HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - REGIONAL WATER MGMT PLAN (11)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item: 7
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
March 25, 2014
J
Travis Lange
ADOPT RESOLUTION TO ADOPT UPDATED INTEGRATED
REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Public Works
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council adopt resolution to adopt the updated Integrated Regional Water Management Plan.
BACKGROUND
Since 2002, watershed areas are eligible for state water bond grants if they develop and
implement an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. The purpose of the Integrated
Regional Water Management Plan is for local agencies to work together and create balanced
water priorities and solve water issues regionally. The Integrated Regional Water Management
Plan considers water supply, water demand, water quality, flood protection, and resource
stewardship in their objectives and in prioritizing water projects locally.
The City of Santa Clarita (City) Open Space and Conservation chapter of the General Plan
includes support of the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan in objective CO 4.2.
Specifically, policy CO 4.2.5 states "Participate and cooperate with other agencies to complete,
adopt, and implement an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan to build a diversified
portfolio of water supply, water quality, and resource stewardship priorities for the Santa Clarita
Valley."
In 2008, agencies and stakeholders in the upper Santa Clara River Watershed developed an
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. New regulations adopted by the California
Department of Water Resources since the City Council approved the original plan in July 2008
require the goals and objectives to be revised. The revisions include an updated list of proposed
projects and new sections not required in 2008. This update allows the upper Santa Clara River
region to continue eligibility to apply for future state water grants and allows invoices by
stakeholders of previously approved projects to continue. Any delay past April 10, 2014, for
adoption would affect current reimbursement of grant funding for stakeholders.
h ioed: Igo I� os
The Integrated Regional Water Management Plan is managed by the Regional Water
Management Group, which was formed by memorandum of understanding in 2008. This group
includes the following members:
• City of Santa Clarita
• Castaic Lake Water Agency
• Santa Clarita Water Division
• Newhall County Water District
• Valencia Water Company
• Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District of Los Angeles County
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
• San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
The Regional Water Management Group hosts regular meetings for a Stakeholder Advisory
Group and invites a large and diverse group of organizations and agencies to discass issues
pertinent to the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. The regularly participating
stakeholders list is attached to this report.
The update to the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan was initiated in 2012. The
Regional Water Management Group, with Castaic Lake Water Agency acting as contract
manager, hired a consultant to evaluate and update the document. Each section was updated and
sent to the Regional Water Management Group for comments. The sections were then revised
based on those comments and returned to the Stakeholder Advisory Group for their comment.
The final output of the process is the adoption of the updated Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan. Newhall County Water District adopted the plan on February 13, 2014.
Valencia Water Company adopted the plan February 11, 2014. The Castaic Lake Water Agency
adopted the plan on February 26, 2014. The other members will adopt on future dates. On
March 27, 2014, the Regional Water Management Group will hold a hearing on the updated
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan consistent with the guidelines from the California
Department of Water Resources. As a condition of the grant agreements signed with the
Department of Water Resources, the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan must be
updated using the new 2012 guidelines within two years of signing the agreement. The
significant state requirements included a new section on climate change, new standards for
governance, and additional information on the project review process and the plan relation to
local water planning efforts. All members of the Regional Water Management Group and any
entities that have received grant funds are required by the Department of Water Resources grant
agreement to adopt the updated Integrated Regional Water Management Plan by April 10, 2014,
which is two years after the grant agreement was signed. If a member of the Regional Water
Management Group does not adopt the updated plan, according to the grant agreement with the
Department of Water Resources, it could also require project costs already reimbursed in the
Upper Santa Clara River area to be paid back.
The Regional Water Management Group for the Upper Santa Clara River received two grants
from the California Department of Water Resources Proposition 84 program, a planning grant for
$266,250, and an implementation grant for $6,931,000. Projects funded by these grants include
the support for updating the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, moving a sewer line
n�-
out of the river, expanding recycled water transmission pipes, and water efficiency programs. The
City received $333,325 to continue the arundo and tamarisk removal from the Santa Clara River,
and the project is currently underway. On February 4, 2014, the California Department of Water
Resources approved the Regional Water Management Group grant application for an additional
$7,006,481. Since 2008, the City has spent $68,175 on jointly funding consultants to update the
document, grant matching requirements, and grant application preparation. The City has already
been awarded $333,325 in grant funds. The most recent approval will provide the City with an
additional $350,000 in grant funds, which brings the City total to $683,325. Also, the community
group, Bouquet Canyon Network, will receive $72,225 through City support of their grant
proposal to remove invasive plants.
The grant application includes projects for water conservation, improving and expanding water
supply pipelines, the initial phase of a pellet water -softening project that will reduce the need for
salt -based water softening, an automatic water softener rebate and public outreach program, and
removal of arundo and tamarisk from Bouquet Canyon Creek and San Francisquito Creek.
Sewage treatment ultraviolet disinfection to reduce chloride is a project within the Integrated
Regional Water Management Plan eligible for future grant cycles.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Without adoption, the City and the region could be ineligible for future State of California water
grants, and current grant support could be suspended.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Regularly Participating Stakeholder List
Notice of Exemption
Public Hearing Notice
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan 2008 and 2014 available in the City Clerk's
Reading File
Redline Version of IRWMP 2008 to 2013 available in the City Clerk's Reading File
3
RESOLUTION 14-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE UPDATED INTEGRATED
REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, in 2002, the California legislature enacted Division 6, Part 2.2, of the
California Water Code, known as the Integrated Regional Water Management Planning Act of
2002 ("Act") for, among other things, the purpose of encouraging local agencies to work together
to manage their available water supplies and to improve the quality, quantity, and availability of
those supplies; and
WHEREAS, the Act encourages local agencies of different types to join together to form
a Regional Water Management Group to address water supply, quantity, quality and resource
stewardship issues in their areas; and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2008, the City of Santa Clarita approved Resolution 08-78 to
approve the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the Upper Santa Clara River
Watershed; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains
Conservancy joined the Regional Water Management Group and signed the Memorandum of
Understanding; and
WHEREAS, the Regional Water Management Group, of which the City of Santa Clarita
is a member, has developed a proposed Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the
Upper Santa Clara River, and pursuant thereto published notice of the group's intention to adopt
such a plan in accordance with the requirements of the Act; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan was developed through a comprehensive stakeholder process; and
WHEREAS, California Department of Water Resources and State legislators have
established program guidelines for the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan through
Proposition 84 and Proposition lE (2012 Guidelines); and
WHEREAS, the Regional Water Management Group for the Upper Santa Clara River
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Region has developed the 2014 Updated Integrated
Regional Water Management Plan to address the provisions of the 2012 Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, adopting the 2014 Updated Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
will enable participants in the Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management
Plan Region, including the City of Santa Clarita, to apply for future grant funding under various
grant programs including Proposition 84 and Proposition IE; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita General Plan Open Space and Conservation chapter
includes policy CO 4.2.5, which states "Participate and cooperate with other agencies to
complete, adopt, and implement an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan to build a
diversified portfolio of water supply, water quality, and resource stewardship priorities for the
51
Santa Clarita Valley."
WHEREAS, the 2012 Guidelines require the governing bodies of member agencies of the
Regional Water Management Groups, as well as proponents of projects included in the Integrated
Regional Water Management Plan grant funding proposals to adopt an updated Integrated
Regional Water Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, to date, the California Department of Water Resources has awarded the
Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Region seven million one
hundred and ninety-seven thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($7,197,250) in grant funding to
implement 10 regionally significant water resources management planning and implementation
projects and has recommended the award of an additional seven million six thousand four
hundred eighty-one dollars ($7,006,481) for 7 more projects as part of Round 2 implementation
grant funding.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita does hereby resolve as
follows:
SECTION 1. The Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
is determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Sections 15262 and 15306 of the State CEQA Guidelines, since it involves only a conceptual
plan associated with feasibility and planning studies for possible future actions, as well as basic
data collection and resource evaluation activities, which do not result in a serious or major
disturbance to an environmental resource.
SECTION 2. The City of Santa Clarita City Council adopts the 2014 Updated Upper
Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management Plan.
SECTION 3. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to take any and all actions
necessary to approve the 2014 Updated Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan (on behalf of the City of Santa Clarita for the Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan and the Regional Water Management Group).
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of 2014.
000136
INTERIM CITY CLERK
2
MAYOR
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA)
I, Arming Chaparyan, Interim City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at
a regular meeting thereof, held on the
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
day of 2014, by the following vote:
INTERIM CITY CLERK
I
USCR IRWMP STAKEHOLDERS
*Regular participants in 2014 Update are highlighted
Stakeholder Mission Statement
Municipal and county Government Agencies
City of Santa Clarita To deliver the best and most cost-efficient municipal service to
the citizens and City Council of Santa Clarita.
County of Ventura To provide public infrastructure, services, and support so that all
residents have the opportunity to achieve a high quality of life
and enjoy the benefits of a healthy economy.
Los Angeles County
To provide public infrastructure and municipal services to protect
Department of Public
and enrich the daily lives of over ten million people in Los
Works (LACDPW)
Angeles County.
Los Angeles County
To support the Board of Supervisors in serving the people of Los
Supervisor's Office
Angeles County.
Los Angeles County
To improve the quality of life through innovative and resourceful
Department of
physical and environmental planning, balancing individual rights
Regional Planning
and community needs.
Water Suppliers/Wastewater Management/Special Districts
CLWA A public agency providing reliable, quality water at a reasonable
cost to the Santa Clarita Valley.
LACFCD To provide for the control and conservation of the flood, storm
and other waste waters of the Flood Control District.
SCWD A public agency providing reliable, quality water at a reasonable
cost to the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCVSD To provide environmentally sound, cost-effective wastewater
management, and in the process, convert wastewater into
recycled water, a valuable water resource for the Santa Clarita
Valley.
NCW D To provide quality water service at a reasonable cost by
practicing careful stewardship of natural resources, utilizing
innovative measures, and providing a quality working
environment.
VWC To deliver a dependable supply of safe reliable water to existing
and future customers at a reasonable cost.
Business Organizations
Building Industry To promote and protect the industry to ensure our members'
Association (BIA) success in providing homes for all Southern Californians.
Newhall Land and To provide a better quality of life for those who live and work in
Farming Company the master planned communities of Valencia and Newhall
Ranch.
Atkins Environmental To be a resource for environmental, health & satety Issues. 10
provide sparkling service with professionalism, honesty, integrity,
trust, and respect. To seek to balance the demand for resources
with the needs of the community.
Recreational and Open Space Entities
Rivers and Mountains To preserve open space and habitat in order to provide for low -
Conservancy impact recreation and educational uses, wildlife habitat
restoration and protection, and watershed improvements within
our jurisdiction.
Nature Conservancy To preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities that
represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and
waters they need to survive.
Los Angeles County To provide the residents and visitors of Los Angeles County with
Department of Parks quality recreational opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle
and Recreation and strengthen the community through diverse physical,
educational, and cultural programming, and to enhance the
community environment by acquiring, developing, and
maintaining County parks, gardens, golf courses, trails, and open
space areas.
Mountains Recreation To acquire, develop, and conserve additional park and open
and Conservation space lands with special emphasis on recreation and
Authority conservation projects, the protection and conservation of
watersheds, and the development of river parkways.
Regulatory and Resource Agencies- State and Federal
California Department of To manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources,
Fish and Wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological
(CDFW) values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
California Department of
Improve mobility across California.
Transportation
(Caltrans)
California Department of
To manage the water resources of California in cooperation with
Water Resources
other agencies, to benefit the State's people, and to protect,
(DWR)
restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
Los Angeles Regional
To preserve and enhance the quality of California's water
Water Quality Control
resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Board (RWQCB)
Natural Resources
"Helping People Help the Land;' by providing products and
Conservation Service
services that enable people to be good stewards of the Nation's
(NRCS)
soil, water, and related natural resources on non -Federal lands.
US Army Corps of
To provide quality, responsive engineering services to the nation
Engineers (US ACE)
including: planning, designing, building, and operating water
Agua Dulce Town
resources and other civil works projects (Navigation, Flood
Council
Control, Environmental Protection, Disaster Response, etc.);
designing and managing the construction of military facilities for
the Army and Air Force (Military Construction); providing design
and construction management support for other Defense and
federal agencies (Support for Others).
US Fish and Wildlife
To work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish,
Service (US FWS)
wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of
the American people.
US Forest Service-
To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's
Angeles National
forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future
Forest
generations.
Non -Profit Organizations and Other Stakeholders
Acton Town Council To provide a stronger local voice in community development, and
to try to ensure the continuation of Acton's country lifestyle.
Agricultural Access
Association of Water To develop and encourage cooperation among entities for the
Agencies of Ventura development, protection, conservation and improvement of the
County total water resources for Ventura County.
Agua Dulce/Acton
To be a resource for existing, new, and future residents of the
Country Journal
Agua Dulce/Acton community.
Agua Dulce Town
To serve as a common meeting place for the free expression of
Council
all views and for the coming together of diverse opinions into a
consensus; to discuss issues concerning Agua Dulce, to invite
participation by the public, civic, and private organizations; to
serve as Agua Dulce's representatives and to speak on behalf of
the community; to review public and private proposals that may
affect the community; to neither support nor oppose any political
party or candidate.
Castaic Area Town To act as an advisory board presenting community points of view
Council to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and various
County departments such as Regional Planning, Public Works,
and Parks & Recreation.
Santa Clarita To promote, protect, and preserve the environment, ecology, and
Organization for quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Planning the
Environment
I
Santa Clarita Valley Well
Preserve our present and future water supply by working
Owners Association
together to promote sustainable water consumption by all
stakeholders in the aquifer's resource; protect our rights as
private well owners and our collective parity as stakeholders in
the management of the areas' subterranean water resources;
educate our members in matters relative to water rights, quality,
resources, historical data and any other information relevant to
owning and maintaining a private water well system; advocate on
behalf of the rights of private well owners collectively and
individually.
University of California
The welfare, development, and protection of California
Cooperative Extension
agriculture, natural resources, and people.
Ventura County
To provide assistance to help both rural and urban communities
Resource
to conserve, protect, and restore natural resources.
Conservation District
(VCRCD)
Santa Clara River
Non-profit land trust and wildlife conservation organization,
Watershed
formed to advocate for and acquire undeveloped land in the
Conservancy
Santa Clara River watershed.
ntura County
Watershed Protection
District (for WCVC)
l0
Notice of Exemption
To: County Clerk
County of Los Angeles
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
From: Castaic Lake Water Agency
27234 Bouquet Canyon Road
Canyon Country, CA 91350
Project Title: Adoption of the 2014 Updated Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management
Plan
Project Location — Specific:
Project Location — City: Santa Clarita Project Location — County: Los Angeles
Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project: Proiect is the adoption of the updated Integrated
dependent resources in the watershed
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: Castaic Lake Water Agency
Name of Person or Public Agency Carrying Out Project: _Castaic Lake Water Agency
Exempt Status: (check one)
Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268;
Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a);
Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c);
X Statutory Exemption; State type and section number: Feasibility and Planning Studies (Section
15262 of the State CEQA Guidelines)
X Categorical Exemption; State type and section number: Class 6 (Section 15306 of the State CEQA
Reason why this project is exempt: The adoption of the updated IRWMP are exempt under the provisions of
CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, since it involves only conceptual plans associated with feasibility and
planning studies for possible future actions, as well as basic data collection and resource evaluation activities
which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These activities will be
strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of studies leading to actions which a public agency has
not yet approved, adopted, or funded. Accordingly, the adopted, updated IRWMP qualities for a feasibility and
planning studies statutory exemption and a categorical exemption for information gathering purposes.
Lead Agency Contact Person: Lauren EverettWater Resources Planner
Area Code/Telephone/Extension: (661) 513-1282
Signature:
Signed by Lead Agency
Date:
Title:
r.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE/NOTICE OF INTENTION
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ADOPT UPPER SANTA CLARA RIVER INTEGRATED REGIONAL
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 27, 2014
All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard at a public hearing to be held by the Upper
Santa Clara River Regional Water Management Group (RWMG), on Thursday. March 27, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
at the Newhall County Water District, 23780 North Pine Street, Newhall, CA 91321. Consideration will be
given to the following item: adopt the Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
(IRWMP) February 2014.
PROJECT INFORMATION: The Upper Santa Clara River RWMG was formed consistent with State law as
a coalition of agencies, and consists of more than three public agencies, at least two of which have statutory
authority over water supply, water quality, flood control and storm water.
On October 17, 2011 the USCR RWMG directed the publication of a notice of intention to update a regional
plan in accordance with Section 10543 of the Water Code and Section 6066 of the Government Code, held a
public hearing making a determination to update the IRWMP on November 17, 2011, and is hereby publishing
a notice of intent to adopt the updated IRWMP [per Water Code Section 10541(c)]. As noted above, the USCR
RWMG will hold a public hearing on March 27, 2014 to consider whether or not to adopt the 2014 Updated
USCR IRWMP [per Water Code Section 10541(d)].
The public comment period on the Public Review Draft of the IRWMP is complete, and the Final
IRWMP is available on the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP website (scrwaterplan.org).
At the conclusion of the public hearing, a regular IRWMP Stakeholder meeting will take place from 2:30 to
4:00 p.m. at the same location.
For more information please contact:
Ms. Lauren Everett, Water Resources Planner
Castaic Lake Water Agency
27234 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 297-1600 x 282
e-mail at leverett@clwa.org
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Prepared by:y
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
2775 North Ventura Road, Suite 100
Oxnard, California 93036
(805)973-5700
Table of Contents
Listof Tables................................................................................................................................ ix
Listof Figures................................................................................................................................ x
Listof Appendices........................................................................................................................ xi
Section1: Introduction...............................................................................1-1
1.1
Introduction to the Region...................................................................1-1
1.1.1 IRWMP Regional Boundary .....................................................1-7
1.2
Purpose of the Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional
WaterManagement Plan.....................................................................1-7
1.3
Development of the IRWMP................................................................1-8
1.3.1 Regional Water Management Group.....................................1-12
1.3.1.1 RWMG Functions................................................1-13
1.3.1.2 RWMG Chair Roles and Responsibilities ............1-15
1.3.1.3 RWMG Vice -Chair Roles and Responsibilities ....
1-15
1.3.1.4 Grantee Roles and Responsibilities .....................1-15
1.3.1.5 Subcommittees....................................................1-16
1.3.1.6 Financing RWMG and IRWMP Activities.............1-16
1.3.2 Stakeholders..........................................................................1-16
1.3.2.1 Participating Stakeholders...................................1-17
1.3.2.2 Stakeholder Group Roles and
Responsibilities....................................................1-22
1.3.2.3 Ground Rules and Operating Procedures ............
1-23
1.3.3 Relationship with Neighboring IRWMPs................................1-24
1.3.3.1 The WCVC IRWMP Region.................................1-24
1.3.3.2 Kern IRWMP........................................................1-25
1.3.3.3 Antelope Valley IRWMP.......................................1-25
1.3.3.4 Greater Los Angeles County IRWMP..................1-26
1.3.4 Void or Excluded Areas.........................................................1-26
Section 2: Region
Description....................................................................2-1
2.1
Introduction and Overview...................................................................2-1
2.2
Climate................................................................................................2-1
2.3
Land Use.............................................................................................2-5
2.3.1 Land Use Policies....................................................................2-6
2.3.1.1 City of Santa Clarita Climate Action Plan...............2-9
2.4
Ecological Processes and Environmental Resources .......................2-10
2.4.1 Sensitive Biological Resources.............................................2-11
2.4.2 Wetland Habitat.....................................................................2-13
2.4.3 Wildlife Corridors...................................................................2-14
2.4.4 Locally Important Species and Communities ........................2-16
2.4.5 Significant Ecological Areas..................................................2-17
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 i
Table of Contents (cont'd)
2.4.6
Recreation Resources...........................................................2-21
2.5
Social
and Cultural Characteristics...................................................2-22
2.5.1
Demographics and Population..............................................2-22
2.5.1.1 Santa Clarita Valley.............................................2-22
2.5.1.2 City of Santa Clarita.............................................2-25
2.5.1.3 Unincorporated Areas of Watershed ....................2-25
2.5.2
Economic Factors..................................................................2-26
2.5.2.1 Santa Clarita Valley.............................................2-26
2.5.2.2 City of Santa Clarita.............................................2-26
2.5.2.3 Unincorporated Areas of Watershed ....................2-27
2.5.3
Disadvantaged Communities.................................................2-27
2.5.4
Social and Cultural Values....................................................2-28
2.6
Overview
of Water Supplies..............................................................2-29
2.7
Major
Water Related Infrastructure...................................................2-29
2.7.1
State Water Project...............................................................2-29
2.7.2
Bouquet Reservoir and Los Angeles Aqueduct .....................2-29
2.7.3
Metropolitan Water District Foothill Feeder ...........................2-30
2.7.4
Purveyor Water Infrastructure...............................................2-30
Section 3: Water
Supplies and Water Demand...........................................3-1
3.1
Water
Supply.......................................................................................3-1
3.1.1
Groundwater............................................................................3-1
3.1.1.1 Acton Valley Groundwater Basin ...........................3-3
3.1.1.2 Agua Dulce Groundwater Basin ............................3-4
3.1.1.3 Soledad Canyon Alluvial Channel .........................3-4
3.1.1.4 Santa Clara River Valley East Subbasin................3-4
3.1.1.5 Adopted Groundwater Management Plan for
Santa Clara River Valley East Subbasin................3-5
3.1.1.6 Available Groundwater Supplies ............................3-7
3.1.2
Imported Water Supplies.........................................................3-8
3.1.2.1 SWP Water Supplies.............................................3-9
3.1.2.2 Other Imported Supplies......................................3-10
3.1.3
Groundwater Banking............................................................3-11
3.1.3.1 Semitropic Water Banking Program .....................3-12
3.1.3.2 Rosedale -Rio Bravo Water Storage District
Water Banking Programs.....................................3-12
3.1.3.3 Semitropic Water Banking Program —
Newhall Land.......................................................3-12
3.1.3.4 West Kern Water District Storage Program .........3-12
3.1.4
Recycled Water.....................................................................3-12
3.1.4.1 New Wastewater Treatment Facilities .................3-14
3.2
Water
Quality....................................................................................3-14
3.2.1
Surface Water Quality...........................................................3-14
3.2.1.1 Basin Plan............................................................3-14
ii
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Table of Contents (cont'd)
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page iii
3.2.1.2 Water Quality Management Tools .......................3-16
3.2.1.3 Section 303(D) List of Water Quality Limited
Segments.............................................................3-17
3.2.1.4 TMDLs.................................................................3-17
3.2.2 Potable Water Quality............................................................3-21
3.2.2.1 Water Quality Constituents of Interest.................3-21
3.2.3 Imported Water Quality..........................................................3-23
3.2.4 Groundwater Quality..............................................................3-24
3.2.4.1 Agua Dulce Groundwater Basin ..........................3-24
3.2.4.2 Acton Valley Groundwater Basin .........................3-24
3.2.4.3 Santa Clara River Valley East Groundwater
Subbasin..............................................................3-25
3.2.5 Water Quality Considerations for Recycled Water Use .........
3-28
3.2.6 Water Quality Impacts on Reliability......................................3-28
3.3
Water Demand..................................................................................3-28
3.3.1 Projected Demand.................................................................3-29
3.3.2 Other Factors Affecting Water Demands...............................3-31
3.4
Summary of Major Water Issues and Problems................................3-31
Section 4: Watershed Flood Management..................................................4-1
4.1
Santa Clara River Hydrology...............................................................4-1
4.2
Drainage Infrastructure........................................................................4-2
4.3
Runoff and Flood Events...................................................................4-13
4.4
Factors Affecting Flooding and Geomorphic Processes ...................4-14
4.5
Flood Management...........................................................................4-17
4.6
Stormwater Management..................................................................4-18
Section 5: Climate
Change.........................................................................5-1
5.1
Climate Change..................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Legislative and Policy Context.................................................5-1
5.1.1.1 Current Regulatory Constraints.............................5-1
5.1.1.2 Future Regulatory Constraints...............................5-5
5.1.2 Vulnerability to Climate Change..............................................5-7
5.1.2.1 Climate Change Scenarios....................................5-7
5.1.2.2 Vulnerable Watershed Characteristics .................5-10
5.1.2.3 Vulnerability Sector Assessment .........................5-12
5.1.2.4 Vulnerability Prioritization....................................5-39
5.1.3 Adaptation to Climate Change...............................................5-39
5.1.3.1 Statewide Adaptation Strategies for the Water
Sector..................................................................5-44
5.1.3.2 Regional Adaptation Strategies ...........................5-44
5.1.4 Next Steps for Future IRWMP Updates.................................5-48
5.1.4.1 Data Improvement...............................................5-48
5.1.4.2 Future Actions — Create a GHG Baseline ............
5-52
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page iii
Table of Contents (cont'd)
iv Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
5.1.4.3 Future Actions — Quantify Adaption and
Mitigation Strategies at the Project Level.............5-52
5.1.4.4 Future Actions — Develop Performance
Metrics.................................................................5-52
Section 6: Plan
Objectives..........................................................................6-1
6.1
Objective Development.......................................................................6-1
6.2
Regional Objectives............................................................................6-3
6.2.1 Reduce Potable Water Demand..............................................6-3
6.2.2 Increase Water Supply............................................................6-6
6.2.3 Improve Water Quality.............................................................6-7
6.2.4 Promote Resource Stewardship..............................................6-8
6.2.5 Flood ing/Hydromod ification...................................................6-12
6.2.6 Adaptation to Climate Change...............................................6-12
6.2.7 Promote Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions ....................6-12
6.3
Strategies..........................................................................................6-13
Section 7: Resource Management Strategies Used to Meet Plan
Objectives..................................................................................7-1
7.1
Overview.............................................................................................7-1
7.2
California Water Plan Resource Management Strategies ...................7-1
7.2.1 Reduce Water Demand...........................................................7-4
7.2.1.1 Agricultural Water Use Efficiency ...........................7-4
7.2.1.2 Urban Water Use Efficiency...................................7-4
7.2.2 Improve Operational Efficiency................................................7-4
7.2.2.1 Conveyance...........................................................7-4
7.2.2.2 System Re-operation.............................................7-4
7.2.2.3 Water Transfers.....................................................7-4
7.2.3 Increase Water Supply............................................................7-5
7.2.3.1 Conjunctive Management and Groundwater
Storage..................................................................7-5
7.2.3.2 Desalination — Brackish/Seawater .........................7-5
7.2.3.3 Precipitation Enhancement....................................7-5
7.2.3.4 Recycled Municipal Water.....................................7-5
7.2.3.5 Surface Storage — CALFED...................................7-5
7.2.3.6 Surface Storage — Regional/Local .........................7-5
7.2.4 Improve Water Quality.............................................................7-6
7.2.4.1 Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution ............
7-6
7.2.4.2 Groundwater/Aquifer Remediation .........................7-6
7.2.4.3 Matching Quality to Use.........................................7-6
7.2.4.4 Pollution Prevention...............................................7-6
7.2.4.5 Salt and Salinity Management...............................7-7
7.2.4.6 Urban Runoff Management...................................7-7
iv Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Table of Contents (cont'd)
7.2.5
Promote
Resource Stewardship..............................................7-7
7.2.5.1
Agricultural Lands Stewardship.............................7-7
7.2.5.2
Economic Incentives (Loans, Grants, Water
Pricing)...................................................................7-7
7.2.5.3
Ecosystem Restoration..........................................7-8
7.2.5.4
Forest Management...............................................7-8
7.2.5.5
Land Use Planning and Management ....................7-8
7.2.5.6
Recharge Areas Protection....................................7-8
7.2.5.7
Water -Dependent Recreation................................7-8
7.2.5.8
Watershed Management........................................7-9
7.2.6
Improve
Flood Management....................................................7-9
7.2.6.1
Flood Risk Management........................................7-9
7.3 Resource Management Strategies Adopted by Stakeholders ...........
7-10
7.3.1
Reduce
Potable Water Demand............................................7-11
7.3.1.1
Agricultural Water Use Efficiency .........................7-11
7.3.1.2
Urban Water Use Efficiency.................................7-11
7.3.2
Increase
Water Supply..........................................................7-13
7.3.2.1
Conjunctive Management and Groundwater
Storage................................................................7-13
7.3.2.2
Desalination.........................................................7-14
7.3.2.3
Precipitation Enhancement..................................7-15
7.3.2.4
Recycled Municipal Water...................................7-15
7.3.2.5
Water Transfers...................................................7-15
7.3.2.6
Surface Storage — CALFED.................................7-15
7.3.2.7
Surface Storage — Regional/Local .......................7-16
7.3.2.8
Conveyance.........................................................7-16
7.3.2.9
System Re-operation...........................................7-16
7.3.3
Improve
Water Quality...........................................................7-18
7.3.3.1
Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution ..........
7-18
7.3.3.2
Groundwater/Aquifer Remediation .......................7-19
7.3.3.3
Matching Quality to Use.......................................7-20
7.3.3.4
Pollution Prevention and Urban Runoff
Quality and Quantity............................................7-20
7.3.3.5
Salt and Salinity Management.............................7-27
7.3.4
Promote
Resource Stewardship............................................7-28
7.3.4.1
Agricultural Lands Stewardship ...........................7-28
7.3.4.2
Economic Incentives............................................7-29
7.3.4.3
Ecosystem Restoration........................................7-29
7.3.4.4
Forest Management.............................................7-31
7.3.4.5
Land Use Planning and Management ..................7-31
7.3.4.6
Recharge Areas Protection..................................7-32
7.3.4.7
Water -Dependent Recreation..............................7-33
7.3.4.8
Watershed Management......................................7-33
7.3.5
Improve
Flood Management..................................................7-34
7.3.5.1
Flood Risk Management......................................7-34
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page v
Table of Contents (cont'd)
7.3.6
Resource Management Strategies........................................7-35
7.4
Call for
Projects.................................................................................7-35
Section 8: Project Priorities
and Implementation......................................8-1
8.1
Project
Prioritization Process..............................................................8-1
8.1.1
Development of Project Ranking and Scoring Criteria ............8-2
8.1.2
Call for Projects.......................................................................8-2
8.1.3
Development and Refinement.................................................8-4
8.1.4
Initial Project Ranking..............................................................8-4
8.1.5
Review and Finalization of Ranking by RWMG
Stakeholders............................................................................8-5
8.1.6
Selected Plan Projects............................................................8-5
8.2
Integration of Water Management Strategies......................................8-5
8.3
Benefits of Plan Implementation........................................................8-15
8.3.1
Benefits of Plan Implementation............................................8-15
8.3.2
Plan Beneficiaries..................................................................8-18
8.3.3
Interregional Benefits.............................................................8-18
8.4
Impacts of Plan Implementation........................................................8-18
8.5
Institutional
Structure for Plan Implementation..................................8-23
8.5.1
Implementing Plan Activities..................................................8-24
8.5.1.1 Local Project Sponsors' Roles and
Responsibilities....................................................8-25
8.5.1.2 IRWMP Term and Plan Revisions .......................8-25
8.5.1.3 IRWMP Adoption.................................................8-26
Section9: Finance
Plan
..............................................................................9-1
9.1
Potential Funding Options...................................................................9-1
9.2
Local....................................................................................................9-1
9.2.1
Capital Improvements Program Funding (Revenue
Bonds, Certificates of Participation)........................................9-1
9.2.2
Property Tax Assessment (Assessed Valuation) ....................9-2
9.2.3
User Fees................................................................................9-2
9.2.4
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Fee......................................9-3
9.2.5
Clean Water Fee.....................................................................9-3
9.3
State....................................................................................................9-3
9.3.1
Proposition 84..........................................................................9-3
9.3.1.1 Integrated Regional Water Management
Planning.................................................................9-4
9.3.1.2 Department of Water Resources — Local
Groundwater Assistance Program .........................9-5
9.3.1.3 Department of Public Health - Emergency
and Urgent Water Protection.................................9-5
9.3.1.4 State Water Resources Control Board —
Storm Water Grant Program..................................9-5
vi
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Table of Contents (cont'd)
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page vii
9.3.1.5
Local Levee Assistance Program ..........................9-5
9.3.1.6
Flood Protection Corridor Program ........................9-5
9.3.1.7
Flood Control Subventions Program ......................9-6
9.3.1.8
Urban Streams Restoration Program.....................9-6
9.3.2
Proposition 1 E.........................................................................9-6
9.3.2.1
Stormwater Flood Management Program..............9-6
9.3.3
Proposition 50..........................................................................9-6
9.3.3.1
Department of Water Resources — Water Use
Efficiency Grants....................................................9-6
9.3.3.2
Department of Water Resources —
Contaminant Removal...........................................9-7
9.3.3.3
Department of Water Resources — UV and
Ozone Disinfection.................................................9-7
9.3.4
Other State Funding................................................................9-7
9.3.4.1
State Revolving Fund............................................9-7
9.3.4.2
State Water Resources Control Board —
Federal 319 Program.............................................9-8
9.3.4.3
State Water Resources Control Board —
Water Recycling Funding Program ........................9-8
9.3.4.4
State Water Resources Control Board —
Supplemental Environmental Proi.ects...................9-8
9.3.4.5
State Water Resources Control Board —
Cleanup and Abatement Account ..........................9-9
9.3.4.6
State Water Resources Control Board —
Agricultural Drainage Loan Program ......................9-9
9.3.4.7
State Water Resources Control Board —
Agricultural Drainage Management Loan
Program.................................................................9-9
9.3.4.8
State Water Resources Control Board —
Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund ............
9-9
9.3.4.9
Department of Water Resources — New Local
Water Supply Construction Loans .........................9-9
9.3.4.10
Department of Housing and Community
Development — Community Development
BlockGrant..........................................................9-10
9.3.4.11
California Energy Commission (CEC) —
Energy Financing Program..................................9-10
9.4 Federal..............................................................................................9-10
9.4.1
Environmental
Protection Agency, Source Reduction
Assistance.............................................................................9-10
9.4.2
Environmental
Protection Agency, Wetlands Program
Development Grants..............................................................9-10
9.4.3
Environmental
Protection Agency, Five Star Restoration
Program.................................................................................9-11
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page vii
Table of Contents (cont'd)
9.4.4
National Park Service, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation
Assistance (RTCA) Program.................................................9-11
9.4.5
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Grant.................................9-11
9.4.6
US Department of Agriculture — Rural Development,
Water and Waste Disposal Program.....................................9-12
9.4.7
US Bureau of Reclamation, WaterSMART Grant
Programs...............................................................................9-12
9.4.8
US Fish and Wildlife Service, North American Wetlands
Conservation Act Grant.........................................................9-12
9.4.9
Federal Legislation................................................................9-13
9.5
Funding Sources...............................................................................9-13
9.6
Selected Plan Project Cost Estimates...............................................9-13
9.7
Grant
Funding Package....................................................................9-13
Section 10: Data
Management, Technical Analyses, and Plan
Performance............................................................................10-1
10.1
Data Management and Technical Analyses for Plan Preparation .....
10-1
10.1.1
Existing Information and Reports..........................................10-2
10.1.1.1 Water Resource Management Reports ...............10-2
10.1.1.2 Facilities Plans and Master Plans ........................
10-3
10.1.1.3 City, County, and Federal Land Use Plans ..........
10-4
10.1.1.4 Resource Conservation Plans.............................10-5
10.1.1.5 Water Quality Plans.............................................10-7
10.1.2
Data Needs............................................................................10-7
10.2
Data Collection and Sharing.............................................................10-8
10.2.1
Monitoring and Data Management......................................10-10
10.2.2
Monitoring 10-10
10.2.2.1 Groundwater Monitoring....................................10-10
10.2.2.2 Water Quality Monitoring...................................10-11
10.2.2.3 Surface Water Flow Monitoring ..........................10-12
10.2.3
Data Reporting....................................................................10-12
10.2.3.1 Data Reporting as Part of the City of Santa
Clarita Municipal National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System Permit.................................10-12
10.2.3.2 Data Reporting as Part of County of Los
Angeles Municipal Storm Water Permit.............10-13
10.2.3.3 Data Reporting as Part of the Memorandum
of Understanding Regarding Urban Water
Conservation in California..................................10-13
10.2.4
Plan Performance................................................................10-14
10.2.5
Evaluation of Plan Performance..........................................10-14
10.2.6
Plan Performance to Date...................................................10-16
viii
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Table of Contents (cont'd)
Section 11: Coordination and Outreach .....................................................
11-1
11.1 Coordination with Local Land Use Planning......................................11-1
11.1.1 Linkages Between the IRWMP and Local Planning
Documents............................................................................11-1
11.1.2 Participation by Local Planning Entities.................................11-2
11.2 Coordination with State and Federal Agencies.................................11-2
11.2.1 Participation in IRWMP Development...................................11-2
11.2.2 Participation in IRWMP Implementation................................11-3
11.3 Disadvantaged Community Outreach...............................................11-4
11.3.1 Environmental Justice...........................................................11-4
11.3.2 Native American Tribes.........................................................11-4
11.3.3 Public Outreach.....................................................................11-5
11.3.4 Public Outreach to Diverse Groups.......................................11-6
Section12: References...............................................................................12-1
List of Tables
1.3-1 Overview of Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP Development
1.3-2 Roles and Responsibilities of the Regional Water Management Group
1.3-3 Stakeholder Groups
2.5-1 Population Comparison
2.5-2 Demographics of Outlying Areas of Watershed
2.5-3 Job Sectors, Unemployment Rates, and Total Populations of Outlying Areas of
Watershed
3.1-1 Current and Projected Water Supplies in the Region (AFY)
3.1-2 Availability of Groundwater for the Region
3.1-3 SWP Table A Supply Reliability for CLWA and AVEK (AF)
3.2-1 Water Quality Objectives for Waters in the Upper Santa Clara River Watershed
3.2-2 2010 303(d) List of Impaired Water Bodies — Upper Santa Clara River Watershed
3.2-3 TMDL for Ammonia on the Upper Santa Clara River
3.2-4 TMDL for Nitrate Plus Nitrite on the Santa Clara River
3.2-5 Status of Impacted Wells
3.3-1 Summary of Projected Water Demands
4.2-1 Drainage Facilities for the Santa Clara River and Major Tributaries
5.1-1 Summary of Global Climate Models
5.1-2 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Overview
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page ix
Table of Contents (cont'd)
5.1-3
Estimated SWP Exports By Water Year Type — Future Conditions With and Without
1.1-2
Climate Change
5.1-4
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
6.1-1
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP Objectives, Definitions and Measurements
7.1-3
Upper Santa Clara River Region Resource Management Strategies and California
2.5-1
Water Plan Resource Management Strategies
7.3-1
Upper Santa Clara River Region Resource Management Strategies and California
3.3-1
Water Plan Resource Management Strategies
7.3-2
Allowed Uses of Recycled Water
7.3-3
Upper Santa Clara River Reaches
8.1-1
Project Ranking and Review Criteria
8.1-2
Ranked IRWM Plan Projects
8.1-3
Conceptual IRWM Plan Projects
8.3-1
Potential Benefits and Impacts from Plan Implementation
9.1-1
Possible Funding Opportunities
9.1-2
IRWMP Financing
10.1-1
Data Needs
10.2-1
Data Collection and Sharing
10.2-2
Process for Measuring Plan Performance
10.2-3
Plan Performance to Date
List of Figures
1.1-1
Upper Santa Clara River Watershed Hydrologic Features
1.1-2
Upper Santa Clara River Watershed/IRWMP Region
2.1-1
Santa Clara River Reach Boundaries
2.2-1
Annual Precipitation
2.4-1
Upper Santa Clara River Watershed Significant Ecological Areas
2.5-1
Santa Clarita Valley Planning Area Census Tracts
2.7-1
Major Water Related Infrastructure in the Region
3.3-1
Historical Water Use
4.2-1
Major Drainage Infrastructure Upper Santa Clara River Watershed
4.3-1
Historical Runoff for the Santa Clara River
5.1-1
Global Climate Change Models Used in Assessment of Water Resources
5.1-2
Historical and Projected Annual Average Air Temperature for the USCR Region:
Average of Four GCMS for Two Emissions Scenarios
x Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Table of Contents (cont'd)
5.1-3 Projected Annual Precipitation for USCR Region: Average of Four GCMS for Two
Emissions Scenarios
5.1-4 Projected Average Monthly Temperature for USCR Region: Average of Four GCMS
for Two Emissions Scenarios
5.1-5 Projected Average Monthly Evapotranspiration for USCR Region: Average of Four
GCMS for Two Emissions Scenarios
5.1-6 Estimated Average, Maximum, and Minimum Annual SWP Exports — Future
Conditions With and Without Climate Change
5.1-7 Estimated SWP Table A Delivery By Water Year Type — Future Conditions With and
Without Climate Change
5.1-8 Estimated SWP Table A Delivery During Dry Periods — Future Conditions With and
Without Climate Change
5.1-9 Groundwater Basin Boundaries in the Region
5.1-10 Upper Santa Clara River Sub -Watershed Floodplain Areas
5.1-11 Historical and Projected Runoff for Santa Clarita Region
7.1-1 Relationship Between Objectives, Strategies, and Projects
7.2-1 Twenty Seven Resource Management Strategies of the California Water Plan
List of Appendices
A Public Involvement
B Memorandum of Understanding
C Water Related Policies
D Plan Projects
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page xi
Table of Contents (cont'd)
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xii Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Section 1: Introduction
The Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) was
completed and adopted by the Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) in 2008. This
Plan updates and expands upon the original Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP, documents
progress towards meeting IRWMP objectives, and identifies ongoing regional needs and issues.
This section provides an introduction to the Region covered by this IRWMP, the Stakeholders
participating in development of this IRWMP, and the Stakeholder process utilized to develop this
IRWMP.
1.1 Introduction to the Region
The Santa Clara River Watershed (Watershed) consists of approximately 1,634 square miles
and contains the upper reaches of the Santa Clara River. The River, which is the largest natural
river remaining in Southern California, travels through two counties, Los Angeles and Ventura.
The Region included in this IRWMP is located within the Upper portion of the Watershed (see
Figures 1.1-1 and 1.1-2). The Region represents an area of approximately 654 square miles.
The Upper Basin of the Santa Clara River, as defined for
the purposes of this IRWMP, is bounded by the San
Gabriel Mountains to the south and southeast, the Santa
Susana Mountains to the southwest, the Transverse
Ranges to the northeast, the Sierra Pelona Mountains to
the east, and the Ventura County Line to the west. The
Region encompasses the City of Santa Clarita, the
unincorporated communities of Castaic, Stevenson
Ranch, West Ranch, Agua Dulce, and Acton, as well as
portions of the Angeles National Forest. The Upper
Santa Clara River Watershed is a logical region for Upper Santa Clara River
integrated regional water management due to its history of
cooperative water management, the topography and geography of the Region and the similarity
of water issues facing agencies in the Region. The Region is a contiguous geographic area and
has been defined in a manner to maximize opportunities for integration of water management
activities.
Because the Santa Clara River travels through two counties, Los Angeles and Ventura, ongoing
coordination of efforts is needed in order to address issues of mutual concern and benefit, such
as water quality improvement. Therefore, representatives of the Region work with the
stakeholders and agencies in the lower reaches of the Watershed, which lie in Ventura County,
to include them in the IRWMP planning process and to coordinate efforts to protect the
Watershed.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-1
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Page 1-2 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
1.1.1 IRWMP Regional Boundary
The Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP Region boundary, as defined, is an appropriate area for
integrated regional water management. The Region has been working successfully since 2006
through IRWMP development and into Plan implementation. With the exception of the
Watersheds Coalition of Ventura County (WCVC) IRWMP, which is immediately downstream of
the Upper Santa Clara River subregion, no other region is within the watershed, allowing for
inclusion into the Region all of the water resources, related infrastructure, key agencies, and
stakeholder interests within the upper watershed. There is no overlap of this Region with any
other integrated water management planning region, except for a small area in the northernmost
portion of the Region that overlaps with the Kern IRWM region.
Because the Santa Clara River travels through two counties, Los Angeles and Ventura, ongoing
coordination of efforts is needed to address issues of mutual concern and benefit, such as water
quality improvement. Though there has been, and there continues to be coordination between
the WCVC IRWMP and the Upper Santa Clara IRWMP regions, it has been mutually agreed
that the two regions would remain separate for the reasons outlined below. The character of the
Santa Clara River is different in the two counties; the upper areas within Los Angeles County
have more ephemeral flows and there is separation near the county line by a "dry gap' which
tends to isolate the low -flow surface water and geology which separates groundwater basins
between the regions. The Ventura County side is characterized by more agricultural land use
and perennial flows. In addition, the two regions have the following characteristics which lend
themselves to continued separate regional efforts with cooperative co -existence:
The two regions
are each functionally
effective and
successful at their current
scales/sizes and
with their respective
organizations
and stakeholder mixes.
2. The political boundary which separates the two regions also functions as the boundary
between agencies with duties that impact water resources, including land use planning,
flood control, water supply, etc.
Though
there is agreement
to
remain
separate entities, continued cooperation between the
regions
is expected to lead
to
greater
mutual effort in IRWMP planning.
1.2 Purpose of the Upper Santa Clara River Integrated Regional
Water Management Plan
The purpose of this IRWMP is to integrate planning and implementation efforts and facilitate
regional cooperation with the goals of reducing potable water demands, increasing water
supply, improving water quality, promoting resource stewardship over the long term, reducing
negative effects from flooding and hydromodification, and adapting to and mitigating climate
change. The intention of this IRWMP is not to duplicate existing and ongoing plans, but to
better integrate these efforts and utilize the results and findings of existing plans to put forward
the projects needed to address local objectives.
This IRWMP effort is funded entirely by local participating agencies and state grant funding. A
number of individuals have contributed to the development of this IRWMP, including
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-7
representatives of State agencies, nongovernmental organizations, local agencies, city and
county staff, and consultants. This IRWMP is a comprehensive plan that primarily addresses
region -wide water management and related issues. This IRWMP complies with the State
Guidelines for an IRWMP and provides for integration of project and program implementation
strategies which best address the needs and objectives of the Region.
This IRWMP complies with Proposition 84, and IRWMP principles and criteria for integrated
water management planning as set forth in the guidelines. In addition, development of this
IRWMP includes the following:
An inclusive and participatory public involvement process to ensure meaningful input
(Section 1 and Appendix A)
• Appropriate level of scientific watershed assessment information (Sections 2 through 5)
Integration and coordination of planning with other agencies and entities (Sections 1 and
11)
• Identification of multiple issues and objectives and potential solutions (Sections 2
through 6)
A process for ongoing decision-making (Section 1)
• Phased implementation and staging of resources (Section 8)
• Ongoing monitoring of project and plan implementation (Section 10)
A means for adaptive planning and management (Section 8)
A long-term perspective
This IRWMP provides integration of projects that protect the natural resources of the Region
and identifies additional projects that are critical
to achieving Regional objectives. PURPOSE ANoGOALSOFTHIS IRWMP:
• Integrate water and watershed -related planning
1.3 Development of the efforts
IRWMP • Facilitate regional cooperation
• Reduce potable water demand
The RWMG oversees the development of this . Increase water supply
IRWMP, but this IRWMP reflects the input and
effort of a broad stakeholder group. A broad • Improve water quality
stakeholder outreach process was crucial to • Promote resource stewardship
ensure that this IRWMP identifies local issues, . Improve flood management
reflects local needs, promotes the formation of 0 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to
partnerships, and encourages coordination with climate change
State and Federal agencies. Residents of the
Region are facing rapidly changing conditions,
mainly related to urban growth, that create challenges in water resources management and the
stewardship of environmental resources. Agencies and planning jurisdictions must work closely
Page 1-8 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
together in order to assure the delivery of clean, reliable water supplies while maintaining the
Region's quality of life and environmental values.
The stakeholder group is an integral group of participants in the IRWMP process, consisting of
members of the RWMG as well as an extensive mix of many other agencies and organizations
with an interest in improving water supply, water quality, flood management, and ecosystems in
the Region. Specific ongoing efforts, including direct emails, mailings, face to face interaction,
event participation, classroom instruction, flyers, notices, surveys, and presentations have been
performed to get environmental groups, conservancy groups, well owner groups, disadvantaged
communities (DACs), water suppliers, municipalities, the local sanitation and flood control
districts, American Indian Tribes, developers, landowners, adjacent IRWMP areas, State
agencies, elected representatives, and others to take part in the IRWMP (participating
Stakeholders are listed below in Section 1.3.2). With the involvement of the stakeholders,
including the collaborative review of draft document materials, the Upper Santa Clara River
IRWMP has been able to incorporate a broad range of inputs and ideas.
Every stakeholder was, and continues to be, able to add projects to the list of candidate projects
for implementation of the IRWMP. The greatest advantage of this broad stakeholder effort has
been the conversations between stakeholders about partnering on proposed projects. This has
created the opportunity for not only pooling resources, but also the generation of regional
solutions to issues that the entire IRWMP area is trying to address. The IRWMP process has
been a great addition to the collaborative efforts already occurring in this region and has created
a forum for establishing mutually beneficial partnerships to further these efforts.
Table 1.3-1 provides an overview of the IRWMP development and implementation
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-9
TABLE 1.3-1
OVERVIEW OF UPPER SANTA CLARA RIVER IRWMP DEVELOPMENT
Activity Regional Water Management Group Stakeholders
• Monitors IRWMP requirements/progress toward All Stakeholders including the RWMG members:
goals 0 Select Plan objectives
• Makes administrative decisions (managing grant • Select applicable resource management strategies
applications, consultant selection) a Develop project review criteria
Plan Participation Stakeholder outreach • Submit candidate projects for consideration
• Communication with DWR 0 Review candidate projects and identify opportunities for
• Communication and coordination with neighboring integration
IRWMPs 0 Review and provide input on all chapters of the IRWMP
• Acts as grantee for IRWMP grants
• Coordination and communication with local agencies
Plan Adoption Adopt plan through Board/Council resolution Stakeholders that are not members of the RWMG submit
letters of support for the completed IRWMP
Updating and The RWMG will re -adopt the IRWMP at a minimum every All Stakeholders including the RWMG members:
Amending the Plan five years, or within one year of the following: a Update Plan objectives
(1) significantly changed conditions impacting objectives, • Update applicable resource management strategies
(2) achievement of a regional objective requiring • Update project review criteria
development of an additional regional objective, or • Submit new candidate projects for consideration
(3) need to set a new regional objective • Review candidate projects and identify opportunities for
integration
• Review and provide input on all chapters of the
updated IRWMP
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014 Page 1-10
TABLE 1.3-1 (cont.)
Activity Regional Water Management Group Stakeholders
Major communication for the IRWMP occurs through:
• Established email list maintained by RWMG. All meeting agendas are sent out via this email list. The list is also
used to provide information on local, state, and federal funding opportunities; other public outreach activities;
opportunities to provide input on topics of general interest (e.g., public meetings of the Regional Water Quality
Control Board, meetings of/with neighboring IRWMPs).
• IRWMP website: www.scrwaterplan.org
• Newspaper notices: prior to kickoff of the IRWMP Update, a notice of intention to prepare the IRWMP was
published in local newspapers. Prior to adoption of the IRWMP Update, a notice of intention was published in local
newspapers.
• Regular Stakeholder Meetings. Stakeholder meetings were held every other month during the development of this
Communication IRWMP Update. All Stakeholders were asked to introduce themselves at each meeting. The purpose of each
Stakeholder meeting was to take input on IRWMP topics. Each Stakeholder meeting provided opportunities for any
stakeholder or the general public to provide input to the Plan.
• Regular RWMG Meetings. RWMG meetings were held every other month during the IRWMP Update. The primary
purpose of the RWMG meetings was to develop the agenda and meeting materials for the broader Stakeholder
meetings.
• Regular Salt/Nutrient Management Plan Task Force Meetings. Meetings were held to keep tasks on track and move
forward on the completion of the Salt/Nutrient Management Plan. Focused discussions were held on progress
made, data needs, and other topics such as data management and sharing.
• Regular communication with neighboring IRWMP regions. Inclusion of neighbor IRWMP leadership in meeting
notices and hearing notices.
Decision Making Both the original 2008 IRWMP and the 2014 Update were developed through a collaborative, consensus -based
process. However, if necessary, future decisions will be made through a vote of the overall stakeholder group.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014 Page 1-11
1.3.1 Regional Water Management Group
The RWMG, the governing body and group responsible for
development of the Plan, was initially established by a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 2007
between seven parties, in addition to one ex -officio
member. A new MOU was entered into in 2011 by all eight
parties, now all official members, to re-establish the
governance structure for the IRWMP Update. The 2011
MOU prescribes the roles and responsibilities of the RWMG
for the IRWMP Update including complying with the
IRWMP sections of the Water Code (the 2011 MOU is
included in Appendix B). The members of the RWMG that
are signatories to the MOU are listed in Table 1.3-2 below.
Stakeholder Meeting
The RWMG members have contributed funding, in various amounts as described in the MOU,
to retain a consultant to prepare and update the IRWMP for the Upper Santa Clara River,
including developing hand out materials for discussion in Stakeholder meetings, in cooperation
with RWMG members. The RWMG governance structure and approach has been effective in
creating and updating the IRWMP and has ensured collaborative IRWMP efforts by encouraging
Stakeholder involvement beyond the MOU signatories, through frequently scheduled
Stakeholder meetings.
The formation of the RWMG has strengthened the ability of the Region to address common
needs and challenges. These participants' roles and responsibilities for managing water/natural
resources and land use within the Region are summarized in Table 1.3-2.
The Upper Santa Clara River RWMG includes the participation of at least three public agencies,
two of which have statutory authority over water management. The RWMG will incorporate new
members into the governance structure by expanding outreach efforts to invite new groups of
stakeholders, as required in the California Water Code, and requesting their attendance/input at
stakeholder meetings. Additional parties may enter into the MOU by amendment and approval
of all RWMG members. As the stakeholder process continues and the project database is
populated with more projects that will help achieve the regional goals and objectives, if
deficiencies in RWMG expertise or water management representation are discovered, entities
that can provide the desired expertise or representation will be sought out and invited to
participate. Researching which entity might provide the missing expertise/representation could
include seeking references from existing stakeholders or other Regions, or seeking DWR advice
as to how other Regions have filled any similar voids.
Page 1-12 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
TABLE 1.3-2
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT GROUP
City of Santa Clarita Municipal government that provides open space and land
use planning as well as stormwater management, water
conservation efforts on City -owned properties, and creek
restoration within City borders.
Los Angeles County Flood Provides flood management services within the District's
Control District (LACFCD) boundaries
Newhall County Water District Provides groundwater and imported water to portions of the
(NCWD) City of Santa Clarita and unincorporated communities in Los
Angeles County
Kivers ana mountains Acquires parKs ana open space, restores natural parKs ana
Conservancy (RMC) open space, provides watershed improvements, and
provides low impact recreation improvements within the
conservancy area (1,600 square miles in Eastern Los
Angeles County and Western Orange County)
Santa Clarita Water Division Provides groundwater and imported water to portions of the
of CLWA (SCWD) City of Santa Clarita and unincorporated communities in Los
Sanitation District of Los high-quality recycled water for the City of Santa Clarita and
Angeles County (SCVSD) unincorporated communities in Los Angeles County
Valencia Water Company Provides groundwater, imported water, and recycled water
(VWC) to portions of the City of Santa Clarita and unincorporated
communities in Los Angeles County
1.3.1.1 RWMG Functions
While roles and responsibilities are prescribed in the MOU, the general RWMG structure and
member functions that shall be performed for effective IRWMP Planning consist of the following:
Total membership of the RWMG may be up to 11 entities and comprised of
agencies/organizations whose primary mission is consistent with one or more of the
IRWMP main objectives.
2. The RWMG will include at least three agencies, two of which have statutory authority
over water resources.
3. RWMG membership within each of the main Regional objectives will be re-evaluated
every three years to verify that an adequate number of agencies/groups whose primary
duty is related to each particular objective are represented on the RWMG.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-13
4. The RWMG will strive to ensure balanced representation across the IRWMP objectives,
as well as geographic diversity across the Region.
5. RWMG members will be recommended by the Stakeholder group to achieve the balance
described above.
6. The RWMG should annually select or reaffirm a Chair and a Vice -Chair to conduct
meetings.
7. In the event a clear consensus cannot be reached each RWMG member will have a
single vote at RWMG meetings.
8. RWMG members must have authority to enter into a legal agreement to form a RWMG
(e.g., MOU, joint powers authority, or other legal document) and will seek legal counsel
to prepare a formalized governance document as needed to provide for the ongoing
IRWMP's governance and implementation of the regional objectives.
9. Members of the RWMG are expected to contribute some level of financial or in-kind
services towards IRWMP preparation/update and need to allow for considerable staff
time during normal working hours to work on plan preparation and to attend meetings.
Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
10. RWMG members shall commit to all of the responsibilities and activities of a
Stakeholder.
11. RWMG will review and comment on all versions of the IRWMP and any grant
application(s) and will decide on the disposition of conflicting comments.
12. RWMG will help to determine project priorities and maintain prioritized project lists.
13. RWMG will provide oversight to the IRWMP and resolve significant issues among the
Stakeholder group.
14. RWMG will direct the Chair to call Stakeholder meetings as needed and will consult on a
periodic or as needed basis with the Stakeholder group.
15. Provide outreach to local entities and communities to ensure adequate input from all
Stakeholders.
16. RWMG will hire consultant(s) as needed (e.g., to update IRWMP, prepare grant
application, aid in performing Grantee responsibilities, provide Stakeholder facilitation
services, etc.).
17. RWMG will monitor IRWMP progress toward achieving objectives and decide whether
significant changes in conditions warrant an update and subsequent re -adoption of the
IRWMP.
18. RWMG will re -adopt the IRWMP a minimum of every five years, or within one year of
one or more of the following conditions: (1) significantly changed conditions impacting
Page 1-14 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
objectives, (2) achievement of a regional objective requiring development of an
additional regional objective, or (3) need to set a new regional objective.
19. RWMG will identify and pursue funding opportunities.
20. RWMG will select a Grantee from within the RWMG members.
21. Based on results of the project prioritization process and Stakeholder input, RWMG will
make a final decision on the project suite to be submitted for funding to any funding
agencies.
22. RWMG will represent the Region's needs to the State including sustaining an open
dialogue with the funding agency (State Department of Water Resources) regarding
progress on the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP implementation and continuing to
provide feedback on project progress with cooperation from the Local Project Sponsors.
1.3.1.2 RWMG Chair Roles and Responsibilities
Call and attend RWMG, RWMG subcommittee, and Stakeholder meetings, and prepare
and distribute agendas.
2. Act as primary
liaison between Upper
Santa Clara
River IRWMP Region, RWMG,
Stakeholders,
other IRWMP Regions,
and funding
agencies.
3. Be selected or reaffirmed annually by RWMG.
1.3.1.3 RWMG Vice -Chair Roles and Responsibilities
1. Assume role of Chair in the absence of the Chair.
2. Assist Chair when needed.
1.3.1.4 Grantee Roles and Responsibilities
1. Apply for grant funding on behalf of the IRWMP Region.
2. Provide administration of any grant funds to help implement the IRWMP.
3. Work with Local Project Sponsors to solicit feedback on the grant administration process
and help to resolve any disputes if needed.
4. Ensure effective communication between the funding agency and the Local Project
Sponsors.
5. Maintain an open dialogue with the funding agency regarding progress on the Upper
Santa Clara River IRWMP implementation and continue to provide feedback on project
progress with cooperation from the Local Project Sponsors included in the successful
grant application.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-15
1.3.1.5 Subcommittees
Subcommittees that focus activities within the RWMG to support plan development and
implementation are created on an as needed basis. There have been three subcommittees of
the RWMG formed to date. The Governance Subcommittee, comprised of Los Angeles County
Flood Control District, Castaic Lake Water Agency, Santa Clarita Water Division, and the Santa
Clarita Valley Sanitation District, was tasked with defining and recommending a governance
structure to succeed the governance structure formalized in the 2007 MOU. The Disadvantaged
Community Subcommittee, comprised of Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, City
of Santa Clarita, and the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains
Conservancy, is an ongoing committee tasked with identifying, seeking input from, and
communicating with disadvantaged communities within the IRWMP Region. The Salt and
Nutrient Management Plan Task Force is comprised of the RWMG and any interested
Stakeholders. The Salt and Nutrient Management Task Force has met as needed to provide
input into preparation of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan and to provide review of work
products as they are developed (water balance, water quality projections, monitoring plan). The
activities of subcommittees are reported at each stakeholder meeting.
1.3.1.6 Financing RWMG and IRWMP Activities
One expectation of becoming a RWMG member in the past has been an ability to contribute
some level of financial or in-kind services towards IRWMP preparation/updates, and other
administrative activities undertaken by the RWMG (holding stakeholder meetings, developing
the IRWMP, etc.). The expectation is not meant to exclude any entity from having a "vote" if the
entity does not have an ability to pay. On the contrary, requiring the RWMG members to bear
the burden of the cost of the IRWMP program is intended to benefit all stakeholders by allowing
everyone's participation and voting at stakeholder meetings without regard to their ability to
contribute financially, while still guaranteeing enough funding to implement the IRWMP. One
example of the necessity to make an exception to the expectation of funding contributions is the
membership by the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
(RMC). The budget problems facing the State of California have severely impacted RMC's
ability to attend meetings due to staffing layoffs. Every effort has been made to continue to
inform and seek input from the RMC based on their importance to the Region. Rather than
sharing the costs of the IRWMP update, as is done across the other seven RWMG members,
RMC will provide grant funds, as specified in the MOU, if IRWMP update expenses are greater
than anticipated. To date, the RWMG has not sought funding from general stakeholders, but
based on economic realities, the long term funding strategy for this Region may include
requesting contributions from the stakeholders that are not RWMG members.
1.3.2 Stakeholders
The Stakeholder group has met periodically since February 2007 to discuss issues facing the
Region. The purpose of the group is to identify regional objectives and strategies to meet the
identified objectives, as well as to provide advice and feedback to assist with the development
and update of the IRWMP, including developing projects to implement the IRWMP.
Stakeholders were identified during preparation of the 2008 IRWMP and revisited during the
2014 IRWMP Update through their involvement or interest in water, environment, and similar
projects in the past. Brainstorming sessions were used to identify potential stakeholders. These
Page 1-16 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
entities were sent a letter asking for participation in the IRWMP process. These groups in turn
were asked to identify other potentially interested groups. By this process, a varied and broad
group was invited to become stakeholders, and this group included entities, like well owners,
that were not necessarily involved with any past efforts. Stakeholders have continued to hold
regular meetings throughout the update of the IRWMP to provide an opportunity for any
interested party to participate in plan development and implementation.
Stakeholder meetings are open to the public and all other interested parties. Notifications via
email and the website have been used to keep the Stakeholder group informed of meetings and
updates.
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1.3.2.1 Participating Stakeholders
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The following subsection lists all of the Stakeholders grouped into several categories and
describes their specific roles in the planning process. The broad array of participants includes
the agencies that comprise the RWMG, as well as an extensive mix of town councils, regulatory,
environmental, agricultural, and land use planning entities that represent all areas of the Region.
A brief discussion of coordination efforts with local planning, State, and Federal agencies is also
provided where appropriate.
Table 1.3-3 provides a list of the stakeholders and their mission statements.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-17
TABLE 1.3-3
STAKEHOLDER GROUPS
Stakeholder
Mission Statement
Municipal and County Government Agencies
City of Santa Clarita
To deliver the best and most cost-efficient municipal service to
the citizens and City Council of Santa Clarita.
County of Ventura
To provide public infrastructure, services, and support so that all
residents have the opportunity to achieve a high quality of life
and enjoy the benefits of a healthy economy.
Los Angeles County
To provide public infrastructure and municipal services to protect
Department of Public
and enrich the daily lives of over ten million people in Los
Works (LACDPW)
Angeles County.
Los Angeles County
To support the Board of Supervisors in serving the people of Los
Supervisor's Office
Angeles County.
Los Angeles County
To improve the quality of life through innovative and resourceful
Department of
physical and environmental planning, balancing individual rights
Regional Planning
and community needs.
Water SuppliersMastewater Management/Special Districts
CLWA
A public agency providing reliable, quality water at a reasonable
cost to the Santa Clarita Valley.
LACFCD
To provide for the control and conservation of the flood, storm
and other waste waters of the Flood Control District.
SCWD
A public agency providing reliable, quality water at a reasonable
cost to the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCVSD
To provide environmentally sound, cost-effective wastewater
management, and in the process, convert wastewater into
recycled water, a valuable water resource for the Santa Clarita
Valley.
NCWD
To provide quality water service at a reasonable cost by
practicing careful stewardship of natural resources, utilizing
innovative measures, and providing a quality working
environment.
VWC
To deliver a dependable supply of safe reliable water to existing
and future customers at a reasonable cost.
Business Organizations
Building Industry
To promote and protect the industry to ensure our members'
Association (BIA)
success in providing homes for all Southern Californians.
Newhall Land and
To provide a better quality of life for those who live and work in
Farming Company
the master planned communities of Valencia and Newhall
Ranch.
Page 1-18
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Stakeholder
Mission Statement
Atkins Environmental
To be a resource for environmental, health & safety issues. To
and Conservation
provide sparkling service with professionalism, honesty, integrity,
Authority
trust, and respect. To seek to balance the demand for resources
with the needs of the community.
Recreational and Open
Space Entities
Rivers and Mountains
To preserve open space and habitat in order to provide for low -
Conservancy
impact recreation and educational uses, wildlife habitat
values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
restoration and protection, and watershed improvements within
Improve mobility across California.
our jurisdiction.
Nature Conservancy
To preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities that
represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and
To manage the water resources of California in cooperation with
waters they need to survive.
Los Angeles County
To provide the residents and visitors of Los Angeles County with
Department of Parks quality recreational opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle
and Recreation
and strengthen the community through diverse physical,
Water Quality Control
educational, and cultural programming, and to enhance the
Board (RWQCB)
community environment by acquiring, developing, and
Natural Resources
maintaining County parks, gardens, golf courses, trails, and open
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-19
space areas.
Mountains Recreation
To acquire, develop, and conserve additional park and open
and Conservation
space lands with special emphasis on recreation and
Authority
conservation projects, the protection and conservation of
watersheds, and the development of river parkways.
Regulatory and Resource Agencies- State and Federal
California Department of
To manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources,
Fish and Wildlife
and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological
(CDFW)
values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
California Department of
Improve mobility across California.
Transportation
(Caltrans)
California Department of
To manage the water resources of California in cooperation with
Water Resources
other agencies, to benefit the State's people, and to protect,
(DWR)
restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
Los Angeles Regional
To preserve and enhance the quality of California's water
Water Quality Control
resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Board (RWQCB)
Natural Resources
"Helping People Help the Land," by providing products and
Conservation Service
services that enable people to be good stewards of the Nation's
(NRCS)
soil, water, and related natural resources on non -Federal lands.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-19
Stakeholder Mission Statement
US Army Corps of To provide quality, responsive engineering services to the nation
Engineers (US ACE) including: planning, designing, building, and operating water
resources and other civil works projects (Navigation, Flood
Control, Environmental Protection, Disaster Response, etc.);
designing and managing the construction of military facilities for
the Army and Air Force (Military Construction); providing design
and construction management support for other Defense and
federal agencies (Support for Others).
US Fish and Wildlife To work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish,
Service (US FWS) wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of
the American people.
US Forest Service- To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's
Angeles National forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future
Forest generations.
Non-Profft Organizations and Other Stakeholders
Acton Town Council To provide a stronger local voice in community development, and
to try to ensure the continuation of Acton's country lifestyle.
Association of Water To develop and encourage cooperation among entities for the
Agencies of Ventura development, protection, conservation and improvement of the
County total water resources for Ventura County.
Agua Dulce/Acton To be a resource for existing, new, and future residents of the
Country Journal Agua Dulce/Acton community.
Agua Dulce Town To serve as a common meeting place for the free expression of
Council all views and for the coming together of diverse opinions into a
consensus; to discuss issues concerning Agua Dulce, to invite
participation by the public, civic, and private organizations; to
serve as Agua Dulce's representatives and to speak on behalf of
the community; to review public and private proposals that may
affect the community; to neither support nor oppose any political
party or candidate.
Castaic Area Town To act as an advisory board presenting community points of view
Council to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and various
County departments such as Regional Planning, Public Works,
and Parks & Recreation.
Santa Clarita To promote, protect, and preserve the environment, ecology, and
Organization for quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Planning the
Environment
Page 1-20 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Stakeholder Mission Statement
Santa Clarita Valley Well Preserve our present and future water supply by working
Owners Association together to promote sustainable water consumption by all
stakeholders in the aquifer's resource; protect our rights as
private well owners and our collective parity as stakeholders in
the management of the areas' subterranean water resources;
educate our members in matters relative to water rights, quality,
resources, historical data and any other information relevant to
owning and maintaining a private water well system; advocate on
behalf of the rights of private well owners collectively and
individually.
University of California The welfare, development, and protection of California
Cooperative Extension agriculture, natural resources, and people.
Ventura County To provide assistance to help both rural and urban communities
Resource to conserve, protect, and restore natural resources.
Conservation District
(VCRCD)
Santa Clara River Non-profit land trust and wildlife conservation organization,
Watershed formed to advocate for and acquire undeveloped land in the
Conservancy Santa Clara River watershed.
1.3.2.1.1 Municipal and County Government Agencies
Municipal and county government agencies include local jurisdictions and land use planning
agencies that have been involved in the identification of issues, formation of objectives, and
development of projects to implement this IRWMP. Their participation provides a link between
local planning agencies and this IRWMP by offering discussion in meetings, providing accurate,
consistent land use planning information, and incorporating local planning documents and goals
into the project objectives. The City of Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles County Department of
Regional Planning, the County of Ventura, LACDPW, and the Los Angeles County Supervisor's
Office are examples of land use agencies and entities participating in the meetings.
1.3.2.1.2 Water Suppliers/Wastewater Management/Special Districts
The water suppliers, wastewater management agencies, and special districts of the Region
have been involved in the development and implementation of the objectives and projects for
this IRWMP. Their participation has focused particularly on the water supply issues pertaining
to the Region. These agencies include CLWA, LACFCD, SCWD, SCVSD, NCWD and VWC.
Additionally, the Sierra Pelona Mutual Water Company and the Lake Elizabeth Mutual Water
Company have been invited to participate in the process.
1.3.2.1.3 Business Organizations
The Building Industry Association's (BIA) interest is in land -use planning and growth
management within the Region. The building industry entities involved include the Greater Los
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-21
Angeles/Ventura Chapter of the BIA. Agricultural and farm interests for the Region have been
represented by the Newhall Land and Farming Company. Their role is to ensure that
agricultural and farm interests are incorporated in this IRWMP. Input was also solicited from the
broader business community at the start of the Stakeholder process.
1.3.2.1.4 Recreational and Open Space Entities
The role and responsibility of the recreational and open space entities is to ensure that issues
and goals related to conservation and protection of the natural resources and habitat within the
Region are incorporated in this IRWMP. Those involved include the Rivers and Mountains
Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy. Input was also solicited from the Los Angeles
County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation
Authority, and City of Santa Clarita's Open Space Preservation District.
1.3.2.1.5 Regulatory and Resource Agencies - State and Federal
Several State and Federal regulatory agencies have been involved in the identification of
issues, formation of objectives, and development of projects for this IRWMP. Coordination with
these regulatory agencies is essential to the development and implementation of all
recommended projects due to the need for regulatory and environmental approval prior to
implementation. Their roles and responsibilities are to ensure that regulatory compliance
standards and goals are incorporated in this IRWMP. The agencies include: CDFW, Caltrans,
DWR, Los Angeles RWQCB, NRCS, US ACE, US FWS, and US Forest Service - Angeles
National Forest.
1.3.2.1.6 Other Stakeholders/Non-Profit Organizations
Other Stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the objectives for this
IRWMP include the following: Agua Dulce/Acton Country Journal, Agua Dulce Town Council,
Atkins Environmental, Castaic Area Town Council, Foothills Associates, Santa Clara River
Watershed Conservancy, Santa Clarita Organization for Planning for the Environment, Santa
Clarita Valley Well Owners Association, University of California Cooperative Extension, Town
Councils of Acton and West Ranch, and the VCRCD.
1.3.2.1.7 Stakeholder Group Roles and Responsibilities
The following is a list of roles and responsibilities for the Stakeholder group.
1. Attend and participate in stakeholder meetings.
2. Be an agency/organization with an interest in a watershed related issue.
3. Offer suggestions for meeting IRWMP objectives.
4. Propose and/or sponsor projects.
5. Provide input on the project prioritization framework development.
Page 1-22 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
6. Make recommendations regarding project ranking within the process outlined in the
project prioritization framework.
7. Review and comment on all versions of the IRWMP.
8. Represent each agency/organization having a single vote at a Stakeholder meeting.
9. Be able to show support for the IRWMP (e.g., adopt it [if the Stakeholder meets the
requirements for adoption as set forth in the funding guidelines], sign a resolution in
support of it, or submit a letter of support to the RWMG for inclusion in the adopted
IRWMP).
1.3.2.2 Ground Rules and Operating Procedures
In order to guarantee a fruitful process and foster full participation, Stakeholder meetings are
governed by a set of agreed-upon "ground rules' and 'operating procedures' as listed below.
1.3.2.2.1 Ground Rules for Participation
1. Cooperate with the process, including the scope and intent of our planning effort
together and specific agenda topics.
2. Work toward shared goals, proposing strategies that relate to the goals and that may be
acceptable to all stakeholders.
3. Base your opinions, ideas and comments on facts and experience rather than on
perception.
4. Participate fully in the group discussion.
5. Keep your comments brief and constructive.
6. Focus on issues instead of people or personalities.
7. Reference the past if needed, but look to the future.
8. Be respectful of differing perspectives and opinions.
9. Stay with the topic at hand or hold your comment and yield to someone who has a
comment on the topic at hand.
10. Be open to new ideas and be expansive in your thinking.
1.3.2.2.2 Operating Procedures
1. Stakeholders will abide by the agreed upon participation ground rules and operating
procedures during this process.
2. We will strive for mutual agreement but note when we have a minority opinion.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-23
3. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate consistently and attend all meetings. If
unable to attend, a Stakeholder may send an alternate to ensure the organization's
consistent participation.
4. Stakeholders who are participating based on their organizational affiliation represent the
organization; their opinions should be consistent with and as authorized by the
organization.
As described in the following sections, participants in the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP have
been able to address, discuss and recommend regional objectives and strategies and propose
projects to meet those objectives.
1.3.3 Relationship with Neighboring IRWMPs
The Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP Region is adjacent to four planning regions that are
currently represented by IRWMPs. These consist of the Antelope Valley IRWMP in the
North/South Lahontan-Funding Region, the Kern County area in the Tulare/Kern-Funding
Region, the Greater Los Angeles County Region IRWMP in the Los Angeles -Funding Region;
and as described earlier, the WCVC IRWMP, also within the Los Angeles -Funding Region.
These four plan areas surround the Region (however none overlap with the Upper Santa Clara
IRWMP Region except for a minor portion of the Kern IRWMP). Therefore, the Upper Santa
Clara River IRWMP plays an integral role in completing watershed analyses for the Los
Angeles -Funding Region and providing an important link to the neighboring North/South
Lahontan and Tulare/Kern-Funding regions. The collective efforts of these interconnected
IRWMPs will not only benefit their respective regions, but each other and the watersheds of
Southern California as a whole.
1.3.3.1 The WCVC IRWMP Region
The WCVC and Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP regions have undertaken separate, but
coordinated, planning efforts since 2006. The two regions are currently cooperating on a
number of programs and working together through their respective stakeholder processes,
planning efforts, projects, and programs to ensure that the entire Santa Clara River watershed is
protected and managed appropriately, despite the division of the county boundary. Specific
collaborations include:
1. Joint Stakeholder Meetings — To coordinate and share plan and project implementation,
the Upper Santa Clara River and WCVC IRWMP regions regularly hold joint stakeholder
meetings, alternating meeting locations in both Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
2. Climate Change Workshop — A common stakeholder outreach and input meeting was
held for the Upper Santa Clara IRWMP, WCVC, and the Santa Barbara Countywide
IRWMP. The workshop educated stakeholders on climate change and climate change
vulnerabilities and acted as a forum to identify opportunities to share data.
3. Watershed U — Collaboration throughout the Santa Clara River Watershed led by U.C.
Cooperative Extension with participation in both counties.
Page 1-24 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
4. Memorandum of Understanding between United Water Conservation District and water
agencies in the Upper Santa Clara River Watershed regarding groundwater modeling,
water rights, quality and quantity.
5. Upper and Lower Santa Clara River Conservation Plans prepared by the Nature
Conservancy with participation in both counties.
6. Natural Flood Plain Management efforts, including land acquisition for easements in the
flood plain, led by the Nature Conservancy with participation in both counties.
7. Santa Clara River Parkway Project — Led by California Coastal Conservancy with
participation in both counties.
8. Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management Plan —Joint planning effort with
entities in both counties and the Army Corp of Engineers.
9. Army Corps Feasibility Study — A geomorphology assessment that included a joint effort
with both counties and the Army Corps of Engineers.
10. Land use planning — Ongoing discussions between Ventura and Los Angeles counties'
land use planning agencies regarding land development projects in the Upper Santa
Clara River Watershed.
11. Ongoing efforts to improve habitat and provide stewardship for resources in the entire
watershed. Some local environmental groups cover the entire watershed.
12. Ongoing coordination between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties regarding flood
control projects.
Over the past several years multiple alternatives for compliance with the chloride TMDL have
been evaluated by all Stakeholders, including members of the USCR and WCVC Regions. On
October 28, 2013, the Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District certified the Final Chloride
Compliance Facilities Plan and associated Environmental Impact Report and approved a project
consisting of ultraviolet disinfection, advanced treatment using reverse osmosis, and deep well
injection for brine disposal, that complies with the final wasteload allocations of the chloride
TMDL.
1.3.3.2 Kern IRWMP
At the northernmost portion the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP shares a very small piece of
boundary with the Kern IRWMP. The consultant team for the Kern Region, which also prepared
the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP, has consulted with the RWMG for the Upper Santa Clara
River IRWMP regarding this small shared area, and has not identified issues needing further
coordination between the two planning regions.
1.3.3.3 Antelope Valley IRWMP
To the northeast, the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP shares a boundary with the Antelope
Valley IRWMP. Common stakeholders of the two IRMWP regions include the Waterworks
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 1-25
Districts of Los Angeles County and Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. Frequent
communication occurs also with staff from the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and
the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts working on the neighboring IRWMPs. Though there
is some overlap in water resource agency jurisdiction, the areas are separated by a significant
watershed boundary and the Antelope Valley IRWMP region is outside of the Santa Clara River
watershed.
1.3.3.4 Greater Los Angeles County IRWMP
The Greater Los Angeles County IRWMP resides to the south of the Upper Santa Clara
IRWMP. There is some overlap in water resource agency jurisdiction (e.g., Los Angeles
Department of Public Works); however, these two IRWMPs do not have common local water
resources. The Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP interacts with the Greater Los Angeles Region
as part of the Roundtable of Regions. Additionally, the Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP has
actively participated with both WCVC and the Greater Los Angeles regions in efforts to develop
a funding formula for the Los Angeles -Funding Region.
1.3.4 Void or Excluded Areas
The Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP region does not have any voids or excluded areas
immediately outside or within its boundaries with the exception of a small area of Arroyo Simi in
the western portion of Los Angeles County within the watershed of Calleguas Creek. This area
lies outside of the IRWMP management at this time. If required to belong in an IRWMP region,
either WCVC or the Greater Los Angeles areas would be appropriate since the Arroyo Simi is
within a WCVC watershed and also within the same political boundary (City of Los Angeles) as
the Greater Los Angeles IRWMP region.
Page 1-26 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Section 2: Region Description
2.1 Introduction and Overview
This section discusses why preparation of an IRWMP for this Region is appropriate, describes
the physical and environmental characteristics of the Region, describes social and demographic
characteristics of the Region, and provides an overview of the Region's water system.
The major water bodies in the Region include the Santa Clara River and its tributaries. The
principal tributaries are Castaic Creek, San Francisquito Creek, Bouquet Creek, Mint Canyon
and the South Fork of the Santa Clara River. Upper tributaries also contribute to the riparian
network, including, but not limited to Gorman Creek and Amargosa Creek. Additionally, the
Santa Clara River receives tertiary -treated recycled water discharged from the Saugus and
Valencia water reclamation plants, which are operated by the SCVSD. The main channel of the
Santa Clara River is the last major undammed river system in Southern California, a situation
that makes its preservation extremely important to the stakeholders. Figures 1.1-1 and 1.1-2
map the Region boundaries and the key hydrologic features. As shown in Figure 2.1-1, the
Santa Clara River is divided into various reaches; within the Upper Santa Clara River there are
four defined reaches (as defined by the Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan):
• Reach 5 (Blue Cut). Upstream of the USGS Blue Cut Gauging Station to the West Pier
Highway 99 (now the Old Road Bridge)
• Reach 6 (Highway 99). Upstream of Highway 99 (now Old Road Bridge) to Bouquet
Canyon Bridge
• Reach 7 (Bouquet Canyon). Upstream of Bouquet Canyon to Lang Gauging Station
• Reach 8 (Above Lang Gauping Station). Lang Gauging Station to headwaters
The upper portion of the Santa Clara River and its tributaries are typically ephemeral streams,
having intermittent surface flows only during, and immediately after, periods of intense
precipitation. The geologic characteristics of the alluvial sediments in the riverbed in this section
of the river provide excellent percolation, and flowing water quickly recharges to the
underground aquifers below the river. Perennial flows begin near the Old Road Bridge, due to
both recycled water discharges and unique geologic conditions that force groundwater to rise to
the surface. However, downstream of Blue Cut a "dry gap' from near Blue Cut to Piru Creek
exists for much of the year, making the Upper Santa Clara River a hydrologically independent
system from the Lower Santa Clara River for much of the year. Because of these
characteristics and due to its history of cooperative water management, the topography and
geography of the Region and the similarity of water issues facing agencies within the Region,
the Upper Watershed is a logical region for integrated regional water management.
2.2 Climate
The watershed is characterized by an and climate. Intermittent periods of less -than -average
precipitation are typically followed by periods of greater -than -average precipitation in a cyclical
pattern, with each wetter or drier period typically lasting from one to five years. The long-term
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 2-1
average precipitation is 17.8 inches (1931-2010), as shown in Figure 2.2-1 for the Newhall-
Soledad 32c gage. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) and LADPW have maintained
records for the Newhall-Soledad 32c gage since 1931. In general, periods of less -than -average
precipitation are longer and more moderate than periods of greater -than -average precipitation.
Recently, the periods from 1971 to 1976, 1984 to 1991, and 1999 to 2003 have been drier than
average; the periods from 1977 to 1983 and 1992 to 1996 and year 2005 have been wetter than
average. Starting in 2006, the Region has experienced drier than average conditions, with a
minimum annual precipitation of less than 14 inches measured at the Newhall-Soledad gauge in
2007. Year 2008 was an exception with average rainfall, as was year 2010 with above average
precipitation of over 24 inches (CLWA et al. 2012). However, 2011 was again below average
with approximately 16 inches (LADPW 2012).
Uf
Tk
v
40
s
C
30
a
FIGURE 2.2-1
ANNUAL PRECIPITATION
Wo
IE
c 20
c
10
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-40
m
1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 j i i I i i 11111111111 La a 1.I 111141Ia u 1 I i 11111 I I I S 1111 I I 1 I I 1 i 1111 I n Il l Il l Il uiLi.MM11110r. .1
1 1935 1W 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Calendar Year
Source: CLWA, et al. 2012 (SCV Water Report).
Page 2-2 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014
0
Legend
WATERSHED
—SCR Reach ]
I Cky Boundaries
O UPPER SANTA CLARA
SCR Reach LakelReservoir
O LOWER SANTACLARA—SCR Reach 5 ® Forest Boundaries
O CALLEGUAS
_SCR Reach
O VENTURA
—SCR Reach 3
—SCR Reach 2
25
20
Figure 2.1-2
Santa Clara River
Reach Boundaries
As part of this IRWMP Update a Climate Change Technical Study was prepared. The Climate
Change Technical Study provides details on the potential effects of climate change (changes in
temperature, changes in precipitation), describes the Region's vulnerability to climate change,
and identifies strategies for adapting to climate change. The Climate Change Technical Study
is Chapter 5 of this IRWMP Update.
2.3 Land Use
Major existing land use categories identified in the 2011 City of Santa Clarita General Plan and
the 2011 Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan, described in Section 2.3, within the Region include the
following:
• Residential: Residential uses include a mix of dwelling units developed at varying
densities and with varying housing types. Residential uses in the Region include single-
family — detached and attached, multiple -family, mobile home, senior housing, as well as
live -work units and group living facilities.
• Commercial: This category includes retail and offices that offer goods and services to
the general public, and wholesale and service uses provided to businesses. This
category also includes food services, personal services, automobile services,
entertainment, and hospitality services, day care services, and regional commercial uses
such as big box retailers and auto malls.
• Mixed Use: This category includes commercial retail, office, and service uses
intermingled with higher density residential uses, within a master -planned complex
designed to ensure that residents are not adversely impacted by commercial operations
or traffic, and that businesses benefit from the proximity of customers living nearby.
• Industrial: The industrial category includes heavy manufacturing and light industrial uses
found in business, research, and development parks. Light industrial activities include
warehousing, wholesale trade and some types of assembly work. This category may
also include fabrication and assembly of large items, resource extraction, processing of
raw or recycled materials, and businesses that use or generate hazardous materials.
• Public /Institutional: Government buildings, hospitals, libraries, schools, fire and police
stations, solid waste facilities, cultural and community centers and other public
institutions are found in this category. Uses in this category support the civic, cultural,
and educational needs of residents. Special uses such as correctional facilities are also
grouped in this category.
• Transportation, Communication, and Utilities: This category includes freeways and major
roads, bikeways, railroads, park and ride lots, truck terminals, airports, communication
facilities, and similar uses. (This category is included under the Public/Institutional
category in the Santa Clarita General Plan.)
• Open Space and Recreation: This category encompasses the Angeles National Forest
and land used for private and public recreational facilities, conservancy land and other
land set aside for preservation of open space and natural resources, and local and
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page 2-5
regional parks and multi-purpose trails. Recreational areas, including golf courses and
water bodies and water storage.
• Rural: The rural lands category includes low-density residential uses on large lots, in
areas characterized by rural development interspersed with natural open space.
Agricultural uses in rural lands include grazing horticulture, row, field, and tree crops,
and limited keeping of livestock, horses and other large animals.
2.3.1 Land Use Policies
There are three land use jurisdictions in the
Region; the City of Santa Clarita, the
unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, and
the Angeles National Forest. The land use policy
documents that govern the Region and their areas
of jurisdiction are as follows:
2011 City of Santa Clarita General Plan.
This plan encompasses the City of Santa
Clarita and the communities of Newhall,
Canyon Country, Valencia, and Saugus.
Los Angeles County General Plan 2035 City of Santa Clarita City Hall
(Draft). This document covers all of the
unincorporated County. Two components of this plan are the Santa Clarita Valley Area
Plan and the Antelope Valley Area Plan.The Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan covers the
unincorporated portions of the Santa Clarita Valley and includes the communities of
Castaic, Agua Dulce, San Francisquito Canyon, Val Verde, West Ranch, Stevenson
Ranch, Westridge, Violin Canyon, Hasley Canyon, Hillcrest, and the future Newhall
Ranch. Several Antelope Valley Area Plan
communities within the Santa Clara River
Watershed include Gorman, Acton, Three
Points, The Lakes, and Green Valley.
2005 Southern California National Forests
Land Management Plans. A large portion of
the watershed includes the Angeles
National Forest and also a portion of the
Los Padres National Forest, which are
covered by their respective Forest Plans
developed by the US Forest Service.
Los Angeles County Hall of Administration
Concurrently with the 2011 adoption of the City of
Santa Clarita General Plan, the County of Los Angeles adopted the One Valley One Vision
(OVOV) Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan. OVOV is a joint effort between the County, the City of
Santa Clarita, and Santa Clarita Valley (Valley) residents and businesses to create a single
Page 2-6 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014
vision and defining guidelines for the future growth of the entire Valley Planning Area'. The
OVOV effort is intended to achieve enhanced cooperation between the County and the City,
coordinated land use planning, improved infrastructure and natural resource management, and
enhanced quality of life for those who live and work in the Valley. The Vision and Guiding
Principles formulated as part of the process serve as a framework for the preparation of
consistent Plans for the Valley by both the City of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County. The
updated Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan is consistent with both the County's comprehensive
General Plan and with the City's General Plan. It does not include all of the mandatory General
Plan elements, as these are addressed on a Countywide basis by the County's General Plan.
OVOV policies will be implemented and managed by the County of Los Angeles through
adoption of the updated Area Plan as part of its General Plan and based on goals and policies
contained in the Area Plan. The portions of the planning area within the incorporated boundaries
of the City of Santa Clarita will be regulated by the City's updated General Plan, which like the
Area Plan, reflects the common goals and policies agreed to as part of the OVOV effort (County
of Los Angeles 2011, City of Santa Clarita 2011). In connection with the Santa Clarita Valley
Area Plan Update, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was also completed.
The individual General Plans of the County and City of Santa Clarita and the Valley Area Plan
contain policies which govern the decision-making entity as to how they review and condition
individual development projects and formulate their future improvements. Typically, such
policies are grouped together into elements including "Air Quality" and "Transportation." Water
management has typically been included in the "Open Space and Conservation" section.
One of the results of this IRWMP is an inventory of water -related policies and programs in order
to assist each jurisdiction in planning its water management efforts. Such an inventory has
been collected, discussed, and redistributed to these jurisdictions and is found in Appendix C.
By heightening the awareness of those directly responsible for the jurisdictions' General Plans,
it is expected that additional and more effective policies and programs will be introduced into
their decision-making/review processes.
For example, the City of Santa Clarita, the County of Los Angeles, and National Forest Service
respective land use plans have a number of adopted programs, policies and procedures which
affect water management including:
The Los Angeles County General Plan, under its "General Goals and Policies" and in the
"Conservation and Open Space Element," contains specific goals and policies governing
water supply, water conservation, water quality, and natural watershed processes and
protection.
• The Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan and City of Santa Clarita's General Plan have
generally coinciding "Conservation and Open Space' elements which provide policies on
water resources, specifically addressing issues related to surface water, groundwater
and long-term water supply, as well as flood control, water conservation, and water
quality.
In the initial planning phases of the One Valley, One Vision process, the community of Acton was
included within the planning area. The 2004 Technical Background Report was prepared assuming
inclusion of Acton in the planning area. However, since 2004, Acton has joined the Antelope Valley
Planning Area.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 2-7
• The Forest Plans outline several goals and objectives to strategically manage the forests
and their water resources, including watershed and riparian system improvements and
groundwater management.
While these planning documents contain some strategies for water management, it is
recognized that additional strategies may be available to further water management. The
information compiled by, and contained in, this IRWMP will help the jurisdictions working
together to better manage water resources.
In addition to the authority vested in public land use planning agencies, other entities including
water agencies, LAFCO, and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) also
influence land use. Under State law (Senate Bill 221 [Chapter 642 Statutes of 2001] and
Senate Bill 610 [Chapter 643 Statutes of 2001]), land use planning agencies must consult with
local water agencies to determine if adequate supplies of water are available to serve proposed
land developments. Additionally, water agencies must coordinate with land use planning
agencies in the development of their urban water management plans, which include projections
of future water demand and water supply availability during normal and dry periods. Water
agencies and land use planning agencies within California are working together to ensure
adequate management and planning for water supplies to meet the needs of growing
communities.
The 2008 Regional Comprehensive Plan, developed by SCAG, is a holistic, strategic plan for
defining and solving inter -related housing, traffic, water, air quality, and other regional
challenges. The plan identifies the following regional challenges with respect to water
resources:
"Recent projections indicate that nearly half of the state's population will reside within the
SCAG region by 2030. This underscores the importance of questions about Southern
California's future water supply, and of reliably meeting our urban water demands in a way
that is sensitive to both ecological imperatives and the evolving emphasis on sustainable
development. We also face challenges in how we assure a high quality water supply for
consumption, recreational, habitat, and other needs.
Eliminating water quality impairments throughout the region's urban watersheds is a major
challenge. These impairments (usually caused by "non -point" source pollutants) are largely
caused by urban and stormwater runoff and must be cleaned up under the Clean Water Act.
As a result, water quality regulators are imposing significant and costly pollution control
measures on local agencies with compliance deadlines."
The Regional Comprehensive Plan focuses on three strategies and goals for addressing these
water supply and water quality issues.
First, is the development of sufficient water supplies to meet the water demands created by
continuing regional growth through promoting policies that encourage environmentally
sustainable imports, local conservation and conjunctive use, and reclamation and reuse.
Second, is to improve water quality by implementing land use and transportation policies and
programs that promote water stewardship and eliminate water impairments and waste through
more concentrated and clustered developments.
Page 2-8 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Third, the region needs to improve comprehensive and collaborative watershed planning that
yields water wise programs and projects.
This IRWMP directly helps to meet the first and third strategies.
Preparation of this IRWMP was coordinated with local land use agencies; details of this
coordination appear in Section 11 of this IRWMP.
2.3.1.1 City of Santa Clarita Climate Action Plan
In 2011, as part of the OVOV plan process, the City of Santa Clarita began developing a
Climate Action Plan (CAP), which will serve as a component of the general plan document for
the City to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The State of California requires all cities
updating or creating a new general plan document to consider its impacts on GHG emissions,
which requires completion of a CAP. The CAP must achieve the emission reduction goals
outlined in the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), requiring statewide GHG
emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. Regional targets to enable meeting statewide
goals are set according to SB 375, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of
2008, and served as a guideline for the City's CAP.
The purpose of the CAP is to measure the amount of GHG emissions generated within the City
and to develop strategies to reduce future emissions. Year 2005 baseline year GHG emissions
were used, as established by SB 375, to conduct an inventory for the entire community from all
sources, primarily from vehicles and energy use in buildings. On -road vehicle emissions made
up the majority of baseline year GHG emissions with 60 percent.
Several strategies, consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the new General Plan,
were identified for reducing GHG emissions as part of the CAP mitigation plan. It was
determined that the largest portion of total GHG emission reductions, 65 percent, can be
achieved by decreasing vehicle miles traveled in the City via changes in land use patterns and
increased emphasis on transit and alternative transportation programs. Creation or acquisition
of new vegetated space, including tree planting could contribute to 21 percent of emission
reductions. Water efficiency measures could account for 11 percent of reductions and include
recycled water use, SMART controllers for irrigation and other water conservation measures.
Finally, energy conservation through increased use of solar and wind power is estimated to
contribute to 3 percent of total emission reductions.
Implementation of the developed mitigation plan would result in 2020 net emissions
approximately 4 percent below 2005 City baseline levels, and thereby exceeding the AB 32
statewide GHG emission reduction mandate.
The efforts associated with the Climate Action Plan and this IRWMP are highly complementary
and strategies from both plans clearly align. Regional climate change impacts and
vulnerabilities that have been assessed as part of this IRWMP update are described in
Section 5.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 2-9
2.4 Ecological Processes and Environmental Resources
This section describes the basic environmental resources and ecological processes of the
Watershed, and also describes relevant issues and existing and potential venues for resolution
of these issues.
The principal natural features of the Upper Santa Clara River Region include the Santa Clara
River, Aliso Canyon, Soledad Canyon, the Santa Clarita Valley, Castaic Valley, San
Francisquito Canyon, Bouquet Canyon, Placerita Canyon, and Hasley Canyon, as well as the
open space and forest resources of the Angeles National Forest. This complex topography
provides a natural setting that supports a diverse assemblage of biotic communities. As one of
the last free-flowing natural riparian systems remaining in Southern California, the Santa Clara
River provides breeding sites, traveling routes and other essential resources for wildlife, thereby
contributing to the great diversity and abundance of organisms in the Region. The Upper Santa
Clara River Region is home to a range of endangered, threatened and rare species, including
fish species such as unarmored threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni).
The natural ecosystem, comprised of a wide variety of biological resources (plant and animal
species), as well as physical attributes (land, water, air and other important natural factors), is a
vital resource contributing to the economic and physical well being of the communities of the
Upper Santa Clara River. Disruption of one factor may intrinsically affect another due to its
inter -relationship, and the significance of those effects is difficult to determine without
consideration of the whole system. All native species and ecosystems are of aesthetic,
ecological, educational, historic, recreational and scientific value.
Ecological processes in the Region which are influenced and improved by water management
measures are numerous. Of major concern in the Upper Santa Clara River Region is natural
water production and watershed protection, which is critical to maintaining a healthy and
balanced ecosystem, one which protects plant and
wildlife species and provides for regionally valuable NATURAL FEATURES of THE UPPER
recreational uses (e.g., hiking, camping, hunting, and SANTA CLARA RIVER
many other forms of outdoor recreation). . Angeles National Forest
The Upper Santa Clara River system is largely defined
as an ephemeral stream with highly variable flows,
depending on precipitation levels. It can also be
prone to flooding, as was observed during the 2004-
05 rainy season, which resulted in damage to many
agricultural and urban properties. However, some
flood control and prevention measures can have
negative impacts on natural habitat, particularly
riparian habitat.
• Aliso Canyon
• Bouquet Canyon
• Castaic Valley
• Hasley Canyon
• Placerita Canyon
• San Francisquito Canyon
• Santa Clara River
• Santa Clarita Valley
•
Soledad Canyon
Vasqu
• Vasquez Rocks
Water reclamation, aerial deposition, imported water
use, as well as urban and agricultural land practices
can affect water quality (see Section 3). Impaired waterbodies in the Upper Santa Clara River
Region are listed in Section 2.8.1 of this IRWMP. Implementation of programs such as the
TMDL program, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the Nonpoint
Page 2-10 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP • February 2014
Source Pollution Control Program are key to integrated water management to protect water
quality and beneficial uses of the State's waterbodies.
Part of the intent of IRWM program is to create a framework and a collaborative process
whereby conflict between different water uses can be avoided or reduced. In the past,
development of water supply for human use was done without due regard for habitat
preservation or restoration. However increasing priority is being given to changing the process
of water resource development and human use to conduct these activities in ways which will not
damage natural resources, and to restoring damaged natural habitats so that they not only
survive but thrive. A large and growing preservation and restoration movement is underway in
the Region which has local jurisdictions working in conjunction with habitat preservation
advocacy groups, in an attempt to restore balance and improve water quality of one of the last
large, natural riparian ecosystems in Southern California.
2.4.1 Sensitive Biological Resources
The Region is host to at least 26 special status plant species and 46 special status wildlife
species. These are species of plants and animals that are designated endangered, threatened
or rare by the California Fish and Game Commission or the U.S. Department of the Interior and
Department of Commerce. A federally listed endangered species is one facing extinction
throughout all, or a significant portion of, its geographic range. A federally listed threatened
species is one likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. The State of California considers an endangered species as one
whose prospects of survival and reproduction are in immediate jeopardy; and a threatened
species as one present in such small numbers throughout its range that it may become
endangered if its present environment worsens. The Rare species designation applies only to
California native plants.
Additionally, there are many species whose survival and reproduction in the wild are in
immediate jeopardy and are considered to be sensitive to further intrusion upon their habitat.
Species that are not listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act or the California
Endangered Species Act, but which nonetheless are declining at a rate that could result in a
designation of Endangered, Threatened or Rare, are classified as Species of Special Concern.
The vegetation and habitat types in the Region that merit "special status" because they are
considered unique, are limited in distribution in the Region, or provide particularly high wildlife
value include: native grassland, coast live oak riparian forest, southern willow scrub, big -cone
spruce -canyon oak forest, southern sycamore -alder woodland, southern cottonwood -willow
riparian woodland and forest, freshwater marsh, alluvial fan sage scrub, and vernal pool (CLWA
2007 and County of Los Angeles 2012). In addition, coastal and desert biomes meet in this
Region, allowing breeding and cross pollination of otherwise isolated species. Following are
descriptions of these significant plant communities:
• Native grassland communities consist of low herbaceous vegetation dominated by
grasses, often mixed with native bulbs and other herbaceous species. Representative
native grasslands in the Region include the significant patches of needlegrass and melic
grass species.
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014 Page 2-11
• Coast live oak riparian forest consists of dense overstory formations of coast live oak
generally occurring in narrow formations along water channels. Common understory
species include the willow, California bay, mulefat, and other riparian understory species
common to Southern California.
• Southern willow scrub occurs along seasonal or permanent water courses and is
comprised of dense thickets of broad -leafed winter -deciduous riparian species. This
community's 'scrub' formation is maintained by frequent heavy over -flooding. Dominant
species of this community include mulefat, sandbar willow, and arroyo willow.
• Big -cone spruce -canyon oak forest generally consists of shade -loving species such
as big -leaf maple and California bay, and occurs in higher elevations on north -facing
slopes. Chaparral species generally dominate the understory.
• Southern sycamore -alder woodlands in the Region are generally found on broad
plains with heavy alluvial substrates along creeks and streams with permanent flows.
This community only occurs in the upper reaches of the watershed, in areas within Bear,
Sand, Placerita and Aliso Canyons.
• Southern cottonwood willow riparian natural areas are dominated by Fremont
cottonwood and provide broad -leafed winter -deciduous habitat. This community forms
mature overstory areas along many reaches of the Santa Clara River and its main
tributaries. Extensive formations occur just west of Acton in Upper Aliso Canyon and
lower San Francisquito Canyon.
• Freshwater marsh communities in the watershed are dominated by the perennial,
emergent cattail or bulrush, which often grows dense enough to form a closed canopy.
Freshwater marsh generally develops in areas of still or slow-moving permanent
freshwater and occurs in scattered ponds and slow -flow reaches of the Santa Clara
River and its tributaries.
• Alluvial fan sage scrub is made up of a variety of shrubs that can establish themselves
and persist within floodplains, alluvial plains, or alongside seasonal streams, where
infrequent flooding occurs. Dominant shrubs vary depending on location but include
scalebroom, Great Basin sage brush, rabbitbrush and foothill yucca. High diversity
stands exist around Acton, Sand Canyon, Santa Clarita, and in lower San Francisquito
Canyon.
Vernal pools are seasonal bodies of standing water, generally formed in closed
where a heavy clay layer holds surface water following
rain events, and are very rare in the Los Angeles
County and the Upper Santa Clara River Watershed.
Two verified vernal pools have been identified on
Cruzan Mesa and Plum Canyon. Additionally, a small
seasonal pond with typical vernal pool characteristics
is known to exist near the Placerita Canyon -Sand
Canyon divide.
Extensive patches of high quality riparian habitat, including
basins
Yellow Warbler
Page 2-12 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014
southern cottonwood -willow riparian forest and mulefat scrub are present along the length of the
Santa Clara River and its tributaries. These plant communities provide nesting and foraging
habitat for many sensitive bird species including the endangered least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii
pusillus) and southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), and State species of
special concern, including the yellow -breasted chat (Icteria virens) and the yellow warbler
(Dendroica petechia brewsteri). They are also habitat areas for the federally and state -listed
endangered fish species unarmored threespine stickleback. The riparian scrub habitats in Mint
Canyon and other tributaries to the Santa Clara River may also support the State endangered
slender -horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras)
(VCWPD 2005).
The Angeles National Forest, a large portion of which is
located within the watershed, is also occupied by
approximately 45 known species that are deemed sensitive by
the US Forest Service, and provides shelter for at least 16
federally listed threatened and endangered plants and animals.
Many of these are found in few other places. The forest is a
critical habitat for the arroyo toad (Bufo californicus
microshapus), mountain yellow -legged frog (Rana muscosa),
California red -legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii), and several
species of fish. Sensitive species such as the California spotted owl
Nelson bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsons) are also found there
California red -legged frog
(Strix occidentalis) and
(US Forest Service 2003).
Pressures for growth and recreational activities in the Region have been linked to significant
declines in sensitive species. Growth of urban areas results in loss of available or suitable
habitat for sensitive species. Besides loss of habitat, proximity to human development can be
harmful to sensitive species. Human development introduces roadway traffic, pesticides, urban
runoff and non-native species, which degrade habitat and food sources for sensitive species.
Land use practices, such as cattle and sheep grazing and mining are also considered harmful to
many species. Recreational uses, such as off-highway vehicle use are known to conflict with
sensitive species habitat. Improper disposal of food wastes and trash by recreational users
often attracts predators of the sensitive species, such as common ravens. Dogs brought onto
public lands by recreation can also disturb, injure, or kill sensitive species.
2.4.2 Wetland Habitat
Wetland habitats are transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water
table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water due
to underlying soils, geography and topography. Wetlands include, but are not limited to,
marshes, bogs, sloughs, vernal pools, wet meadows, river and stream overflows, mudflats,
ponds, springs, ephemeral springs, and seeps. Wetlands may also include open water habitats
like lakeshores.
Important wetland systems found in the Region include, but are not limited to, freshwater
marshes, vernal pool systems and other perennial overflow areas. Freshwater marsh develops
in areas of still or slow-moving permanent freshwater, and therefore occurs in scattered pond
areas and slow -flow portions of the Santa Clara River and its tributaries. Vernal pools are
seasonal bodies of standing water that typically form from spring runoff, dry out completely in
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page 2-13
the hotter months, and often refill in the autumn. Vernal pools range from extensive, densely
vegetated lowland bodies to smaller, isolated upland bodies with little permanent vegetation.
The identified vernal pools and vernal -like seasonal pond are unique biotic communities in the
Region.
The variety of riparian and wetland vegetation types that exist within the Region provide habitat
for a diverse assemblage of plant and animal species. Supported species include vascular
plants, vertebrates and invertebrate communities. Slope wetlands in the region support native
grasslands such as needlegrass species and melic grasses, and seeps found in chaparral areas
frequently support stands of giant rye. Vernal pools provide important breeding habitat for many
terrestrial or semiaquatic species such as frogs, salamanders, and turtles. Wetlands found
throughout the Region support communities of invertebrates such as native fairy shrimp,
craneflies, stoneflies, water boatmen, and various beetle species. The health of the more
sensitive of these invertebrate species serves as an important indicator of the overall integrity of
the riverine, riparian and wetland ecosystems.
Many of the Region's special status and sensitive species are dependent upon wetland habitats
for their survival. The EIR completed in association with the Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan
Update lists many of the animal species known to occur within the Region that have been
federally listed or highlighted by the state as endangered, threatened, protected, or of special
concern. Listed wetland species include vascular plants such as the spreading navarretia
(Navarretia fossalis), found in the Newhall area, and California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia
californica), and invertebrates, such as the Riverside, vernal pool and San Diego fairy shrimp
(Streptocephalus woottoni, Branchinecta lynchi, Branchinecta sandiegoensis, respectively)
primarily found in the identified vernal pools. The southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys
marmorata pallida) is found in Ben Canyon and Vasquez Rocks, and several records indicate
the presence of the two -striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondil) in perennial waters of
the Upper Santa Clara River. Sensitive bird species reliant on wetland habitat and known to
occur or commonly migrate to the Region include the western least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis
hesperis), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), and the merlin (Falco columbarius).
2.4.3 Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife corridors link together areas of suitable wildlife habitat that
are otherwise separated by rugged terrain, changes in vegetation,
or human disturbance. The fragmentation of open space areas by
urbanization creates isolated "islands" of wildlife habitat. In the
absence of habitat linkages that allow movement to adjoining open
space areas, various studies have concluded that some wildlife
species, especially the larger and more mobile mammals, will not
likely persist over time in fragmented or isolated habitat areas
because they prohibit the infusion of new individuals.
In addition, such islands often provide the only available habitat for
species that occupy the corridor area. Biologists have identified
areas that experience recurrent aquatic, riparian, or terrestrial
species movement that are crucial to these species as wildlife
"corridors" or habitat linkages. These corridors encourage
The River is a Valuable
Wildlife Corridor
Page 2-14 Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP # February 2014
preservation of plant and animal populations by allowing greater access to food and water and a
larger gene pool.
The river corridor acts as a landscape linkage and escape route, providing for wildlife movement
between and among habitat patches from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The
Region hosts a wide diversity of wildlife including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and
invertebrates, as described above. Some of these species migrate along ridgelines in the
mountainous terrain where there are fewer interfaces with urban uses. Other species migrate
along the arroyos, rivers and other riparian and wetland corridors, where urban development is
nearer, and the potential for adverse impacts much greater, when these natural habitats are
encroached upon.
Habitat loss and fragmentation are the leading threats to biodiversity. This highlights the need
to conserve well-connected networks of large wildland areas where natural processes can
continue operating over large spatial and temporal scales. Adequate landscape connections
allow these ecosystems to respond appropriately to natural and unnatural environmental
perturbations, such as fire, flood, climate change, and invasions by non-native species.
Maintaining wildlife corridors helps compensate for fragmentation of habitats. Several key
wildlife movement corridors within the region have been identified and several ongoing efforts
are targeting preservation of these lands through acquisition (City of Santa Clarita and County
of Los Angeles 2011).
Within the Region, the Angeles Linkage Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP) was
developed as part of an extensive partnership effort involving representatives from CDFW, US
FWS, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Southern California Wetlands
Recovery Project, Caltrans, Los Angeles RWQCB, RMC, Santa Monica Mountains
Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Friends of the Santa Clara River,
South Coast Wildlands, and others. The principle goal of the CAPP is to preserve essential
open space and viable connections for wildlife movement between two core habitat areas, the
San Gabriel Mountains and the Castaic Ranges (including the Sierra Pelona), both part of the
Angeles National Forest managed by the US Forest Service. The land between these two core
habitat areas encompasses a unique ecological transition zone between coastal and desert
habitats. Coastal sage scrub and chaparral blankets the hillsides in the western part of the
CAPP, with dense coast live oak woodlands in canyons, and high quality riparian scrub and
woodlands at lower elevations. The easternmost part of the linkage has a strong desert
influence dominated by desert scrub, with scattered juniper and Joshua tree woodlands (Penrod
et al. 2004). Within this CAPP, a system of mostly unaltered natural hydrological features
currently supports these vegetation types in the upper watershed; the demand for housing and
infrastructure development poses a threat to this resource and to wildlife movement. A main
feature of the proposed CAPP is the Santa Clara River as it acts as a natural linkage.
The CAPP is intended to secure a functional landscape level connection between the San
Gabriel and Castaic core areas and help to ensure the ecological integrity of areas already
protected in the linkage. There is a number of existing conservation investments (e.g., BLM,
County Parks, City of Santa Clarita, etc.) in the linkage, covering 1,514 acres, which are
protected from habitat conversion. The CAPP encompasses a total of 8,697 acres on 392
parcels, which have been targeted for acquisition or conservation easements in the County. To
date, the City has secured and preserved over 1,000 acres of wildlife corridor lands, including
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP * February 2014 Page 2-15
Upper Santa Clara River IRWMP
November 15,2011 2 pm
Prop 84 IRWMP Updates
Address Statewide Priorities
Meet New I RWM Plan Standards (16)
a a a
$6.9M implementation grant is contingent upon
update of the planl
0 0
Statewide Priorities
New Technical Studies
Climate Change Technical Study
Adaptation to Climate Change Effects
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
Surface and Groundwater Quality Protection
As required by the State Water Resources Control
Board's RecycledWater Policy
0
Plan Standards Overview
Governance (New RWMG
Standard)
Region Description
Objectives
Resource Management
Strategies
Integration
Project Review Process
(NEW)
Impact and Benefit
Plan Performance and
Monitoring
Data Management
Finance
Technical Analysis
Relation to Local Water
Planning (NEW)
Relation to Local Land
Use Planning
Stakeholder Involvement
• Coordination
• Climate Change (NEW)
Updates
a
Integration
Continue to use successful framework
Governance
Update with narrative from
(RAP) application
Stakeholder Involvement
Region Acceptance Process
Update with RAP and meetings undertaken as part of
IRWMP Update
Coordination
Update with RAP
California Climate Adaptation Strategy
Membership in CA Climate Action Registry
City of Santa Clarita's Climate Sensitivity Study
Updates
Region Description
RAP update
Ongoing efforts
New land use map per One Valley, One Vision
Climate change technical study
Impact and Benefit
Within IRWM region and between regions
DACs, Ej, Native American tribal communities
Updates
Finance
O&M costs
Updated list of funding sources and mechanisms
Technical Analysis
Update with revised technical resources
Climate change technical study
Selection of water management strategies
Updates
Plan Performance and Monitoring
Data management System (DMS)
Track and document implementation progress
Store and disseminate monitoring data
Findings and "lessons learned"
Policies and procedures for adaptive management
Data Management
DMS for data integration into State databases
RWMG document review process
Data sharing
Updates
Objectives
Measurement and prioritization
Adaptation to climate change impacts
Update water quality improvement objective with
Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
Resources Management Strategies
CaliforniaWater Plan Update 2009 strategies
"NomRegrets" adaptation strategies
Updates
Relation to Local Water Planning
Standard met by existing Plan
Strategies from local plans to address climate change
standard
Relation to Local Land Use Planning
Standard met by existing Plan
Information sharing and collaboration with land use
planning efforts to address climate change standard
Updates
Project Review Process (NEW)
RAP update
Contribution to climate change adaptation
Contribution to GHG emission reductions
GHG emissions CEQA analysis
Climate Change Standard (NEW)
Adaptation responses to climate change effects
0 0
Mitigation of GHG emissions
Technical Study
Climate Change Technical Study
Identify Vulnerability to Climate Change
Influences Region Description, Objectives, Relation
to Local Water Planning, Relation to Local Land Use
Planning, and Project Review Process of IRWMP
Update
Identify Adaptation Strategies
Influences Objectives, Relation to Local Water
Planning, Relation to Local Land Use Planning and
Project Review Process of IRWMP Update
Recommendations on Data Collection/Next
Steps for Climate Change in IRWMP Updates
Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
Prepare Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
for submittal to RWQCB
Influences Objectives, Plan Performance and
Monitoring, and may result in new projects for
consideration in IRWMP
Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
SWRCB Recycled Water Policy — 2009
Local Stakeholder Cooperative Development
of Implementation Plans
Basin�wide Management of Salts and
Nutrients
Salts -Total Dissolved Solids JDS) and Chloride
Nutrients -Ammonia and Nitrate plus Nitrite
(nitrogen compounds)
Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
Required Components of the Plan*
Basin -wide water quality monitoring plan
Emerging constituents consideration (e.g., PPCPs, ElDs)
Water recycling and stormwater recharge goals and
objectives
Salt and nutrient source identification
Basin load ing/assimilative capacity estimates
Salt mitigation strategies
Anti -degradation analysis
Salt and Nutrient Management Plan
0
Suggested Elements of the Plan.
Background — to include stakeholder roles and
responsibilities
Groundwater Basin Characteristics
Basin Evaluation
0
Salt and Nutrient Management Strategies
Basin Management Plan Elements
CEQAAnalysis
Anticlegraclation Analysis
Plan Implementation
Questions,
Qbp
17
If I
PPO
il S�
Topics to be Addressed
0
Updated California Water Plan Strategies
0 2005 California Water Plan
0 24 Water Management Strategies
e Updated 2009 California Water Plan
27 Resource Management Strategies
Other Potential Strategies
0 0
Plan for Updating Region Description
e Existing Data Sources vs. New Sources
Identified Regional Objectives
0
The originally 24 Water Management Strategies were
1 0 0
organized into 5 regional IRWMP objectives:
• Reduce Water Demand
• Improve Operational Efficiency
• Increase Water Supply
0
Improve Water Quality
Promote Resource Stewardship
0 0
2008 IRWMP Objectives and CA Strategies
Aciriculturai Water Us;e Efficiency
Urt: an Watle r Use EIrciency
Agricultural Lands Stewardship
Fcnnomic Incentives
Ecosystem Restoration
Floodplain Management
Recharge Areas Protection
Urban Land Use Manaciement
Water-Derendent Recreaticn
Watershed Man agament
California
Waler PI a n
nr!nHng WatetTreatment nn,� n�!tflhirtlnn
(�round�teOAquffer Remedlation
Matching Qualitflo Use
Pulkiliur Prevuritiun
Urban Runuff Managerneint
Conveyance
system Re-cipelancin
W�terTrarsfpn
Conjunctive klariagementf
Orniinrl�ief Storage:.
DesalinaliDn
Precipitatibin Erharcement
Recycl�d Muriidp�l Water
Surfaue Storage — CALFED
Surracia Storage — ReginnaAfLucal
Required Stakeholder Involvement
DO 2oo8 strategies still apply?
Are new strategies applicable to the region?
* Examples of regional strategies
Are there resource management strategies not listed in the
California Water Plan that the group wants considered in
the Plan?
e Examples of strategies
See handout showing current Regional Strate ies (rows)
and current California Water Plan Strategies (columns)
0
Relationship of Regional and CA Strategies
Cal
ifcIrnia
Water
Plan
Strateg
ies
TABLE 4.2-1
f I
UPPER SANTA CLARA RIVER REGION WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND CALIFORNIA WATER
PLAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
15
w
w
REDUCE WATER DEMAND
Urba - I s, =fficimnry Measures
E�'= =--: :- 3urveyFrcgrams
E!%'= 7 --- Plurbing Re7oft
E�-,z �a 'urlift
D2- - '.I = ., ) % - - �-es
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EV= h: i -Ass �t�.ce Pro7ams
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ELI- i n �D,4;na!I
EI,= .: -: . �I-III
El, bl- --.: sh Toilet Replacement Poqam
Agr;-117L -1 -IIx-
IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EmCIENCY
Rehabildation. ReRacennent. or R�al nf ExiEtng =�-ilfl es
Impeuved O�rafional Eff ciency Meas,.Ires
IntErhe PmIeGt5
INCREASE WATER SUPPLY
Surface ReserIIoir w SItarage T:mk
Surfacei Water DiIoersion
Smunctivater Inctraction Faciftnes
Aquffer Star�,It and ReI
Gnaturdwater Management and Planning Policies
G�ndwater Replenishment Includino Spreading Grounds and InIectim Wells
AzN far REnharge mnffi Reclaimed Water
Aqufar Recharge mnffi Se02
Hydratcgic WdEling and Mcnitoring
2009 Resource Management Strategies
Reduce Water Demand
• Agricultural Water Use Efficiency
• Urban Water Use Efficiency
Improve Operational Efficiency
• Conveyance - Delta/ Regional/ Local
• System Reoperation
• Water Transfers
2009 Resource Management Strategies
Increase Water Supply
J
Conjunctive Management/ Groundwater Storage
e Desalination
2oo8 IRWMP said this not applicable to Region. Still the
case?
• Precipitation Enhancement
2oo8 IRWMP said this not applicable to Region. Still the
case?
• Recycled Municipal Water
• Surface Storage - CALFED
e Surface Storage - Regional/Local
2009 Resource Management Strategies
0
Improve Water Quality
• Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution
• Groundwater /Aquifer Remediation
• Matching Water Quality to Use
• Pollution Prevention
• Salt and Salinity Management (NEW)
* Is this applicable to Region? Examples of this in Region?
• Urban Runoff Management
2009 Resource Management Strategies
Promote Resource Stewardship
• Agricultural Lands Stewardship
0
• Economic Incentives
• Ecosystem Restoration
• Forest Management (NEW)
* Is this applicable to Region? Examples of this in Region?
• Land Use Planning and Management/ Formerly Urban
Land Management
• Recharge Area Protection
• Water -dependent Recreation
e Watershed Management
2009 Resource Management Strategies
Improve Flood Management
e Flood Risk Management (NEW)
* Is this applicable to Region? Examples of this in Region?
Other Strategies (NEW)
• Crop Idling for Water Transfers
• Dewvaporation or Atmospheric Pressure Desalination
• Fog Collection
• Irrigated Land Retirement
• Rainfed Agriculture
• Waterbag Transport/ Storage Technology
Region Description Update
0 0
Major sections will be updated with most recent and
available sources to address:
*Land Use
*Ecological Processes
*Water Supply
*Flood Management
i i i
Regional Vulnerability to Climate Change
Required Stakeholder Involvement
Other Sources for Region Description Update?
Major Water Issues and Problem Updates?
Strategy Update Considerations
Land Use
ExistinLj Data Source
2004 Santa Clarita Valley General Plan Technical
Background Report
Strategy for Updating
2011 City of Santa Clarita General Plan
2011 One Valley One Vision/Santa Clarita Valley Area
Plan
Ecological
Processes
Existing Data Source
2005 Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management
Plan
2003 Business Plan for the Angeles National Forest
1999 City of Santa Clarita General Plan, Open Space
and Conservation Element
Strategy for Updating
2011 City of Santa Clarita General Plan and Santa
0
Clarita Valley Area Plan, Conservation and Open Space
Element
2010 OVOV EIR
Recent land acquisition reports /documents
Water Supply
Existing Data Source
2005 Urban Water
2005 DWR Reliabil
DWR 2002 Califor
2003 Groundwater
2009 Santa Clarita
2oog Groundwater
Management Plan
ity Report
iia s Groundwater Bulletin 118
Management Plan
Valley Water Report
Basin Yield Analysis
Strategy for Updating
2010 Urban Water Management Plan
2oog DWR Reliability Report
2010 Santa Clarita Valley Water Report
2010 Santa Clarita Vallev Sanitation District Reduced
Discharge Technical Study
2012 Recycled Water Master Plan Update
Flood Management
Existing Data Source
United Water Conservation District and Castaic Lake Water
Agency 1996 Water Resources Report
Strategy for Updating
Sources?
Regional Vulnerability to Climate
Change (NEW)
Strategy for U 2
Climatle e Technical Study
City of larita, Climate Change Assessment
Ft h,
Linkage between IRWMP
Objectives, Strategies and Projects
Regional needs, issues and goals the lRWMP
addresses
Ex. Increase water supply
General means for addressing identified needs
and achieving broad objectives
Ex. Groundwater replenishment; increase recycled
water use; removal of invasive plants
Specific implementable means of carrying out
strategies and ultimately realizing objectives
Ex. SCR San Francisquito Creek Arundo and Tamarisk
Removal Project
Iroject evaluation and prioritization based in part on
applicability to regional objectives
Upper Santa Clarra IRWMP
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M 0
Efficiency Strategic Plan
IRWMP Proposition 84 Round 2
Implementation Funding
a M
SCWD Water Use Efficiency
Strategic Plan
Completed July 2012
Strategy to provide tools, incentives and
education needed to promote ME and affect
behavioral changes
Targeted a suite of programs to achieve 20%
by 2020 goal
N
Designed to be implemented immediately
All programs were vetted for cost
effectiveness
Valleywide WUE SP was completed in 2008
Acts as "umbrella of projects for all areas of
0
the Valley where all purveyors are involved
The SCWD WUE Plan focuses on additional
conservation programs needed to fill gaps
Together, both plans work toward achieving
SBX7-7 goal of reducing water demand by
20% by 2020 and promoting stewardship of
our water resources
Create incentives and develop outreach programs
to encourage behavioral changes
Ten programs that after implementation will save
over 4400 AF by 2020:
• Residential Audits
• Low -Flow Showerhead Distribution
• Ultra -High Efficiency Toilet Distribution
• IVIF/ Institutional HE Toilets (and direct install)
• Turf Removal
• High Efficiency Nozzles Distribution
• Large Landscape WBIC Direct Install
• Residential /Commercial Rebate Program
• Large Landscape Water Budgets
1jectives Addressed
Reduce Potable Water Demand
Increase Water Supply
Improve Water Quality
Promote Resource Stewardship
Promote Projects and Actions That Reduce
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
P r0i ect Readiness
Project is ready to implement
Currently implementing 3 of 10 programs:
Low -flow showerheads
HE irrigation sprinkler nozzles
HET and HEW rebates
Proi ect Ranking
Eligibility Yes
Readiness to proceed - 100 of 200 possible
points
Multiple Objectives - 75 of 100 points
Multiple Resource Mgmt Strategies - 8 total;
40 points
DACs, Native Americans
Justice Concerns - NA
and Environmental
Consistent with Land Use Plans - Yes, 100
points
0
Improves Interregional Coordination - No
m
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Frank Guerrero
Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District
September 27, 2012
A J 0
*Valencia and Saugus Water
Reclamation Plants (WRPs)
*Tertiary Treated Recycled Water
*28 MGD Design Capacity
20 MGD Current Flows
*Serves 250,000 people in
Santa Clarita and
0
unincorporated areas
yea UO kj
*Set By Los Angeles Regional Water
Quality Control Board
*Chloride Limits of 100 mg/L or conditional
117 mg/L in Santa Clara River
*WRPs not designed to remove chloride
*Alternatives being evaluated
. Source Control
. Upgraded Treatment
. Others
7 2�w'.
& Lr);)
I
jAijbe fil wiallav
I
jbioriab tolh ic
P -t -t RAM ria''a Pt gitim
AWLP 6j
j it DA 1,
*Rebate is 75% of the reasonable value for AWS
($206 to $2,000)
*Free AWS removal & disposal
*Free AWS pickup if residents remove AWS
themselves & reimburses $50 for materials
Ow
A )01JRVJ4� 76 Lf) n4p
Public Outreach Element
(through September 15, 2012)
AWS
Removed
Phase I & 11 Rebate Program Removals
7)070
Rental AWS Removals
835
TOTAL REMOVALS
79905
ESTIMATED REMAINING AWS in OPERATION
500
Y Llintom )ija 3
p am Yd 9 w I B lid ftigUal e As 9 104 *am 99% ID �Ywb
Doi ptojad
r
9 Enforcement Program
� Preliminary Notification Letters Sent August 2011
Known/Suspected AWS
Confirm removals
Notification of Future Home Inspections
� Reduced Minimum Rebates ($150 = $2000)
Still most cost effective way to remove chloride
� Pilot home inspection program
Determine best use of resources
Escalating enforcement
Issue Notice of Violation
No initial fines
� Increased Chloride Monitoring
i
pzoat� JtWA
ML
9 Continue public outreach program
0
Project Goal
Reduce chloride in WRP Recycled Water
. (up to 5 mg/L)
Prevent backsliding
9 Approved by SCVSD Board of Directors
Estimated total O&M cost of $3.3M over 3
i
period.
year
WA ir iry 0 Lei
*Reduce Potable Water Demand
0
AWS Regeneration Process is Water�lntensive.
7,800 to 10,400 gallons of water per year (EPA)
*Improve Water Quality
. AWS Regeneration Process adds chloride
0 0
*Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Minimizing the size/operation of future
energy -intensive chloride compliance
facilities
ffi 0 -1
&a n )
nrj
*Primary
. Salt and Salinity Management
*Secondary
0 0
. Urban Water Use Efficiency
. Pollution Prevention
0
tt� DQ2�
�*Vj dal4wo k A 6
pitalm
-Oblnl )
LLjhl L
DheievAola,
P p f
J�ml allij
xP LLJM PM
lilb j4p A je
L01 )Inj D
Main UV components: UV
lamps, channels housing
the lamps, power
distribution equipment,
and associated control
WW&mmon in the U.S.
after chlorination
Chlorination/
Dechlorinatio
n System
Filters
Final
Seclimentatio
n Tanks
QL% u Leju LA
jo
Flow
Equalizatio
n System
Aeratio
n Tanks
Primary
Seclimentatio
n Tanks
PYDPD is
UV Facility would be con
ructed on the top of the existing
chlorine contact tanks
AP
WA A �-§ '
]Lyll JeblAlaA it) A
*Main Objective: minimize chloride addition
during the wastewater treatment
*Additional benefits from UV disinfection
� Reduces environmental health and safety risks
� Improves water quality
� Eliminates risks with over dosing
WA ir iry 0 Lei
*Reduce Potable Water Demand
Meet Title 22 for Recycled Water
(Match water quality to use)
*Increase Water Supply
� Meet Title 22 for Recycled Water
*Improve Water Quality
� Reduce Chloride
� Eliminate Potential for Disinfection By Products
*Promote Resource Stewardship
Idnij0 -1
&a n )
*Primary
. Pollution Prevention
. Salt and Nutrient Management
oSecondary
0 0
Urban Water Use Efficiency
. Recycled Municipal Water
. Agricultural Lands Stewardship
Ink.ounHat GanvonGrIac
lit
Upper Santa Clara R ver InIfflTed, Regi rrr g
i Ld, 4.
foxe I Wor
4 �Yf
�,'Wf 4'
Bou u.et Canyon Network
Fall 2012 d
0
Who is concerned?
0 Bouquet Canyon Private Property Owners (BCN)
0 Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS)
0 LA County Fire (Bouquet Canyon Unit)
o AV Resource Conservation District (RCD)
0 US Forest Service (USFS)
AV' �Pv, I
Or
- I , -,�A'Mwkl t
I - .1 ty W, A WA
LL
Mtrj;tjaKV, 71,2i r., 5, -, I /,i.lel 11 1 1 1.., 1 1
0r F PIV,
0 1 1 1 1
I It
Ird I
vl�
Io-
-.AI� ;I I
Protect Critical Watersheds
�7
PYMMid
I Lake A
Castaic
Legend
MajQFTributory kk Jr
Minor Tributary
Administrative Boundry 05 12CIO
0 25 5 ic
Kilo mete I
imiles
0 5 10
cl
8.1 miles Santa Clara VVatershed
b 'c Western Portion
P
R p
%iia!i--- -�t,- ELES NATInNAL F,. -,F;'-- I
Habitat�
LaWe-Hj
Rive
Aqua
3.3 miles
Private
Riparian
Habitat
W I 't a concern?
hy's 1 E
Bureau of Land Management
estimates that the United States /S
losing 6, 000 acres of public land every
9 8
day to Invasive non�native plants,
rendering land economically useless
a 8
and biologically Impovenshed
-The Role of Herbicides in Preserving Biodiversity
Sigg, J. October 1998, Fremontia 26:4
from Arundordonax
LLvAk,-uY,,jMl W&M, were created
were creae,,
s
b y
ny
v
le* 'ia IM I s im
;betw;echFth s by the Rico Reed omp.any
ny in. alifornia
W
O_tF v or 'Arundo donax- i
fid
Y orem qu rai s in S�
-1. L MA -- -- --
bloe IFY
I�i A
ct
; 0
Where is it a concern?
07�
7 77�
7
jL.C=t-4& AJVC;�j�L-A�,4� Forestry oundar
4L
If
- - - - - - - - --
Ai
MOMENO"Ood'a
a
s private aoqw-'Cou
How much concern is there?
0 0
1. Do we anticipate the control of invasive
0
weeds prior to their establishment ?
11. Do we desire to conserve the biological
resources of our local ecology; specifically
native flora, fuana, and especially water ?
111. Do we want restore our local tributories
0
in order to preserve and secure our
watershed for the future ?
Five Ma i ors Steps
Secure r7pDer
Biolo
Af
First Ta
=1
w I � 44
Initial Funds of WRIP
Project Task
WRP
BCN
NRCS
CEI CCC
SUBTOTAL
$15000.00
TASK
1. Map & Biological
$2,700.00
$1,500.00
$2,400.00
$103700.00
Monitoring
11. Remove &
$89300.00
$13600.00
$4,500.00
$14,400.00
Dispose
Ill. Prevent
$800.00
$300.00
$1,100.00
Reemergence
IV.Restore,
$59600.00
$1,500.00
$42000.00
Revegetate, &
Educate
AVRCD
$1,840.00
$13840.00
Administration
Fuel (Diesel, Gas,
$1000.00
$1000.00
Propane)
$20j240.00
TOTAL:
TOTAL
$2,900.00
$3y000.00
$2,400.00
$4,500.00
1 —1
$33y 040.00
Budget Notes
BCN = Bouquet Canyon Network (Private Property owners of 3.5 mile stretch of Bouquet Canyon)
NRCS = Natural Resources Conservation Service and Earth Team Volunteer
CEI = Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc.
CCC = California Conservation Corps
AVRCD = Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District (Grant Administration 10%)
Note: Contributions by BCN, NRCS, CEI, and CCC are "in-kind" or donated hours of labor, equipment, or expertise provided to the project.
S -k
TP.
f�,44 d % I a
% %k 0
4,v 1
I t k
14 L
I p
.,a . %
Ir
Create a sibe�spebzffi: ap o rundo dohaxl-,
p
1110'.
14,
4k , J -
v
I U,
A,
3.5 mile section of Bouquet Canyon Creek and the
040 Te:
location of three invasive weed 'h&tspots. (2ANYON FIRE RE)
Ll --I—
LOS
61
RD
Z CANYON PIE)
dW
ov
ESGUERRARL)'-
CALTON RD
VMS
too
**Iv oo 0
Ar gpaw�
d
allay 47 lan
La
a
k law
r
Q&I -�
aa.,,r
"Oil
not,
oil
"all
r. - a 9�2 qr ORR
aa-,aaaa- a II..
9f all
L'J�
ST�ala5wn
all.
ntppr-q
i re Bi-ble Tabernacle CCC)
.11 1 ff a do fj
104 t
ow
4%L
�vn I�
'Af
LI Im
It -
117
114
11h,
I IL Aft. �16
LA -c 0
VL
low
Ab
HFBouquet Canyon
ep, -,Ole
7
nent
;hoc
VL
low
Ab
HFBouquet Canyon
ep, -,Ole
7
nent
ll�
MA" bom spmn
rT
Ar
Mir
00
e N 45%
T-17
It
LL
ftim� -,
L
f L�%.h
Li
ZL
Ll�ll
IL
1p N:M.
UPPER SANTA CLARA FLIN-ER WATERSHED
ARu� � TAm�SK REMONAL PROGRAA1
Lolvc�TERM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
K
n Valley
VE� CoL� R�um� Co�A�� D��
J� 2"6
- _I�L`j r2i)
'6
no 1 0 5
1h f 1,
C P
c V,,
Morris es, 0105 X, Somali
a mVnn , F--,
0, Also Ceram
W '�6 R
Form camyces
5. ,a",
I a=4 C"Me e 14 Reach 2 Reach 1
o c"ye, pio�fd Reach 3
Reach 4
ANES
soo.�
R R _h5
Hashaj `i*N -
%j Way 0,1, Spring C"j I
Reach 6 1.
Want
'Chl
c= S;nd "wheran
�1111sa
\a
- .Is
L ac ___16y' 4cs.
'joh,
Upper Santa Clara River Shita-Watershed —Santa Clara River Reaches
Legend
=Cwhy
E-Deemw Pro=.Ara,
-- Rj j
alarshos, cars Slash Fammul
P ... h 1
R ... h 2
Reach 3
Reach 4
reach 5
Rgac46
Major Roads
— Limited faces Harvey
— Hgj�
— Major Rcaft
ILeecalion Map
r
�LE IN MILES
io
!IS m
0 T
ILL, ILL,
ILL
Mt
Aj/ III -
lot C
ILL
LLI
Lt
LI L!Icr I
T- I PI ILL,
LILL=
ILLILL,
4
Low Impact $4,000,000 to
Development $6�000�000
Voluntary Septic Tank
Retirement
Santa Clara River
Arundo Removal Project
$150005000
=I"'
50% $8,000,000 to
$112�000�000
25% $115250�000
$2�0005000 25% $25500�000
Total $7,000,000 to 40% $11,750,000 to
WOM000 15)750)000
A �01
, k
r
rP . V - -..
AL. J7al t MY
LOWr
jLa ttl ee, r, IW 7se-I E f1f i re I i
lfi� MC y
§ TLolf N � 4 mi qC P, d'i
.,If.t7e,
Background
Santa Clarita Valley Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan
(SCV WUE) adopted in 2oo8
SCVWUE Strategic Plan included ($1,000,000 budget)
• High -Efficiency Toilet Rebates (single and multi -family)
0
• Large Landscape Audits with incentives
• CII Audits with incentives
• Residential Landscape Contractor Certification (with wbic)
• High -Efficiency Washing Machine Rebates
• New Construction Building Codes
• Social Marketing Program
9
_17w
to ect Description
1) 1 1 E*4t i �f "' -
rograms in SCV WUE Strategic Plan update x
L %.eady to implement
5 m'll'on dollars over 2 years
FW AR Ar
Yt*
Program Development
M Mal ramwiffictiaginnal 0 �R�dyTumer Thai
Cid R Dinned)-flurrhadiff
01 O��vowsdebt cution
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Welcome to SCV H20 Programs
To get started, simply follow these three steps. It's fast and it's easy!
I Valuate your Program by sets ding Me icon of your age navy becress'
2 Enter your account numbs r of code and OM211 address
3 Life sedismacrIT deals Year accountand �aut�a�T� Ing you In You cal Thai after causes. darfinclatern our User
pool and get access to great wated saving resources �r
-You only need to goods your destant on your dosaaft On subsequent Paris at you need to do is login whar Me command and
awswarodyisuchathadatroodepon
" You need to write down your us ansuffer and reasswordo' Thai amposs to the site
LArWD
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0 Fill IN IF
The SM Family at Water Cupp em gicamily) Is comprised of CastaccLake
WAnAgency Los suppose Carry Waterworks Thousand Newhall Counts LACW
Water District Santa Giants Water DIAs ion surged Water Company and Me
Cry, of 33 na C ana Together they work to parnmer Me officheart Use of wand N
NCWD
and fund programs to reduce the per capita water use in ourValey.
a
IRWMP Objectives Addressed
• Reduce Potable Water Demand
• Improve Water Quality
• Promote Resource Stewardship
Promote Pro) ects and Actions That Reduce
0 0
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Pro i ect Ranking
Eligibility - Yes
• Readiness to proceed - 175 Of 200 possible points
• Multiple Ob)ectives - 6o of ioo points
• Multiple Resource Mgmt Strategies - 9 total, 45 points
• DACs, Native Americans and Environmental justice
Concerns - N/A
Consistent with Land Use Plans - Yes, 100 points
0 0
Improves Interregional Coordination - No
Castalc Lake Water Agency
Castaic Conduit
I RWIVIP Proposition 84 Round 2 Implementation Funding
I RWMP Stakeholder Meeting
October 25, 2012
9 62
CASIAI C mw
wL A K Im
0
7�
z 0
�Cmmmw
M M
2.o 12. P
I I QQ(
Castaic Conduil Canyon
ot pailk
U U
0 2 0
al
ft Pampk% 0 Alf
Frei DI
A -C sari
"twoB.'l, d z
F Proj ect 7- Part
r
Airy t 0
pf, L Location J, 0
)?elch Ito 11�p 116, Ice or 0 744 CB0
04 Cue'la) k
of
0
ea 60 a
10
V4 ea C.
I Ambaor
ea
eat 0 Callata Or 49a
0 on 6 4
ef,4 NO t V 0 e7v
C, e e �� > a posac
%0 oil, Ip dreo or Central
'k 49* ell C ca
coos �00 �%Bs` * > r�'�Iew Or
`lf, 00 op al" #0 e�lavldad Of Park
66' At 4 l?3l3qoaI of
ea ea itl
p oka� V 41111, Gra�erf<�o fir espo Okla Or
o' 4111, brideallyorl
Six Flags Cornmi
Magic aaf�> Bridgeport tn Park
Mountain Nevins" "a"c"
Magic Molooter, Ph, �?iv,rcbase C, 4t2 o� S(
4Fg,., Saugus
40
NaDr
fjo m
o;
.P, r1r, c
Q! 00
C3iintry vai ell C 40 d5l %NY 13
CIU13
x I Town, 126
04 Center Santa
9�
Clarita >
15. ),Be
Tournament
,af"IGO,
wesuridgre Players Club
Valencia
College llfarifalmsts Q.
Of The 0 Valencia
Canyons
0 0. Catcall Dt
0* L3 0
'*a'
C
0
Ca�
n
�Ica Circle Word Ln
J Ranch
'46a Park
to, 6B %
0 Mcbean Pky
califorraij
0 Institute lititl cn%
S C
0 Of The Arts
1 Yfllq�
Stevenson le
ek� 'A Pace
Ranch Tj se c
<B eylrb f� Ra,
I
A F 0 0 IF r
44.
VII I
i�
r
Castaic Conduit
Project Readiness
6 Project is ready to implement
6 Preliminary design complete
6 CEQA complete
6 Permits in process
0 0
Construction drawings in process
6 Design funded in FY 2012/13 capital budget
6 Anticipate Construction: FY 2013/14
0
Estimated Total Project Cost
MUM=
M -I
I RWMP Objectives and
Water Management Strategies
6 1RWMP Objective
�� Increase Water Supply reliability by improving the system's
operational efficiency
6 Water Management Strategies
�� Improve Operational Efficiency and Transfers
v'Conveyance
Castaic Conduit
Project Ranking
6 Eligibility � Yes
6 Readiness to proceed � 150 of 200 possible points
6 Multiple Objectives � 15 of 100 points
Multiple Resource Mgmt Strategies � 1 total* 5 points
f
6 DACs, Native Americans and Environmental Justice Concerns � NA
6 Consistent with Land Use Plans � Yes, 100 points
4 Improves Interregional Coordination m No
Foothill
Connection Proi ect
IRWMP Proposition 84 Round 2
Implementation Funding
Foothill Feeder Connection Proi eo
Since RVWTP start-up in 1996, CLWA has
received SWP water through a temporary"
connection, which now has 60 MGD capacity
Raw SWP water from Castaic Lake is wheeled to
RVIPS and RVWTP via MWDSC's Foothill Feeder
pipeline
Permanent connection design completed
1012012
Can be implemented immediately
Capacity is needed
Current RVWTP permitted capacity is 66 MGD
Ultimate RVWTP capacity could be up to 90 MGD
Permanent connection will allow for 90 MGD
Allow RVWTP to operate at full current rated
capacity of 66 MG
0 0
"Permanent" connection is required
Project will provide additional tie-in from
Foothill Feeder to CLWA raw water line to
serve as a back-up when primary feeder is
out for maintenance
Construct and install new vaults, pipelines,
valves, electrical equipment and control
systems to increase capacity of line that feeds
RVIP Station from 60 MGD to 90 MGDE
1jectives Addressed
Increase Water Supply
P r0i ect Readiness
0 0
Design is complete
Project is ready to implement
Proi ect Ranking
Eligibility Yes
Readiness to proceed - 175 of 200 possible
points
Multiple Objectives - 15 of 100 points
Multiple
points
Resource Mgmt Strategies - I total; 5
0
DACs, Native Americans
Justice Concerns - NA
and Environmental
Consistent with Land Use Plans - Yes, 100
points
0
Improves Interregional Coordination - No
Castalc Lake Water Agency
Distribution System Rio Vista Valve No. 2
(RV -2) Modifications
I RWIVIP Proposition 84 Round 2 Implementation Funding
I RWMP Stakeholder Meeting
October 25, 2012
9 62
CASIAI C mw
wL A K Im
0
7�
z 0
�Cmmmw
M M
2.o 12. P
I I QQ(
Distribution System RV -2 Modifirations M
U Canyon
Park
as
4F
VI
c A20
Coo
a C1361a
Part
Airy 0
Decora Or a o�
pe Carl
Ofr�() or 0 744
elp
0
The 60 Is
10
4s z 0 Ambaor
4
0 Or 49a
0 op 6
0 ani
0 C, 40� a, 0�0
93 %0 oil, o� cof pos, a or
1� 0 � X� Ctrco 4D
0 T P"'�Iew Or � r Central
e cov, Of Park
e0vldad of
CI b ?3j390aY
oka� V// Brideapoarl Ginellelto 00 4k: Espai at%U Or
Six Flags Conarri
Magic Bridgeport tin Park
Mountain Nevins" Ra"cn
Magic Also,,tari,
r S us
A C 0 . I %IV ,�ock
40 9 �00*slq, Naor %P Triangle
n ft ov
or
.P, 0
Valencia 00 Circle
'c Its, 13
C3iintry Valencia 4�
CIU13 Town 0!
04 Center 126
9� C; Santa
0 Clarita >
Ab
Valevicle ON 15.
Tournament
Players Club
Westridge
Valencia
College rfanfamsl�
Of The 0 Valencia
Canyons
0 1 e C2rclill of
0* L3 0 kjiader:%4D�
'*a'
C
0
Ca�
n
Circle critiord Ln
J Ranch
Park
TO to, 6a %
:No 0 California Mcfacan Pay
Institute
0 %,to
S0 Of The Arts
I
ek� Stevenson
A
0 Ranch 'A P040
eck
MIA
aim -
IF
el;
vaun bite
46KL Ifth-1
IF
Distribution System - RV -2 Modifications
Project Readiness
6 Project is ready to implement
6 Preliminary design complete
6 CEQA complete
6 Permits in process
0 0
Construction drawings in process
6 Design funded in FY 2012/13 capital budget
6 Anticipate Construction: FY 2013/14
0
Estimated Total Project Cost
3W=#H**T:T'K'T'T'X U*109=
M
I RWMP Objectives and
Water Management Strategies
6 1RWMP Objective
�� Increase Water Supply reliability by improving the system's
operational efficiency
6 Water Management Strategies
�� Improve Operational Efficiency and Transfers
v'Conveyance
v/ System Reoperation
Distribution System - RV -2 Modifications
Project Ranking
6 Eligibility � Yes
6 Readiness to proceed � 150 of 200 possible points
6 Multiple Objectives � 15 of 100 points
Multiple Resource Mgmt Strategies � 2 total* 10 points
f
6 DACs, Native Americans and Environmental Justice Concerns � NA
6 Consistent with Land Use Plans � Yes, 100 points
4 Improves Interregional Coordination m No
Santa Clarita Valley Volatile
OMM=o0i
Groundwater Investigation
IRWMP Proposition 84 Round 2
Implementation Funding
R
SCV Volatile Organic Compound
Groundwater Investigation
VOCs have been detected in some SVC
0 0
municipal wells
Two possible sources have been identified
Others are possible
Possible sources have been somewhat
cooperative
Comprehensive investigation is necessary
N
Remediation could be required
Me,
w
hcpll
RVWTP
Santa Clara River
V vw
w Q
0
A
V-1 57
Stadium
Sa us I
0011cla Saugus 2
Blvd,
Former Whittaker-Bermite
Facility
C%
NC -1 1
�00
;O'J'O �7'
0,N005
SCV Production and
Monitoring Wells
VM
OU4
O�IDn
OU -IA
Ou I
OU4
0'
SCV production wells need to be protected
0
Thorough investigation required to properly
determine sources and potential extent of VOC
contamination
0
If the results indicate an imminent threat to
SCV wells then remediation action must
commence
Project Management by CLWA best ensures
that investigation is thorough enough to
identify
Coordinate with current efforts (SIC and
Wh ittake r- Berm ite)
Evaluate current data set, including those from
production and monitoring wells
0
Identify data gaps; determine need for additional
monitoring wells
If appropriate, locate, design and construct new
monitoring wells.
Develop groundwater model to forecast transport
of VOCS
Identify sources
1jectives Addressed
Improve Water Quality
Promote Water Stewardship
P r0i ect Readiness
Conceptual plans
Need/ Feasibility identified and verified
CEQA readily obtained as no detrimental
0
impacts foreseen.
Proi ect Ranking
Eligibility Yes
Readiness to proceed - 75 of 200 possible
points
Multiple Objectives - 30 of 100 points
Multiple Resource Mgmt Strategies - 3 total;
15 points
DACs, Native Americans
Justice Concerns - NA
and Environmental
Consistent with Land Use Plans - Yes, 100
points
0
Improves Interregional Coordination - No
March 28, 2011 - Item 18
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-12
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES
RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY (RMC) AUTHORIZING A
GRANT AND MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE UPPER
SANTA CLARA RIVER INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE AND GRANT ADMINISTRATION (RMC
10018)
WHEREAS, The legislature has found and declared that the San Gabriel River and its
tributaries, the Lower Los Angeles River and its tributaries, and the San Gabriel Mountains,
Puente Hills, and San Jose Hills constitute a unique and important open space, environmental,
anthropological, cultural, scientific, educational, recreational, scenic, and wildlife resource that
should be held in trust to be preserved and enhanced for the enjoyment of, and appreciation by,
present and future generations; and
WHEREAS, The people of the State of California have enacted the Clean Water, Clean Air,
Safe Neighborhoods, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2002 (Park Bond Act Proposition 40)
which provides funds for the RMC Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, The people of the State of California have enacted the Water Security, Clean
Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 50), which provides
funds for the RMC grant program; and
WHEREAS, The people of the State of California have enacted the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition
84), which provides funds for the RMC grant program; and
WHEREAS, The RMC may award grants to local public agencies, state agencies, federal
agencies, and nonprofit organizations for the purposes of Division 22.8 the Public Resources
Code;and
WHEREAS,
The Applicant has submitted
a project which is
consistent with the purposes of
Division 22.8
of the Public Resources Code
and the Bond Act;
and
WHEREAS, this action is exempt from the environmental impact report requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and NOW
Therefore be it resolved that the RMC hereby:
FINDS that this action is consistent with the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers
and Mountains Conservancy Act and is necessary to carry out the purposes and
objectives of Division 22.8 of the Public Resources Code.
2. FINDS that
the actions
contemplated
by this resolution are exempt from the
environmental
impact report
requirements
of the California Environmental Quality Act.
3. Authorizes the Executive Officer enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Upper
Santa Clara River Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Update and Grant
Administration provided the final draft is substantially similar to the March 2011 MOU.
4. Authorize the expenditure of $10,000 allocated from the support budget for expenses
which are consistent with Proposition 84.
5. ADOPTS the staff report dated March 28, 2011
~ End of Resolution ~
Passed
and
Adopted by the Board of the
SAN GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES
RIVERS
AND
MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY
on March 28,2011
ATTEST:
Frank Colonna, Chair