1. STUDY AUTHORITY:

a. This Section 905(b) (WRDA) Analysis was prepared in response to a House Resolution dated 8 May 1964, which reads as follows:

"Resolved by the Committee on Public Works of the House of Representatives, United States, that the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors is hereby requested to review the reports on (a) San Gabriel River and Tributaries, published as House Document No. 838, 76th Congress, 3d Session; (b) Santa Ana River and Tributaries, published as House Document No. 135, 81st Congress, 1st Session; and (c) the project authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 for the protection of the metropolitan area in Orange County, with a view to determining the advisability of modification of the authorized projects in the interest of flood control and related purposes."

b. Funds in the amount of $100,000 were appropriated in Fiscal Year 2001 to conduct the reconnaissance phase of the study, under the title, Westminster, CA.

2. STUDY PURPOSE:

The purpose of the reconnaissance phase study is to determine if there is a Federal (Corps) interest in participating in cost shared feasibility phase studies of water resource problems and opportunities in the urbanized and coastal areas in the region surrounding, and including, the City of Westminster in Orange County, California. In response to the study authority, the reconnaissance study was initiated on 1 February 2001. The bulk of reconnaissance study efforts for the preparation of the Section 905(b) Analysis were conducted during the annual South Pacific Division Conference held 4-7 June 2001. The reconnaissance study has resulted in the finding that there is a Federal interest in continuing the study into the cost shared feasibility phase. The purpose of this Section 905(b) (WRDA) Analysis is to document the basis for this finding and establish the scope of the feasibility phase.

Back to Top

3. STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION, NON-FEDERAL SPONSOR AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS:

a. Westminster Watershed:

The study area is located in western Orange County, California, approximately 25 miles southeast of the City of Los Angeles. The Westminster watershed is approximately 90 square miles in area and includes urbanized areas in the cities of Anaheim, Stanton, Cypress, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach (See Figure 1).

The Westminster watershed lies on a flat coastal plain, and is almost entirely urbanized with residential and commercial development. There are two main channel systems that collect runoff from portions of urbanized areas of Anaheim, Stanton, Cypress, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach. The East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel (EGGW), with its principal tributary, the Ocean View Channel (OV), drains into Bolsa Bay. Two retarding basins (Haster and West Street) exist at the upstream reach of the EGGW channel. Bolsa Bay includes the Bolsa Chica Lowlands and Ecological Reserve, and is a major environmental resource in southern California. The Bay has been designated as an area of national significance, and is host to a wide assemblage of resident and migratory waterfowl and marine species including over 30 state and/or federal listed sensitive species that utilize the wetlands during all or part of their annual cycle.

The Bolsa Chica Flood Control Channel (BCFC), with its principal tributaries, the Anaheim-Barber City Channel and Westminster Channel, drains to Huntington Harbour. The BCFC Channel lies almost completely within the cities of Seal Beach and Huntington Beach, with a significant portion of property adjacent to the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station of the U.S. Navy. Aside from the Navy facility, this portion of the watershed is almost entirely urbanized. Agriculture is still practiced under leases granted by the Navy on portions of their property. The BCFC Channel outlets into Huntington Harbour, but unlike EGGW, does not outlet into Bolsa Bay. The sole ocean outlet for both Bolsa Bay and Huntington Harbour is to the north at Anaheim Bay. Tidal influence in the lowermost portion of the BCFC Channel extends approximately 2 miles inland.

Before development, the watershed was largely comprised of grasses and trees, such as oaks, cottonwoods and sycamore. Early development was primarily agricultural with some residential. As of the early 1990's, 85 percent of the Westminster watershed was urbanized. Land use consists primarily of residential, commercial, military, light industrial, schools and parks, and transportation facilities. It is expected that in the next 50 years full development of the remaining agricultural and vacant land will occur. This future potential development is not expected to significantly affect the current flood conditions.

b. Coyote and Carbon Creek Watersheds:

The Sponsor has requested that two adjacent watersheds be included in this reconnaissance study: Coyote Creek Watershed and Carbon Creek Watershed. These watersheds, located immediately north of the Westminster watershed in both Orange County and Los Angeles County, are highly urbanized and drain approximately 165 square miles of densely urbanized residential, commercial and industrial development. The Coyote Creek Watershed is drained by its namesake, Coyote Creek, and two principal tributaries, Fullerton Creek and Brea Creek. Coyote Creek is a concrete-lined trapezoidal channel that ultimately drains into the San Gabriel River. The Carbon Creek Watershed is drained principally by Carbon Creek, Fullerton Creek, and Brea Creek. These three creeks vary between rectangular and trapezoidal concrete and riprap channels.

The Corps has a total of three flood control dams in the Coyote Creek and Carbon Creek watersheds: one at the headwaters of Fullerton Creek (Fullerton Dam); one on Brea Creek (Brea Dam) and the other on Carbon Creek (Carbon Canyon Dam). In addition to the flood control dams, there are six detention basins along Carbon Creek that are used for groundwater recharge and flood control.

c. The nonfederal sponsor for the feasibility phase of the study is the County of Orange.

d. The study area lies within the jurisdiction of the following Congressional Districts:

1. Congressman Rohrabacher, District 45.
2. Congresswoman Sanchez, District 46.

Back to Top

4. PRIOR REPORTS AND EXISTING PROJECTS:

a. The following reports were being reviewed as a part of this study:

1) Santa Ana River Basin and Orange County (SARBOC), Feasibility Report- July 1992: Prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District. SARBOC studies examined the nature and extent of flooding in the various watersheds of the study area, alternatives for flood mitigation, and establishment of basis and recommendations for federal interest. The study was solely looking at single purpose flood control improvements. The findings recommended no Federal interest in the implementation of flood control improvements for the Westminster, Carbon Creek or Coyote Creek watersheds.

2) East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel, Hydrologic Documentation for Feasibility Study, Santa Ana River Basin and Orange County, Interim 3: September 1988: Prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District. Documents the without-project hydrology study performed in support of feasibility studies for subject channel.

3) California Wetlands Information System, Bolsa Chica, http://ceres.ca.gov/wetlands/.

4) 1998 California 303(d) List and TMDL Priority Schedule, November 1998: Prepared by the State Water Resources Control Board. This report identifies impaired beneficial uses of waters as required Under Section 303(d) of the 1972 Clean Water Act. These impaired waters do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of pollution have installed the minimum required levels of pollution control technology. The law requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for water on the lists and develop action plans, known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), to improve water quality.

5) Final EIR/EIS for the Bolsa Chica Lowlands Restoration Project, April 2001: Prepared by the California State lands Commission, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This document studies alternatives and presents the recommended plan for wetland restoration at the Bolsa Chica Lowlands. The proposed wetland restoration would serve as mitigation to offset losses of aquatic functions expected from expansion of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

b. This study is investigating potential modifications of the following project(s):

1) The East Garden Grove-Wintersburg channel and tributaries, particularly the Ocean View Channel. The EGGW channel consists of natural earth, rip rap lined, and concrete (trapezoidal, rectangular and reinforced box) channel. The Ocean View channel is a trapezoidal earthen channel. The channels drain the urbanized commercial and residential areas in the cities of Garden Grove, Westminster and Huntington Beach. The Ocean View channel passes through Mile Square Regional Park, a County of Orange Harbors, Beaches and Parks facility. The EGGW channel empties into Bolsa Bay just north of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

2) Haster and West Street Detention Facilities on the EGGW channel: The West Street basin, located in Garden Grove, was constructed in 1938 for flood control basin and water conservation, is approximately 6.75 acres and has a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The West Street basin is surrounded by commercial and residential land use, retains water, has abundant large trees, shrubs, and wetland vegetation and is used by resident and migratory waterfowl. This basin is completely fenced and there is no recreational use. The Haster Basin is also located in Garden Grove, and is also surrounded by commercial and residential development. This basin was dedicated as a recreational park in 1977. It is currently maintained by the City of Garden Grove.

3) The Bolsa Chica Flood Control (BCFC) channel and tributaries: The BCFC system varies from earthen and riprap trapezoidal channels to vertical walled concrete-lined channels. This system drains the urbanized commercial, residential and industrial areas in the cities of Anaheim, Stanton, Garden Grove, Westminster and Seal Beach. The BCFC channel empties into the northern portion of Huntington Harbour, a small boat recreation harbor adjacent to the Anaheim Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The ocean outlet for Bolsa Bay and Huntington Harbour is located to the north, at Anaheim Bay. Sunset Aquatic Park, an Orange County facility, contains a small, degraded natural area.

4) The Bolsa Chica wetlands restoration project: An interagency steering committee led by the California State Lands Commission, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers has recently finalized an EIS/EIR for a wetland restoration project on the Bolsa Chica Lowlands. The Bolsa Chica project area consists of 1,247 acres of the Bolsa Chica Lowlands in the Bolsa Gap between the Bolsa Chica Mesa on the northwest and Huntington Mesa on the southeast. Historically, Bolsa Chica was part of an extensive tidal marsh, including a mosaic of vegetated salt and brackish marsh, with associated tidal embayments, sloughs, and mudflats. Alterations have included the construction of a dike to prevent tidal exchange, filling, oil extraction, construction of flood control facilities and surface and subsurface hydrologic modifications. The purpose of the restoration project is to restore wetland and aquatic functions at Bolsa Chica as oil extraction is phased out and after contamination is removed. The project will serve as mitigation for federal and other expansion projects at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

5) Surfside-Sunset and Newport Beach project. This project extends along 17 miles of the Orange County coast from the San Gabriel River mouth downcoast to the Newport Bay Harbor entrance. Ten stages of construction have been completed, including groins and beachfill to address the unstable shoreline. The instability is largely due to the construction of Federal navigation and flood control work in Long Beach and Anaheim Bay. The Surfside-Sunset feeder beach receives approximately 1.8 million cubic yards of sand every 5 years.

6) Carbon Creek Channel consists of 13.5 miles of open channel, 39 bridge crossings and incorporates six major retarding basins. The basins from the dam to the mouth of Carbon Creek are the Upper and Lower Miller basins, Cypress, Placentia, Raymond, Crescent and Gilbert basins. The watershed encompasses 20 square miles of highly urbanized watershed in Orange County, including portions in the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, Los Alamitos and Placentia.

7) Carbon Canyon Dam: Carbon Canyon Dam is located in the Orange County Carbon Canyon Regional Park about 4 miles east of the City of Brea at the mouth of Carbon Canyon. The Chino Hills State Park is located upstream of the regional park. The earthen dam was constructed in 1959 and its primary purpose is for flood control. The dam is about 100 feet high and 2610 feet long. In conjunction with Brea and Fullerton Dams, Carbon Canyon Dam is vital for the flood protection of portions of the coastal plains in Orange County, including the cities of Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Anaheim. The 114-acre regional park area behind and upstream of the dam was opened to the public in 1975. The regional park includes tennis and volleyball courts, softball fields, a multipurpose field, trails and a four-acre lake.

8) The Coyote Creek Flood Control Channel was constructed in the 1950's, and is the principal tributary to the San Gabriel River forming the western boundary of Orange County. The watershed and its tributaries drain approximately 155 square miles through the cities of Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, La Mirada, Cerritos, Buena Park, La Habra, Fullerton and Brea. A portion of Coyote Creek flows adjacent to the 600-acre City of Long Beach El Dorado Park at the confluence with the San Gabriel River.

9) Coyote Creek tributaries Fullerton Creek and Brea Creek:

Fullerton dam was constructed in 1941, and is operated and maintained by the Corps. The earthfill embankment is 46 feet high and 575 feet long, located in the eastern part of the city of Fullerton. The dam controls five square miles of drainage area of Fullerton Creek and its tributaries. Below the dam, the creek flows southwesterly through the City of Fullerton, then turns west near Harbor Boulevard through Buena Park and La Palma until joining Coyote Creek. The downstream channel reach is about 11 miles long and drains about 16 square miles of generally urban area. Channel capacities range from 500 cfs to 7,500 cfs. Craig Regional Park is located behind Fullerton Dam. Loftus channel is a natural channel behind Fullerton Dam that flows through the park into a small lake. There is no permanent reservoir behind the dam.

Brea Dam was constructed in 1942, and is also operated and maintained by the Corps. The earthfilled embankment is 87 feet high and 1765 feet long, and located in the city of Fullerton. The dam controls 22 miles of drainage area of Brea Creek and its tributaries. Channel capacities range from 2,000 cfs immediately below the dam to 11,000 cfs within five miles of the dam. A dry reservoir is located behind Brea Dam. Two golf courses are located upstream of the dry reservoir, the Fullerton Municipal Golf Course and the Brea Municipal Golf Course.

Back to Top

5. PLAN FORMULATION:

During a study, six planning steps that are set forth in the Water Resource Council's Principles and Guidelines are repeated to focus the planning effort and eventually to select and recommend a plan for authorization. The six planning steps are: 1) specify problems and opportunities, 2) inventory and forecast conditions, 3) formulate alternative plans, 4) evaluate effects of alternative plans, 5) compare alternative plans, and 6) select recommended plan. The iterations of the planning steps typically differ in the emphasis that is placed on each of the steps. In the early iterations, those conducted during the reconnaissance phase, the step of specifying problems and opportunities is emphasized. That is not to say, however, that the other steps are ignored since the initial screening of preliminary plans that results from the other steps is very important to the scoping of the follow-on feasibility phase studies. The sub-paragraphs that follow present the results of the initial iterations of the planning steps that were conducted during the SPD Planning Conference. This information will be refined in future iterations of the planning steps that will be accomplished during the feasibility phase.

a. National Objectives

1. The national or Federal objective of water and related land resources planning is to contribute to national economic development consistent with protecting the nation's environment, pursuant to national environmental statures, applicable executive orders, and other Federal planning requirements. Contributions to National Economic Development (NED) are increases in the net value of the national output of goods and services, expressed in monetary units. Contributions to NED are the direct net benefits that accrue in the planning area and the rest of the nation.
2. The Corps has added a second national objective for Ecosystem Restoration in response to legislation and administration policy. This objective is to contribute to the nation's ecosystems through ecosystem restoration, with contributions measured by changes in the amounts and values of habitat.

b. Public Concerns:

A number of public concerns have been identified during discussions with the potential Sponsor, the County of Orange, and their coordination with other Orange County agencies, Los Angeles County and cities within the watershed. The public concerns that are related to the establishment of planning objectives and planning constraints for the Westminster watershed are:

1. Orange County Flood Control District and the City of Huntington Beach has identified local flooding along the East Garden Grove Wintersburg Channel, the tributary Ocean View channel, and on the Bolsa Chica channel upstream of Interstate 405;
2. Habitat and environmental degradation along the Bolsa Chica Channel, the Bolsa Chica wetlands (in Bolsa Bay), and areas adjacent to and within the Sunset Aquatic Park by the Anaheim Bay National Wildlife Refuge;
3. A lack of recreational opportunities at the Sunset Aquatic Park.
4. Water quality issues in many of the channels in the watershed, Anaheim Bay and Huntington Harbour. Anaheim Bay concerns include metals and pesticides. Huntington Harbour concerns include pathogens and pesticides.
5. An ongoing Corps and Orange County beach nourishment project along Surfside-Sunset and Seal Beach is subject to significant shoreline erosion that endangers development in some areas between the maintenance intervals.
6. There is an invasive/exotic aquatic plant species, the Calerpa, which has been found in two backwater lagoons in Huntington Harbour and at a nearby navigation channel after it traveled through a discharge pipe. Although it is thought that these patches have been eradicated, it is possible that this easily spreading species has relocated to other areas. This plant provides no habitat value and overruns native eelgrass beds. Reconnaissance diving surveys will be conducted soon to determine whether additional areas have been affected in Huntington Harbour and Anaheim Bay.
   
7. Dredge spoils were deposited in the Sunset Aquatic Park in Anaheim Bay in the past. One mound of dredge spoil was used as a least tern island but the island is now overgrown with exotic/invasive vegetation, raptors perch on the utility poles and the terns are no longer nesting on the island.
   
   The public concerns that are related to the establishment of planning objectives and planning constraints for the Coyote and Carbon Canyon watersheds are:
   
   

8. Exotics have overtaken prime habitat along the Carbon Creek channel behind the Corps Carbon Canyon Dam, especially Arundo Donax (giant reed), degrading the riparian habitat in the Orange County Carbon Canyon Regional Park.

9. Some County facilities within the Carbon Canyon Regional Park, behind the dam, are subject to flooding during winter storms.

10. Localized flooding occurs adjacent to the Miller Retarding Basins on Carbon Creek.

11. There are water quality issues in the Coyote Creek watershed, including abnormal fish histology, algae, ammonia, high coliform and silver.

12. There is a lack of recreational opportunities on Carbon Creek at the Crescent Basin.

13. The Coyote and Carbon Creek systems have experienced a dramatic reduction in the extent and quality of wetland and riparian habitats over the past thirty years.

c. Problems and Opportunities:

The evaluation of public concerns often reflects a range of needs, which are perceived by the public. This section describes these needs in the context of problems and opportunities that can be addressed through water and related land resource management. Problems are related to flooding, environmental degradation and water quality. For each problem and opportunity, the existing conditions and the expected future conditions are described, as follows:

East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel

1) Flood damages along the East Garden Grove-Wintersburg channel affect residential, commercial and industrial development within the cities of Santa Ana, Westminster and Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, and Huntington Beach along the tributary Ocean View Channel.

Historically, this portion of the watershed was part of the larger Santa Ana River floodplain, but recent Corps and Orange County construction improvements along the Santa Ana River have resulted in a higher level of flood protection downstream of Prado Dam. Flooding problems associated with the EGGW channel and the Ocean View tributary channel are in terms of the residual floodplain. Future conditions are likely to remain the same, although the Orange County Flood Control some measures to address the flooding problem.

Flows in the channels are negligible other than during and immediately following rainfall. Typical low flows are caused by urban use. Short duration, high intensity local storms are a major threat to the local drainage system. Localized flooding has occurred in 1974, 1983 and 1992, 1995 and 1997/8. One apartment complex in Huntington Beach is currently suing the Cities of Westminster and Huntington Beach, and the Orange County Flood Control District for flood damages which occurred in 1995. Damages to residential and commercial buildings recorded for the 1974 and 1983 storm events were not appreciable. The 1974 and the 1983 storms produced a 100- and a 25-year rainfall event, respectively, in a 3 hour period in the EGGW Channel. Little economic data of storm damages is available at this time, with the exception of some FEMA damage estimates from the 1990's that exclude substantial ineligible economic damages. FEMA EGGW channel flood damages totaled $2.7 million for the 1992, 1995 and 1998 storms.

Analysis conducted for the SARBOC 1992 report indicated that the 100-year flood is not contained in the Ocean View Channel from Mile Square Park to the confluence, or in EGGW Channel from Haster Basin to Bolsa Chica Bay. The initial breakout location is unknown, but is likely on EGGW downstream of Bolsa Ave. Virtually all of the existing road undercrossings do not have sufficient capacity to pass the 100-year flow. Flood depths range from 0.7 to 1.6 feet for the 100-year on EGGW, and 0.4 to 1.1 feet on OV. Structures along the lower reach of EGGW appear to be at an elevation below the invert of the channel.

2) Stormwater flows from the EGGW channel causes erosion problems at the mouth of the channel in Bolsa Bay and floods surrounding streets.

Bolsa Chica Channel

3) Flooding north of the 405 freeway causes damages to residential, commercial and government development within the cities of Seal Beach and Garden Grove.

For the Bolsa Chica Flood Control (BCFC) Channel and its tributaries, it is unknown what the current level of protection is, as some portions of the watershed have undergone rapid development. The existing level of protection in the channel system upstream of the freeway is no greater than 25 years. In 1995, rainfall depths exceeded 100-year and 200-year return frequencies for several storm durations and caused flooding in three residential tracts affecting 210 homes in the cities of Garden Grove and Seal Beach, and to a portion of the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center and Naval Base Golf Course. FEMA estimates of eligible damages equal $3.2 million for the 1992, 1993, 1995, and 1998 storm seasons. In addition to undersized capacity of the channel system, the current capacity of the BCFC channel beneath the 405 Freeway cannot accommodate flows from the 100-year storm event. South of the 405 Freeway, there appears to be adequate levels of flood protection within the BCFC Channel.

Opportunities exist to restore least tern habitat, and improve public recreation at the Sunset Aquatic Park.

4) Uncontrolled spread of the invasive/exotic Calerpa aquatic plant species throughout Huntington Harbour, Bolsa Bay and Anaheim Bay will destroy critical underwater habitat.

5) Sediments from the Bolsa Chica Channel deposit in Huntington Harbour, requiring access.

All Watersheds

6) Water quality problems exist for East Garden Grove Wintersburg channel and the Bolsa Chica Flood Control channel, Coyote Creek, Carbon Creek and their tributaries and receiving waters.

The Regional Water Quality Control Board has listed these bodies of water as impaired because the presence of metals, pesticides, non-point source pollutants and other urban runoff constituents (nutrients, pathogens). Flows from the Westminster watershed channels have had negative impacts on Bolsa Bay, Bolsa Chica Reserve, Huntington Harbour and Anaheim Bay. Coyote Creek and Carbon Creek impact the San Gabriel River. TMDLs will be prepared for these water bodies.

7) Aesthetics - All watercourses in the study area are generally not aesthetically pleasing.

8) Trash and debris accumulating in all watercourses are impacting navigation, aesthetics, and ecosystems.

Coyote Creek Watershed

Opportunities exist for multipurpose water quality improvements, ecosystem restoration, recreation and education at El Dorado Park and golf course at the confluence of Coyote Creek and the San Gabriel River.

Carbon Creek Watershed

9) Park infrastructure is subject to flood damage at the Carbon Canyon Regional Park.

Opportunities exist for both protection of park infrastructure and ecosystem restoration

10) An industrial park is flooded adjacent to the Miller retarding basins on Carbon Creek.

d. Planning Objectives:

The national objectives of National Economic Development and National Ecosystem Restoration are general statements and not specific enough for direct use in plan formulation. The water and related land resource problems and opportunities identified in this study are stated as specific planning objectives to provide focus for the formulation of alternatives. These planning objectives reflect the problems and opportunities and represent desired positive changes in the without project conditions. The of analysis, are specified as follows:

Westminster Watershed

• To increase the quantity of suitable habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species in the Westminster Watershed including the California least tern and Belding's savannah sparrow.
• To increase passive recreation opportunities for environmental interpretation at West Street Basin, and the Haster Basin in Twin Peaks Park.
• To increase passive and active recreation opportunities along channel levees in the Westminster Watershed.
• To improve the aesthetic conditions in flood control channels.
• Educate the public on watershed related issues.

East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel

• To reduce flood damages along East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel and the tributary, Ocean View Channel.
• To remove residual flood plain properties from the FEMA flood insurance program along East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel and Ocean View Channel.
• To increase the quantity and quality of wetland and riparian habitats in East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel and Ocean View Channel.
  

Bolsa Chica Channel

• To increase the quantity and quality of wetland and riparian habitats in Bolsa Chica Channel.
• To reduce flood damages along Bolsa Chica Channel, upstream of Interstate 405

Bolsa Bay, Huntington Harbour, and Anaheim Bay

• To reduce concentrations of metals, pesticides and pathogens in Huntington Harbour and restore beneficial uses designated by the Water Quality Regional Control Board.
• To reduce concentrations of metals and pesticides in Anaheim Bay and restore beneficial uses designated by the Water Quality Regional Control Board.
• To reduce impacts to navigation channels and slips for recreation vessels at Huntington Harbour, due to sedimentation from East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel and Ocean View Channel.
  To reduce shoaling impacts to US Navy channels in Anaheim Bay.
• To reduce the presence of the exotic/invasive, aquatic plant, Calerpa taxifolia in marine habitats.
• To increase public recreation opportunities in the underdeveloped areas of Sunset Marina.
  

Coyote Creek Watershed

• To increase the quantity and quality of wetland and riparian habitats in Coyote Creek Watershed.
• To reduce concentrations of ammonia and silver and address coliform, algae and abnormal fish histology in Coyote Creek Watershed; and restore beneficial uses designated by the Water Quality Regional Control Board.
• To increase passive and active recreation opportunities in Coyote Creek Watershed.
• Improve beach nourishment opportunities from sources in Coyote Creek Watershed.
• Educate the public on watershed related issues.
• To improve the aesthetic conditions in flood control channels.
  

Carbon Creek Watershed

• To increase the quantity and quality of wetland and riparian habitats in Carbon Creek Watershed.
• To reduce minor flood damages at Miller Retarding Basin and behind Carbon Canyon Dam at the County of Orange Carbon Canyon Regional Park.
• To reduce the presence of invasive exotic species, including arundo donax, behind Carbon Canyon Dam at the County of Orange Carbon Canyon Regional Park.
• To increase passive and active recreation opportunities in Carbon Creek Watershed.
• Improve beach nourishment opportunities from sources in Carbon Creek Watershed.
• Educate the public on watershed related issues.
• To improve the aesthetic conditions in flood control channels.

e. Planning Constraints:

Unlike planning objectives that represent desired positive changes, planning constraints represent restrictions that should not be violated. The planning constraints identified in this study are as follows:

• Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) may be present at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station and the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center.
• Downstream portions of the Westminster watershed (Bolsa Chica Lowlands, Outer Bolsa Bay, and Huntington Harbour) are currently subject to flooding and erosion damages from high flows on the EGGW channel. Projects that result in higher discharges will increase damages to these areas. In response to concerns over this issue with specific attention towards the Bolsa Chica Lowlands Wetland Restoration Project, the Los Angeles District Regulatory Branch has formally stated to the County of Orange that any upstream flood control projects on the EGGW channel will require an analysis of cumulative impacts on the Bolsa Chica Lowlands and specify measures to mitigate those impacts.
• Channel rights-of-way
  
• Land availability and cost for potential off-line detention basins and ecosystem restoration features
• Maintaining channel conveyance and capacity
• Availability of water for ecosystem restoration
• TMDL's
• Threatened and endangered species, including the California least terns and western snowy plover
• Interstate 405 Freeway embankment and culverts
  

f. Measures to Address Identified Planning Objectives:

A management measure is a feature or activity at a site, which address one or more of the planning objectives. A wide variety of measures were considered, some of which were found to be unfeasible due to technical, economic, or environmental constraints. Each measure was assessed and a determination made regarding whether it should be retained in the formulation of alternative plans. The descriptions and results of the evaluations of the measures considered in this study were developed as part of the 2001 South Pacific Division Planning Conference. The results of the study team screening are presented below:

• No Action. The Corps is required to consider the option of "No Action" as one of the alternatives. No Action assumes that no project would be implemented by the Federal Government or by local interests to achieve the planning objectives. No Action, which is synonymous with the Without Project Condition, forms the basis from which all other alternative plans are measured.
• Modification of vegetation for least tern nesting habitat
• Reduce predation on least terns
• Revegetation/planting
• Bypass channels/pipes
• Channel reconfiguration (widening)
• Clear channel at constraints
• Trash/debris collection facilities
• Enlarge bridges and culverts
• Flood response plan
• Flood warning system
• Floodwalls
• Increase flood control storage at Corps dam sites
• Increase levee heights
• In-line storage
• Land acquisition
• Modify the capacity of detention basins
• Participation in National Flood Insurance Program
• Raising structures
• Reoperation of existing flood structures
• Flood proofing (low berms, baffle, gates)
• New detention basins integrated with existing parks/golf courses
• Campsites at Corps reservoirs
• Dog park
• Establish pocket parks
• Develop recreational facilities in detention basins
• Increase recreational facilities at reservoirs
• Education center
• Facilities for environmental education
• Interpretive sites/signs
• Mosquito abatement
• Trails that provide interconnectivity
• Skateboard park along/in channels
• Beneficial use of dredged material for ecosystem restoration
• Control of invasive species
• Remove slope protection at selected areas
• Water Diversion for habitat/water quality improvements
• Permanent low flow channel
• Structures to aerate flows
• Water Quality monitoring
• Best management practices for water quality improvement
  • Increase frequency of garbage pickup
  • Oil recycling program
  • Pre-discharge treatment of surface runoff
  • Public education for pollution reduction
  • Remediate sources of pollutants
  • Restrict use of pesticides and fertilizers in watershed
  • Sweeping streets

g. Conclusions from the Preliminary Screening:

The preliminary screening of measures indicate that alternative plans to address the full array of watershed problems and opportunities lead to the conclusion that two independent comprehensive watershed management plans are the appropriate study output, a Westminster Watershed Study and a Carbon & Coyote Creek Watershed Study. The concerns that led to this conclusion are (1) the Westminster Watershed is located entirely in Orange County and discharges into the Pacific Ocean through Anaheim Bay, whereas Carbon and Coyote Creek Watersheds are located in both Orange County and Los Angeles County and discharge into the San Gabriel River; (2) the problems and opportunities are mutually exclusive in each study area; and (3) splitting the area into two separate watershed studies greatly increases the ability of both the local sponsor(s) and the Corps of Engineers to manage the study efforts. The conclusions from the preliminary screening form the basis for the next iteration of the planning steps that will be conducted in the feasibility phase. Future screening and reformulation will address four formulation criteria of Effectiveness, Efficiency, Completeness and Acceptability.

Back to Top

6. FEDERAL INTEREST

There is strong Federal interest in developing two watershed feasibility studies. The comprehensive approach to the preparation of watershed feasibility studies includes investigations related to high priority mission areas including flood control, ecosystem restoration, in addition to other outputs such as recreation, recreational navigation, water quality and shoreline protection which also have a Federal interest. The primary product of the feasibility studies are watershed management plans which include identification of potential site-specific spin-off studies that could lead to implementation. The watershed management plans do not constitute decision documents for Congressional authorization.

Back to Top

7. PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

As the local sponsor, the County of Orange are currently partners on three other watershed studies and are willing to provide 50 percent of the cost of the feasibility phases. A letter of intent from the local sponsor stating a willingness to pursue two comprehensive watershed management plans and to share in their costs. The County of Orange will form local partnerships and take the lead in coordination with local cities, agencies, and other interested stakeholders.

Back to Top

8. ASSUMPTIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND QUALITY OBJECTIVES

a. Feasibility Phase Assumptions: The following critical assumptions will provide a basis for the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan:

1. The Bolsa Chica Wetlands restoration project will be implemented.
2. The Westminster Watershed will be fully developed in the future, but will not significantly impact existing discharges.
3. The existing ownership of the military installations will not change.
4. NEPA and CEQA documentation will not be prepared as part of these studies.
5. A Coordination Act Report (CAR) will be prepared by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in support of the plan formulation activities.
6. An incremental analysis will be performed as part of the evaluation of ecosystem restoration alternatives.

b. Policy Exceptions and Streamlining Initiatives: The study will be conducted in accordance with the Principles and Guidelines and the Corps of Engineers regulations. No exceptions to established guidance have been identified at this time

c. Quality Objectives: Feasibility Phase studies for a comprehensive plans will be accomplished to meet the following quality objectives:

1. Information developed will be adequate for the local sponsor to make appropriate water resource planning decisions.
2. The potential for initiation of project specific Corps of Engineers feasibility studies will be identified as they may be consistent with the comprehensive plans.

Back to Top

9. FEASIBILITY PHASE MILESTONES (FOR BOTH PROPOSED WATERSHED STUDIES)

Milestone	Description	Duration (mo)	Date
Milestone F1	Initiate Study	0	Oct-01
Milestone F2	Public Workshop/Scoping	2	Dec-01
Milestone F3	Feasibility Scoping Meeting	12	Dec-02
Milestone F4	Alternative Review Conference	10	Oct-03
Milestone F4A	Issue Resolution Conference	5	Mar-04
Milestone F5	Draft Feasibility Report	5	Aug-04
Milestone F6	Final Public Meeting	2	Oct-04
Milestone F7	Optional IRC	1	Nov-04
Milestone F8	Final Report to SPD	3	Feb-05

 

Back to Top

10. FEASIBILITY PHASE COST ESTIMATE

Westminster Watershed
WBS#	Description	Cost
JAA00	Feas - Surveys and Mapping except Real Estate	$ 115,000
JAB00	Feas - Hydrology and Hydraulics Studies/Report (incl. Coastal 50k)	$ 294,000
JAC00	Feas – Geotechnical Studies/Report	$ 168,000
JAE00	Feas – Engineering and Design Analysis Report	$ 120,000
JB000	Feas – Socioeconomic Studies	$ 180,000
JC000	Feas - Real Estate Analysis/Report	$ 40,000
JD000	Feas – Environmental Studies/Report (Except USF&WL)	$ 150,000
JE000	Feas - Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report	$ 45,000
JF000	Feas - HTRW Studies/Report	$ 7,000
JG000	Feas - Cultural Resources Studies/Report	$ 20,000
JH000	Feas - Cost Estimates	$ 40,000
JI000	Feas - Public Involvement Documents	$ 80,000
JJ000	Feas - Plan Formulation and Evaluation	$ 200,000
JL000	Feas - Final Report Documentation	$ 60,000
JLD00	Feas - Technical Review Documents	$ 35,000
JPA00	Project Management and Budget Documents	$ 80,000
XXXXX	Sponsor Project Management	$ 80,000
JPB00	Supervision and Administration	$ 101,000
JPC00	Contingencies	$ 220,000
Subtotal	Cost-shared Watershed Management Study	$ 2,035,000
-	PMP and FCSA for Feasibility Level Implementation Study(100% Fed)	$ 100,000
Total		$ 2,135,000

 

	Carbon Creek & Coyote Creek Watershed
WBS#	Description	Cost
JAA00	Feas - Surveys and Mapping except Real Estate	$ 150,000
JAB00	Feas - Hydrology and Hydraulics Studies/Report	$ 214,000
JAC00	Feas - Geotechnical Studies/Report	$ 60,000
JAE00	Feas - Engineering and Design Analysis Report	$ 100,000
JB000	Feas - Socioeconomic Studies	$ 100,000
JC000	Feas - Real Estate Analysis/Report	$ 30,000
JD000	Feas - Environmental Studies/Report (Except USF&WL)	$ 210,000
JE000	Feas - Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report	$ 55,000
JF000	Feas - HTRW Studies/Report	$ 8,000
JG000	Feas - Cultural Resources Studies/Report	$ 30,000
JH000	Feas - Cost Estimates	$ 40,000
JI000	Feas - Public Involvement Documents	$ 80,000
JJ000	Feas - Plan Formulation and Evaluation	$ 200,000
JL000	Feas - Final Report Documentation	$ 60,000
JLD00	Feas - Technical Review Documents	$ 35,000
JPA00	Project Management and Budget Documents	$ 50,000
XXXXX	Sponsor Project Management	$ 50,000
JPB00	Supervision and Administration	$ 90,000
JPC00	Contingencies	$ 180,000
Subtotal	Cost-shared Watershed Management Study	$ 1,742,000
-	PMP and FCSA for Feasibility Level Implementation Study(100% Fed)	$ 100,000
Total		$ 1,842,000

Back to Top

11. VIEWS OF OTHER RESOURCE AGENCIES

Because of the funding and time constraints of the reconnaissance phase, only limited and informal coordination has been conducted with State and Federal resource agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Generally, these agencies are supportive of other Corps of Engineers watershed studies in southern California. They recognize the merits of a regional approach to addressing water resource problems and opportunities and advocate the development of watershed management plans.

Back to Top

12. POTENTIAL ISSUES AFFECTING INITIATION OF FEASIBILITY PHASE