershed streams and the Bay. 2.2 Other Watershed Study Efforts "Scrrano Creek Watershed Studv", by the City of Lake Forest provides a general crcek restoration plan to address severe channel erosion. "San Diego Crcek Watcrshed Enhanccment Plan ", EPA wetlands grant to the California Coastal Conscrvancy, cstimatcd 1998 -1999. The purpose is to develop a comprehensive watcrshcd cnhanccmcnt plan, cspecially for the lower creek, which addresses sedimentation, watcr quality problcros, habitat restoration, and rccrcation. The focus of the plan will be on developing and rccommcnding spccific actions to enhance the creek and its resources. " Upper Newport Bay - San Diego Creek Water Quality Planning Initiative ", EPA/S WRCB 205j Grant, Septcmber estimated 1998 -1999. The purpose is to support watershed cnhancement actions by creating and maintaining a central repository of watershed information, conducting watcrshcd studies, implementing an Evaluation Monitoring Program, and establishing a stakcholder group to facilitate watershed enhancement actions. As part of this report, Orange County has prepared an annotated bibliography of available information and has a central information repository with over 280 documents at the University of California - Irvine Library. This is a key resource in dctcrmining what data is alreadv available. "Upper Newport Bay Water Qualitv Enhancement Project ", EPA/SWRCB 319 Grant. 1998 - 2000. The purpose is to reduce or eliminate vegetative and urban trash debris in the watershed and thereby reduce or eliminate aquatic life toxicity from these sources. "Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) for Sediments, Nutrients, and Toxics and Pathogens for the Upper Newport Bav - San Diego Creek Watershed ", EPA 1998. The purpose is to reduce or ? -1 I'd Newport Bw /San Diego Creek JVatershed Study Final Draft Project Study Plan Revised danuary 14, 1999 eliminate water quality problems in the creek and Bay and to protect the beneficial uses of these receiving. "Natural Community Conservation Plan & Habitat Conservation Plan, NCCP/HCP, joint programmatic EIR/EIS, and implementation agreement", Orange County Environmental Management Agency (now OCPRRD), 1996. The Corps - Los Angeles District is currently developing a Scope of Work for a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) for aquatic and riparian resources in Orange County. The work will build on the past accomplishments of the NCCP and previous planning efforts. 15 Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Studv Project Study Plan III. FEASIBILITY STUDY DESCRIPTION 3.1. Study Objectives Final Draft RevisedJanutay 14. 1999 Watershed goals previously identified by the watershed management committee are also expected to be partially or wholly addressed through the Corps feasibility study process. They include: • Reducing sedimentation and erosion • Improving water quality • Assuring flood protection • Enhancing terrestrial and aquatic habitat • Protecting sensitive species • Improving the quality of life through education, recreation and aesthetic opportunities. The general objectives and study products of the watershed management plan are: a) A comprehensive update of hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment (yield and transport) models for a range of flow rates for existing conditions and future conditions within the San Diego Creek watershed. b) A comprchensivc programmatic cnvironmcntal document to assist in futurc watcrshcd managcmcnt. This includcs idcntification of the environmental resourccs (.kcy spccics and habitat typcs) that should be restorcd, enhanced or sustaincd to insure a wcll- functioning watcrshcd supporting a wide divcrsity of plants and animal species. c) Invcstigation of sitc- spccific cnvironmental restoration, sediment control, and crosion control opportunitics within the Newport Bay watershed. Prioritize altemativcs in the evcnt that funding is not fully available. d) Evaluation of ground water and surface water interactions and identification of the relationship to environmental conditions in Newport Bay watershed and the Bay. Idcntify the water quality parameters, and actions necessary to preserve existing natural resources and enhance or sustain the diversity and quality of species and habitat types cssential to a healthy, well - functioning watershed. e) Identification of actions and programs that can be implemented by Federal, statc and local agencies that can help fund or implement solutions to water quality problems within the context of continued development of the watershed. 0 Establishment of a website and periodical newsletter for information regarding watershed and bay activities. 3 -1 Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Studv Final Draft Project Study Plan Revised January 14, 1999 3.2 Study Products Section VI of the PSP describes the studies that define the existing conditions of the watershed, and studies necessary to formulate opportunities for improving watershed management and restoration measures. The organization of the PSP is consistent with the requirements of the Corps; listing study activities under their "code of accounts" for the various study activities. These accounts include: 01- Public Involvement 04- CulturalRes. Studies 07- Economic Studies 09b- Hydraulic Studies 11- Design & Cost Estimates 14 -Plan Formulation 17- Quality Control & Review 02- Institutional Studies 05- Environmental Studies 08- Surveying and Mapping 09c- Sedimentation Studies 12 -Real Estate Studies 15- Report Preparation 18- Contingencies 03- Social Studies 06 -Fish & Wildlife Studies 09a- Hydrologic Studies 10- Geotech nical Imestigations 13 -Study Management 16- Programs & Project Mgt. 22- Regulatory Studies The watershed study will generate key technical data, improving the knowledge base necessary for resource managers to make informed watershed investment decisions and identifying specific opportunities (restoration projects, regulatory modifications, educational plans) to improve watershed health. Development of the following information will be pursued: A comprehensive update ofhydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment (yield and transport) models for a range offow rates for existing conditions and fulure conditions within the Newport Bay watershed Existing conditions will includc the rcccntly installcd flood control or drainage facilitics. For the futurc condition, the modeling will includc proposcd land use changcs, any additional flood control or sediment control facilities, and the effects on the dclivery of sediment to Newport Bay. Operations and maintcnancc (0 &M) of sedimcnt control facilitics will be invcstigated through the use of the modcls to see if therc are opportunitics to improvc sedimcnt trapping abilities within the watershcd through modification of 0 &M activities (i.e. a non - structural approach). Potential cnvironmcntal restoration sites will be investigatcd at several sites within the watershed. Multi -use alternatives will be considered to maximize the benefits for the greatest number of stakeholders. For example, some of the sitcs may also provide sediment control benefits in addition to restoration. Those potential benefits will also be investigated using the models. • Any potential modification of sediment delivery to the Bay and the effects on the Bay will be documented. It is assumed that improved sediment trapping would only result in changes to the frequency of 0 &M activities within the Bay for the in -Bay basin(s) being investigated as part of the ongoing Newport Bay feasibility study. 3 -2 11 Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Studv Project Study Plan Final Draft Revised January 14, 1999 The hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment yield and transport models (generated under Subaccounts 6.9.A - Hydrology, 93 - Hydraulics, and 9.0 - Sedimentation) will benefit the ongoing TMDL process by generating updated baseline data that will allow for a more accurate assessment of the sediment and water quality related problems. The models will also provide a detailed technical basis for the design and evaluation of multi -use restoration sites for reduction of sediment and nutrients. The provisions for monitoring and maintenance under Subaccount 6.9C (Sedimentation) include a number of the program elements proposed by Orange County for compliance with the TMDUs. 2. Assessment ofsurface water quality as it affects environmental needs and recreational users. Data regarding temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, depth, water movement criteria, sediment loading and other components of water quality within the watershed and Bay will be collected and analyzed to determine what constituents are constraining to environmental resources and recreational activities. The water quality data collected under Subaccount 6.5 - Environmental Studies, will be used in development of cost effective, upper watershed (and bay) treatment measures that benefit the TMDL process by controlling excessive sediment, nutrients, pathogens and toxic substances on a regional basis. The measures will be combined with environmental restoration projects where feasible. 3. Evaluation ofground water and surface water interaction and the relationship to environmental conditions in the Bay. Study groundwater and surface water interactions, contaminant issues, feasibility of groundwater dilution and other issues. Determine methods to improve quality of inflow and in -situ water. The collected data under Subaccount 6.9.1) - Groundwater Studies can be used to assess the groundwater contribution of nutrients, toxics, and pathogens to the Bay, and thus benefits the TMDL process. Groundwater draining to the surface is also a potential water source for habitat restoration projects. 4. Evaluation of riparian habitat. Conduct landscape scale biologic evaluation to characterize the existing riparian habitat along the major streams within the watershed, and determine the locations of particularly high habitat value and diversity of habitat types. Study riparian condor needs. Study relationship with existing channel network. Determine suitability of existing surface water for habitat, wildlife and aquatic species. Identify opportunities for in- channel restoration that is compatible with flood control objectives. The habitat data generated under Subaccount 6.5 - Environmental Studies will be used in conjunction with data from previous and ongoing studies to locate and design site specific multiple use restoration projects Develop opportunities for improving sediment detention, flood protection and water supply for environmental restoration. Study modification of existing detention facilities, new basins, and re- operation of existing reservoirs. Perform economic evaluation and tradeoff analysis of project performance. The reservoir operations data collected under Subaccount 6.9.A - Hydrology, and 6.9.0 - Sedimentation will be used to determine if additional fine sediment can be trapped in a cost - effective manner, thus reducing the fine grain 3 -3 �Z Newpon Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Study Project Study Plan Final Draft Revised January 14. 1999 contribution to the Bay. Channel stability analyses under 6.9.0 will consider the fine grained contribution from stream bank erosion downstream of the basins. 6. Update recreation needs assessment and user opportunities. Study recreational constraints and opportunities. Data collected under Subaccount 6.5 - Environmental and Subaccount 6.7 - Economics will be used to assess the needs, opportunities, and costs associated with recreation. Earlv identification of recreational features for existing and planned water resource projects will increase the likelihood of inclusion. . Improve public awareness of watershed issues by developing a website and periodical newsletter for the watershed and bay, encouraging community education programs, and assisting in the development of river restoration oriented science curriculum guidelines for local schools and volunteer groups. Public awareness is addressed under Subaccount 6.1 - Public Involvement. The technical, institutional, and social data collected and generated in the study is integrated under Subaccount 6.14 - Plan Formulation. The baseline condition (existing and future without project) is defined. Project alternatives are generated, evaluated and refined in an iterative process. The with - project condition for each alternative is compared against the baseline, and the benefits, costs and trade offs are determined. The recommended watershed plan, which will include both management practices and construction projects will be selected andjustified on clearly defined criteria. 3.3. "Spin -Off" Site Investigations During the development of the PLAN, specific sites within the watershed will be investigated for restoration purposes. Elcvcn "spin -off' sites have been identified during the reconnaissance study, and arc listed in Scction VII, 6. l4, Plan Formulation of the PSP. Site locations arc shown on the study map. Some sites may be deleted, or additional sites added, during the course of the feasibility study based on more detailed investigations. Time and costs associated with the spin -off sites arc based on investigation of eleven sites. Study costs will be adjusted accordingly if the number of sites change. A reconnaissance -level investigation of the spin -off sites will be included as part of the baseline studies, and will provide enough information for decisions in regards to initiating spin -off feasibility studies. Recommendations regarding Federal involvement in implementable projects at these sites will also be determined through this study. If a specific project(s) can be identified for implementation under an existing Corps authority, then a spin -off feasibility study will be undertaken and cost - shared with the appropriate local sponsor(s). At the F3 Milestone (see Section V. Milestones) potential spin -off studies will be identified. By the F4 Milestone, individual PSP's for each spin -off study will be completed. The watershed feasibility study will document the initial results of site specific investigations, and the impacts of construction the sites on the watershed and bay (i.e. additional sediment trapping, water quality improvements, etc...) 3 -4 P Newport Bay /San Diego Creek Watershed Study Project Studv Plan Final Draft Revised danuary 14, 1999 The spin -off feasibility reports will include the appropriate level of site specific planning and engineering detail (i.e., engineering appendices, real estate appendix, NEPA documentation) necessary to implement the proposed project. This will allow decision makers to complete the appropriate technical and policy review, and will provide a report that can become the basis for congressional authorization of a specific project. Projects that are part of the watershed management plan, but fall outside of the Corps mission, can be implemented by other interested local, state, and federal agencies. The watershed management plan and products generated under this Project Study Plan are not intended to produce an implementation document for authorization by Congress. Rather, the study will provide a decision making framework within which specific structural projects, non - structural projects, and local activities will be identified, and additional, site specific, spin -off studies may be recommended for implementation. The watershed management plan will be the overall blueprint for watershed improvement activities. 3 -5 Q-01 Newport BawSan Diego Creek Watershed Study Project Study Plan IV. LOCAL SPONSORSHIP Final Draft Revised January 14, 1999 A number of public agencies and community groups have indicated strong support and a willingness to contribute resources (funding and in -kind services) to the feasibility phase of this watershed study. During the course of the feasibility study, the County of Orange will act as the lead agency, facilitating local communication among the multiple partners, and ensuring that all partnering requirements with the Corps are met. A Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) will be executed between the County and the Corps. Concurrently, the County will enter into separate, individual agreements with the other local agencies for cost - recovery and in -kind support for the study. The Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee (NBWEC) for the Newport Bay watershed has been established. The NBWEC, formerly the sediment executive committee, had initially been formed in the 1980's, during the implementation of the "208" sediment control plan for the San Diego Creek watershed and Newport Bay. This executive committee has expanded their role within the watershed and has invited new representatives to participate in watershed related activities. The executive committee directs the Newport Bay Watershed Management Committee (NBWMC). The NBWMC will also serve as the Study Management Committee (SMC) for this feasibility study. The NBWMC is the focal point for all ongoing watershed efforts and is represented by Orange County, cities within the watershed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Corps, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), the Coastal Conservancy, water districts, and several special interest groups. The NBWMCISMC will provide a forum for local agencies to have direct input into the management, direction and progress of the study. More detail on the role of this committee is discussed under the Study Management portion of this PSP. The other public and private agencies indicating a willingness to provide support for this study arc: City of Newport Beach Coastal Conscrvancv City of Tustin The Irvine Company City of Irvine Irvine Ranch Water District City of Lake Forest Orange County Water District City of Costa Mesa Regional Water Quality Control Board J -1 a -I