Blue Ribbon Enviornmental Committee Final Report - 2002Blue Ribbon
Environmental
Committee
Final Report
December 2002
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Encinitas is specially blessed with a wealth and diversity of
environmental resources. Bounded by the Pacific Ocean, two now -rare
estuaries, and a hinterland of relative rural character, the City enjoys a thriving
and somewhat unique economy, a vital community of neighborhoods, and an
affluent and highly educated citizenry.
The City Council had the foresight to recognize the need for input to optimize the
City's environmental efforts. They appointed a cadre of interested citizens, called
the Blue Ribbon Environment Committee (BREC) to suggest to the City options
for best environmental management of City facilities, services and programs.
This report is the result of eleven months of meetings, research and discussion.
City staff made presentations and provided important information on current City
practices, and BREC members looked at programs in other cities, and states and
at U.S. EPA programs.
A big picture focus is of paramount importance when considering the long -term
vision and planning needed to prepare the City for the challenges of the future.
Our population is projected to grow 25% in the next twenty years; water supplies
are problematic; and global warming is ongoing with unknown consequences. It
is imperative that the City take the necessary steps to consider what these and
other trends mean for the City and its residents, and develop appropriate
responses.
Encinitas can take many steps independently to improve its local environment,
but the City must not forget the adjoining jurisdictions with which it shares
ecosystems, watersheds, an air basin and beachfront, and their commensurate
problems. Long -term solutions to some of the most pressing issues confronting
the City require an on- going, multi - jurisdictional, shared response. Working within
a regional framework will not negate the need for the City to be a leader in finding
solutions, but will only bolster the efforts the City puts forward.
While there are numerous recommendations attached to this report, BREC does
not feel that the City has been negligent in its operations. On the contrary, we are
impressed with the knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication of the City
employees we met. The City is a leader in many of its environmental programs
such as storm -water management, pesticide replacement, and recycling. We join
the citizens in commending the City for what it has accomplished and, building on
the strengths it has demonstrated, we challenge it to go farther.
Everything the City does should be done in the context of sustainability (use of
today's resources in such a way that guarantees their productive use tomorrow)
and an awareness of the impact of its operations on the environment. A key
question should be: what steps can we take to minimize current and future
environmental impacts? After we identify those steps, the City needs to commit
to implement them if we are to maintain the Encinitas which attracted us in the
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first place. By enacting and initiating environmentally sound programs and
projects, the City also plays an important role in educating the community and
providing an example of how to proceed in an environmentally friendly and
responsible way.
While over 110 recommendations were made, BREC members chose 13 key
ones for inclusion in this Executive Summary, then evaluated each
recommendation for its importance (how much of a positive impact the
recommendation would make for the City and region in the long- term), and the
cost of implementation. A simple rating of "high ", "medium ", or "low" for both
impact and cost was assigned to each recommendation.
BREC suggests that the City make the following 13 key recommendations its first
priority.
A) ESTABLISH A PERMANENT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Establish a permanent Environmental Commission to develop policies and
procedures that will sustain the environmental health of the City of
Encinitas and advise the City Council on environmental aspects of issues
the Council is considering. High impact and low cost (Report #13)
B) ADOPT AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The City staff should develop a plan for implementing an environmental
management system (EMS) with the possible goal of ISO 14001
certification. At other public entities with EMS's, the cost of the system
has been more than offset by savings from operational efficiencies. High
impact and low cost with potential long -term cost savings (Report #12)
C) ISSUE AN ANNUAL REPORT WITH INDICATORS OF PROGRESS
Publish an annual report on the environmental health and performance
ofthe City. The report should be developed by staff in conjunction with the
permanent Environmental Commission. Medium impact and low cost
(Report #15)
D) CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT AT CITY FACILITIES
Conduct an energy audit at each City facility to assess energy use patterns.
The audits could be conducted by SDG &E, or a private consulting firm.
Results of the energy audit will indicate areas where additional energy
usage efficiencies may be realized. This process might be considered as
an initial implementation of an EMS, Medium impact and low to no cost
with the potential for near -term savings (Report #2)
E) PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR NEW DESIGN
Explore the use of a green building certification program such as
"Leadership in Environmental Design" (LEED) which was developed by the
U.S. Green Building Council or the International Performance Measurement
& Verification Protocol (IPMVP). Medium impact and low cost (Report #6)
F) MINIMIZE WASTE STREAMS
Create a formal recycling program for all City operations for standard
recyclables (paper, cardboard, 1 & 2 plastics, aluminum, tin and glass) that
makes the process uniform, easy and convenient. Medium impact and low
cost (Report #16)
G) DEVELOP AN ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING
POLICY
Develop an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policy to be followed by
all City Departments that provides guidelines on products, vendors, and
extra cost allowances that are acceptable if costs are more than equivalent
non - environmentally friendly products. Medium impact and low cost
(Report #14)
H) MAINTAIN INDIGENOUS SPECIES THROUGH CONTROL OF
INVASIVE NON - NATIVE PLANTS
Implement a comprehensive control program for the ten most invasive non-
native plants in the City of Encinitas that includes a ban on their future use
in City -owned and managed facilities and property. Initiate a regional
watershed -based eradication program that targets City properties.
Medium impact and medium cost (Report #7)
1) ENCOURAGE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Reduce the use of pesticides and eliminate the use of the most hazardous
ones on City properties using the principles of Integrated Pest
Management. Medium impact and low cost (Report #8)
J) REVISE AND THEN ADOPT THE MULTIPLE HABITAT
CONSERVATION PLAN
The proposed MHCP and Encinitas Subarea Plan needs to be substantially
revised and strengthened to reflect the Biologically Preferred Alternative,
before the City accepts this extremely important regional natural habitat
conservation plan. High impact and medium cost (Report #9)
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K) ADOPT COMPREHENSIVE BEACH RESTORATION PLANNING
The City should approve and implement the Final Draft Comprehensive
Coastal Bluff and Shoreline Plan (Draft Plan), dated 6/11/98, including
BREC's recommendations. Continue to work with SANDAG, and other
governmental agencies (local, regional, state, and federal). High impact
and unknown cost (Report #23)
L) CONSERVE WATER AND INCREASE EFFICIENT USE PATTERNS
Encourage a reduction of water consumption and increased use of
reclaimed water to cope with the long -term effects of periodic droughts and
reduced water supply from the Colorado River. Additionally, the City may
consider revising the water rate structures to encourage conservation.
High impact and medium cost initially with long -term potential savings
(Report #24 & #25)
M) MANAGE STORMWATER AND URBAN RUNOFF
Collect monitoring data and correlate for each of the 6 sub - watersheds that
comprise the City. Prepare an inventory of areas of impervious cover.
Identify and mitigate sources of pollution. High impact and low to medium
cost (Report #26)
We applaud the City for its successes and look forward to further progress. To
that end, the environmental issues addressed in this report are those that
confront the City now. The challenge facing the City Council is identifying what
issues will present themselves in the future and how will the City address them.
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INTRODUCTION
Encinitas is a special place. We Encinitans enjoy a superb natural setting replete
with miles of beaches, some of the few remaining Southern California wetlands
to the north and south and a diverse landscape, both natural and managed,
which is made possible by our Mediterranean climate. In an unfortunate pattern
that is oft - repeated in Southern California, these very qualities that attract new
residents also provide the impetus for the growth in population and construction
which degrades the natural environment to such an extent that much of what
drew people here in the first place is lost.
A permanent challenge to both the City of Encinitas and its residents is the
thoughtful management of its natural resources such that both human and
natural environments flourish. Such efforts are not one -time decisions but rather
are important components of a coordinated environmental policy.
Because the contributions to environmental problems can be highly dispersed
over wide areas and across long periods of time, it can be difficult to connect the
causes to the problems. For these reasons, sound environmental management
typically requires a mixture of enlightened government intervention, public - private
partnerships, and civic leadership coupled with regional, systemic thinking.
The members of the Blue Ribbon Environmental Committee recognize the
challenges associated with trying to maintain the spirit, natural charm, and
rural /small town atmosphere of Encinitas in the face of growth and development
pressures. Our mandate was to specifically review the practices in " ...City -
owned and maintained facilities, programs, and services; and develop practical
recommendations for consideration by the City Council." We took this not as a
limitation on what we should look at, but as an opportunity to recommend actions
which would enable the City to continue to set the example not only to its citizens
and businesses but to other municipalities as well. BREC's feeling is that
leadership by the City's elected officials and employees is much more effective in
mobilizing public support for environmentally responsible programs and
procedures. By enacting and initiating environmentally sound programs and
projects, the City educates the community and provides an example of how to
proceed in an environmentally friendly and responsible way.
It is precisely this sort of environmental leadership that both enhances and
preserves the quality of life that our City's residents value so much. Moreover,
because so many environmental problems are regional in nature and the result of
relatively small contributions by many people and organizations, leadership by
the City of Encinitas is particularly important to encourage the broad -based
support and participation so often needed in efforts to protect and preserve the
quality of our environment. While there is much work to be done for the City of
Encinitas to assume and retain the mantle of environmental leadership, BREC is
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nonetheless pleased to be able to note a number of positive efforts, both large
and small, already undertaken by the City. These include:
• Open space acquisition
• Storm water management leadership role
• Cottonwood Creek restoration project
• Steps to reduce incidences of beach closure
• Escondido Creek MOU
• Leucadia Nuisance Water Collection System
• CalSense irrigation management system
• Beach replenishment
• Acquisition of alternative fuel vehicles in City fleet
• Meeting or exceeding the goal of 50% waste diversion
• Battery recycling program for City employees
• Commitment to convene and act upon the recommendations of
BREC
Throughout the Committee's work, it returned to certain overriding themes for
environmental leadership which are important to keep in mind when addressing
practically all environmental problems. These critical themes are regionalism,
sustainability, and community collaboration.
Regionalism — Environmental problems more than most
challenges facing city government have a tendency to have both causes and
effects beyond the boundaries of the City. Because protection of Encinitas'
environment so often involves activities beyond our borders, it is imperative that
the City collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions in order to manage
environmental resources knowledgeably and effectively. As an important step,
the City should regularly consult with its neighbors and engage in watershed -
based planning, analysis, and implementation of environmental management.
For example, it is critical that Encinitas look beyond its borders and throughout
the relevant watersheds in its efforts to improve water quality at its beaches and
in its creeks.
Sustainability —The concept of sustainability is multifaceted and
not always easy to define. These difficulties notwithstanding, the City must
incorporate a test of environmental sustainability in its decision - making
processes. Simply put, the City must examine whether practices can be
continued indefinitely without long -term degradation of the City's environment
and without contributing to such degradation outside our borders.
Community Collaboration — Collective action is essential to the
amelioration of many of our environmental problems. Classic examples include
conservation of resources, waste reduction, and recycling. If all residents and
businesses contribute to efforts to conserve water, generate less waste, and
recycle more materials Encinitas can have a substantial effect on our
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environment. Through community outreach and education as well as taking a
leadership role the City can not only improve its own environmental practices but
also leverage its efforts by enhancing the collective actions of its citizens for a
better environment.
SUMMARY OF BREC
In January, 2001, it was proposed at the Encinitas City Council's annual goal -
setting meeting to create a permanent environmental commission to advise the
City Council and the Planning Commission. The Council instead decided to form
a temporary group under the auspices of the City Manager. The committee was
to meet for approximately six months, but not more than one year. The
community was contacted, and over 30 citizens volunteered to participate.
Eleven individuals, two per community, plus one "at large," were selected as
members of the Blue Ribbon Environmental Committee (Appendix 1). After the
second meeting of the group, one member withdrew due to professional
commitments. The committee size remained at ten members thereafter.
The Mission Statement of the Committee, as set by the City Council, was:
To solidify the City's commitment to best management practices by.
• Reviewing the City's current environmental practices and
policies regarding City -owned and maintained facilities,
programs, and services; and
• Developing practical recommendations for consideration by the
City Council
So that.
Encinitas continues as a leader in promoting the health interests of
her citizens and protecting her natural and wildlife resources.
The Committee:
• Is a temporary committee set up under the City Manager, not the City
Council.
• Would set much of its own agenda, although the basic purpose was to
recommend environmental standards and goals for the City.
• Would likely start by reviewing the city's policies on energy use, public
landscaping and municipal building designs. It could also delve into City
building codes governing private development or move into other
uncharted areas.
• Would advise the City Council how it could meet some of the goals it had
already set, such as using more native plants, and reducing pesticide and
fertilizer use in parks, designing city buildings to take advantage of natural
light and ventilation, improving urban runoff systems, renovating
Cottonwood Creek, and encouraging more recycling.
• Might venture off into entirely new areas or review building codes.
• Might require an update of the environmental content of the General Plan.
The first meeting of BREC was 8 January, 2002. At that meeting Committee
members identified environmental issues for discussion (energy, water quality,
soils, air, landscaping, education, community awareness, solid waste, recycling,
waste minimization, transportation, City purchasing), determined the committee
structure and set the schedule for meetings.
The Committee decided to meet twice monthly as the full Committee and as
needed in sub - committee. The sub - committees established were:
• Energy, Air & Transportation
• Water & Soil Conservation and Quality
• Public Policy /City Purchasing /Education
• Trash /Recycling /Solid Waste /Source Reduction/Waste Minimization
• Landscaping /Habitat/Land Stewardship
Appendix 2 is a listing of the membership of the subcommittees.
BREC met from January through November 2002. The agendas and minutes of
the meetings are Appendix 3.
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SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Air /Energy /Transportation
1. Encouraging Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
A) Investigate opportunities for traffic calming in neighborhoods, without
losing sight of safety and convenience for cyclists and pedestrians.
B) Consider the needs of commuting cyclists, as well as recreational riders
and pedestrians when designing or altering roads.
C) When construction temporarily obstructs a bike lane or otherwise narrows
a roadway, post and enforce a 25mph speed limit, with a "caution -- bikes
taking lane" warning sign.
D) Voice support for any proposed statewide or countywide legislation which
encourages bicycle and pedestrian travel.
2. Energy Usage at City Facilities
A) Conduct an energy audit at each City facility to assess energy use
patterns. This process might be considered as a test implementation of
Environmental Management System (EMS) procedures.
B) Explore the possibility of dividing City Hall into electrical zones so that only
public meeting areas may be lit for evening meetings, rather than the
entire complex.
C) Ask City staff for additional energy- saving suggestions related to their own
areas within City Hall.
D) Explore alternate methods of providing a suitable work environment for
City staff.
3. Public Works Department Vehicles
A) Implement City policy for purchasing in an environmentally friendly
manner in spite of any departmental management and /or staff changes.
B) Operate City vehicles as long as is practicable. Protect them from the
corrosive effects of salt air.
C) As City vehicles reach the end of their useful service lives, replace them
with dual fuel, or alternative fuel vehicles where possible.
D) Investigate participation in The City of San Diego's alternative fuels center.
4. Small Gasoline Engines
A) Lobby for stricter noise and emissions standards at the State and Federal
level.
B) Require the city's maintenance contractors to use only the lowest- noise,
lowest- emission technology available. Consider other methods, such as
manual sweeping and raking.
C) Limit gasoline - powered scooters to streets. Restrict their use on
sidewalks for safety, noise, and air quality considerations.
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Landscaping /Habitat/Land Stewardship
5. Firescaping
A) Incorporate firescaping guidelines into City landscaping practices and
contracts and make this information readily available to the community.
Every City facility, especially the fire stations and parks, should be
landscaped utilizing recognized firescaping principals.
B) Thin dense tree stands. Dead or failing trees should be removed and
replaced with appropriate tree species at appropriate densities.
C) Remove "fuel- ladders" as part of maintenance efforts.
D) Remove flammable invasive non - native plants from natural habitats.
6. Guidelines for New Design and Redesign of Existing Structures
A) Review current materials and methods specification manuals used by city
departments (such as "The Green Book" or CSI specification formats) with
the purpose of evaluating /scoring specifications for environmental
friendliness.
B) Set up a design checklist/audit to evaluate proposed designs or redesigns
of city facilities. Items to be considered would include: minimal site
disruption, waste stream management, life cycle costs of materials, water
and conservation measures, use of local or native materials, and
intangibles, such as esthetics.
C) Explore the use of a green building certification program such as
Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED), or the International
Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP).
7. Invasive Non - Native Plants and Algae
A) Ban the use of targeted invasive non - native plants in the landscaping of all
City properties. Ideally the target list would include all plants on the
California Exotic Pest Plant Council List of Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest
Ecological Concern in California.
B) Adopt a comprehensive policy for the identification, mapping, and
abatement of targeted invasive non - native plants on City property; start
with an eradication program for pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and
giant reed (Arundo donax), two of the most problematic invasive plants on
City properties.
C) Require new housing and commercial developments to avoid the use of
targeted invasive non - native plants.
D) Support the efforts of, and actively work with, the San Elijo Lagoon
Conservancy, the Cottonwood Creek Conservancy, the Escondido Creek
Conservancy, and the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation in the removal of
invasive non - native plants.
E) Treat infested properties adjacent to wildlands, where possible. This
program should be carried out in a coordinated manner with other Cities
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and entities, working from the top of the watershed towards the bottom to
avoid re- infection of downstream areas from upstream sources.
F) Encourage private property owners adjacent to natural lands or wildiands
to avoid the use of invasive non - native plants.
G) Discourage the sale of targeted invasive non - native plants within the City
of Encinitas to prevent future introductions.
H) Promote community awareness on the invasive algae Caulerpa taxifolia.
8. Landscape Maintenance: Integrated Pest Management
A) Practice the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to the
maximum extent possible on City maintained land.
B) Eliminate the use of the most hazardous pesticides.
C) Reduce the use of all pesticides through IPM practices.
D) Institute a pilot program to make one or more City parks or other
maintained areas completely pesticide free. Different IPM techniques
could be evaluated at these pesticide free parks to determine how
effective they are.
E) Encourage the community to follow the City's example in using less toxic
pesticides and reduced amounts, and in employing IPM practices.
g. Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) and Encinitas
Subarea Plan (ESP)
A) Revise the ESP so the City can assess the merits of both the MHCP's
Alternative 2 ( "Preferred Alternative" [ 66% of natural habitat] ) and
Alternative 3 ( "Biologically Preferred Alternative" [ 84% of natural habitat] )
B) Revise the habitat maps to provide whole watershed and regional contexts
for the MHCP report and for the ESP report. The ESP and MHCP habitat
maps should identify all subwatersheds. Habitat acreage information
provided is very confusing, and needs to be presented in a more
understandable manner.
C) Calculate the percentage of impervious cover in each subwatershed and
use the results to interpret the spatial significance of the proposed MHCP
and ESP plans.
D) Revise the City's General Plan to implement the revised MHCP and ESP,
since how and where the City grows in the future is critical to performance
of the MHCP and the ESP.
E) Coordinate with adjacent municipalities and the County to assure 100%
cooperation can be secured before future implementation is accepted.
F) Reevaluate, revise, or delete the "unforeseen circumstances" rule in the
ESP.
G) Since success of the ESP and MHCP depends on the proposed
monitoring plan, a detailed description of the proposed monitoring
methodology is needed.
H) Recommended buffer zones are too narrow and need to be expanded.
10. Sustainable Landscaping Program
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A) Create a Sustainable Landscaping Program for the City of Encinitas that
specifies how City -owned and managed landscapes will be designed,
constructed and maintained. The main elements of the Sustainable
Landscaping Program should include the following components: design,
installation and maintenance guidelines; firescaping; irrigation and
stormwater management; mulching /composting/ fertilization; integrated
pest management; plant palette; trees and the community forest;
maintenance; and education.
Environmental Policy /Education /Purchasing
11. Environmental Policy
A) Develop and adopt a comprehensive environmental policy for Encinitas
that would be incorporated in the General Plan. As a minimum, the
environmental policy would include:
• a commitment to continual reduction and prevention of pollution in both
the City's own operations and the community at large.
• a commitment to comply with and exceed the requirements of relevant
environmental legislation and regulations.
• a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and
targets.
B) Periodically review and update the policy.
12. Environmental Management System (EMS)
A) Develop and implement an EMS such as ISO 14001.
B) Contact US EPA to obtain information on EPA seed money to help in
establishing an EMS.
13. Establishment of a Permanent Environmental Advisory Commission
A) Establish a permanent environmental advisory commission akin to the
Planning or Traffic Commission. The mission of the environmental
advisory commission would be to develop proposed policies and
procedures which will sustain the environmental health of the city, and to
advise City Council on environmental issues.
B) The committee would consist of at least seven voting members appointed
by the City Council. Two non - voting positions on the committee would be
for students from Encinitas who attend a local high school or college.
Members should have expertise in different environmental areas.
C) Terms for the members to be four years, staggered among the members.
14. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy
A) Develop an environmentally preferable purchasing policy to be followed by
all City Department. This policy will provide guidance on products that
must and can be used, where they can be obtained, and what extra cost is
acceptable if these products cost more than equivalent products that are
not environmentally friendly.
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B) Publicize the City's efforts to purchase environmentally preferable
products, and encourage the public to do the same.
15. Annual Report
A) Prepare an annual report on the City's environmental performance. The
report would include accomplishments during the year, goals for the next
year and recommendations for changes in the City's environmental
programs.
Waste Minimization
16.Waste Minimization
A) Establish a formal waste minimization program. Each Department could
set up its own program or there could be a combined task force.
B) Establish a formal program for all City operations that provides recycling
for all standard recyclable products, including glass, plastic, aluminum,
steel, paper, and construction materials. Make the program uniform, easy
and convenient.
C) Publicize the City's efforts.
D) Establish an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policy that mandates
the purchase of recycled content products and products that can be all or
partly recycled.
17. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
A) Conduct a survey to determine whether the public is sufficiently informed
about what household hazardous waste is, and how to dispose of it.
B) Based on the results of the survey, provide public outreach on this topic,
including flyers in public buildings, information at the point of purchase, a
section on the City's website, and community events.
C) Refine the current home pickup service to include more pickups and /or a
regular pickup schedule.
D) Establish a HHW pickup site in Encinitas. The long drives to Vista and
Poway, and the limited hours of operation, discourage dropping off HHW.
E) Update the Encinitas City website concerning HHW.
18. Green Waste
A) Increase public knowledge on the importance of using the curbside green
waste recycling program, and on the backyard composting program run by
Solana Recyclers at Quail Botanical Gardens.
B) Become a partial sponsor of the master composting training program
carried out by Solana Recyclers at Quail Botanical Gardens.
C) Use recycled green waste as compost and mulch on City properties to the
fullest extent practical.
D) Investigate the feasibility of having mulch and /or compost available to City
residents at a site within the City. This would be at a re- distribution point
where a nominal fee could be charged to cover the expense of the
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service. Make citizens aware of where they can obtain recycled mulch
and compost from other green waste programs (City of San Diego
Miramar landfill and City of Oceanside).
19. eWaste
A) Conduct a survey to determine whether the public is sufficiently informed
about what eWaste is, and how to dispose of it.
B) Based on the results of the survey, provide public outreach on this topic,
including flyers in public buildings, information at the point of purchase, a
section on the City's website, and community events.
C) Establish a home pickup service, and /or a drop -off site in Encinitas similar
to that for household hazardous waste.
D) Encourage retailers to provide information on proper disposal of old
equipment when new equipment is purchased.
E) Support companies that have established programs to help buyers reuse
or recycle old computers and other electronics as part of buying or
leasing new models.
F) Support legislation at the state and federal levels to include the cost of
disposal in the purchase price of equipment.
20. Public Recycling
A) Establish an additional public recycling drop -off facility to supplement the
Solana Recyclers site at 137 N. El Camino Real. The site is well used,
which indicates that an additional site in closer proximity to Old Encinitas,
Cardiff and Leucadia would provide a valuable service for these
communities.
B) Establish a pilot recycling program at Moonlight Beach and one other
public location such as one of the sports parks. The pilot program should
be well advertised to make the community and visitors aware of the effort
and to reduce the contamination, i.e., trash with the recyclables.
C) Require recycling at community events, such as Encinitas Day,
Oktoberfest, and the Holiday Parade.
D) Publicize waste minimization /recycling and services that are available.
Create a comprehensive fact sheet on recycling and other related services
and make it available to the public through multiple avenues, including the
City's website. This information could also be available through a
telephone hotline that has recorded messages.
E) Reduce the contamination level, i.e., trash mixed in with recyclables, in the
curbside recycling program by increasing public education. Recommend
EDCO distributes its quarterly newsletter to all curbside customers (i.e. all
renters and multi - family dwellers), not just those receiving a bill.
F) Promote full recycling for apartments, condominiums, and other multi-
family residences.
G) Consider implementing mandatory recycling for other commercial
establishments, such as retail outlets.
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H) Prominently display on all literature, announcements, recycling stations,
etc. that the recycling program is a City of Encinitas program, not EDCO's.
This will give the effort more credibility and provide some positive publicity
for the City.
1) Review the Encinitas Municipal Code with respect to recycling. Revise as
needed to increase waste minimization.
21. Solid Waste Reduction at Cottonwood Creek and Moonlight Beach
A) Place screens on all storm drains that lead into Cottonwood Creek to
catch solid waste in run -off and prevent the deposition into the Creek, onto
the beach and into the ocean.
B) Investigate the sources of solid waste in the watershed and address these
sources, with the goal of reducing or eliminating the waste where possible.
C) Increase the number of trashcans and /or the frequency of collection at
Moonlight Beach during peak use periods.
D) Fence off the end of the alley between Second and Third Street along to
stop illegal dumping into the Creek area.
22. Helium /Air/Water Balloons
A) Ban the intentional release of balloons at any City or private event within
the City. The intent is to ensure that people are aware of the negative
environmental impacts and choose an environmentally friendly alternative.
B) Require retailers of balloons to provide a verbal and /or written explanation
to purchasers of balloons on the harmful impacts of balloon waste.
C) Implement an educational outreach program on the harmful impacts of
helium /air /water balloons.
Water /Soil Conservation & Quality
23. Beach /Cliff Protection
A) Approve and implement the Final Draft Comprehensive Coastal Bluff and
Shoreline Plan (Draft Plan), dated 6/11/98, with only minor changes.
B) Acknowledge that shoreline retreat is inevitable. This does not imply we
should do nothing, but rather need to plan for the long term implications of
this problem.
C) Institute an on -going program of monitoring City beaches, and the
adjacent offshore areas to beyond wave base, as a means of identifying
areas where sand preferentially accumulates or erodes. Monitoring
events should occur at least quarterly; monthly would be better.
D) It is undesirable to armor the entire bluff face within City limits.
E) Continue to work with SANDAG, and other governmental agencies (local,
regional, state, and federal) on this issue.
F) Offshore protection /sand retention devices such as groins, jetties, or
breakwaters are not recommended unless proposed as part of a regional
sand management plan.
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24. Efficient Use and Conservation of Water
A) Continue to calculate and charge for infrastructure maintenance,
improvements and operations.
B) Develop sufficient supply sources to provide water during normal and
drought years.
C) Devise and implement a drought rating and notice system to sensitize
water users, prepare them for inevitable water -short years, plan voluntary
conservation, and mandate conservation necessary to reduce demand.
D) Maximize direct and indirect use of reclaimed water. Have the fire chief
consider the costs and benefits of converting to reclaimed water in the fire
mains.
E) Restore /recharge groundwater ensuring quality and storage capacity.
F) Revise the rate structure to encourage conservation. Delete the flat rate
for residences with agriculture; include a tiered rate structure on
agriculture, landscaping, excess use, and construction; include a seasonal
demand accommodation structure; and require that the service meter fee
pay a greater proportion of the costs.
G) Increase the infrastructure which carries reclaimed water to make it more
available without undue cost to smaller users.
H) Implement a public water education program focused on household gray
water - irrigation reuse, composting, and water conservation.
1) Mandate sustainable and low -water use landscaping for all new and
replanted city landscaping.
J) Require all new city facilities to install and maintain water saving
appliances.
K) Fund and implement a water efficiency revolving loan program.
L) Conduct audits of all city water systems. Retrofit all inefficient appliances,
and take advantage of gray water reuse opportunities.
25. Meeting Encinitas' Water Supply Needs in the Face of Dwindling Supply
A) Reduce water consumption, and increase use of reclaimed water to cope
with the long -term effects of drought and reduced water supply from the
Colorado River.
B) Advocate effective agricultural conservation measures in the Imperial
Valley, and support water transfers to urban use to ensure the gradual
rather than abrupt reduction in California's share of the Colorado River.
26. Stormwater and Urban Runoff Management
A) Map the boundaries of each of the subwatersheds present throughout the
City and include these boundaries as a common data layer on many of the
City's maps.
B) Conduct an Urban Runoff Assessment and Action Plan for each of the
other 6 subwatersheds that comprise the City, similar to the study
completed for the Cottonwood Creek subwatershed.
17
C) Calculate the percentage of impervious cover for each subwatershed, and
correlate results with the storm water and dry weather runoff monitoring
data by subwatershed.
D) Use the results as a basis for planning where to accommodate future
growth, as a means for managing urban runoff, and as a mechanism for
implementing "smart growth" strategies.
E) Use the subwatershed as the geographic unit for educating the public
about how they can help to "best manage" urban runoff.
F) Develop a report card of the status and outlook for each subwatershed.
Publish annually.
FUTURE TOPICS
BREC's recommendations represent the next step in environmental policy for the
City of Encinitas. In a sense, we had the easier task of identifying what needs to
be done next. Those that follow us, the City Council and staff, and the
permanent environmental commission, if impaneled, have the more difficult task
of implementing the recommendations. Topics that will confront the city include:
How sustainably can the City plan, integrate, and serve the expected population
increase?
How do BREC's recommendations fit into the existing General Plan?
Which recommendations can be implemented by staff? Which recommendations
require changes in administrative policy and /or the Municipal Code?
How can the City implement the MHCP and balance property rights versus the
good of the community?
As sea level continues to rise, the cost of protecting the lagoons, beaches, and
bluffs will escalate, as will the cost of modifications to protect public
infrastructure. How much are we willing to pay, and from where will the money
come?
Can the City mitigate the increased air pollution that will accompany growth in the
region, including the widening of 1 -5?
Can the City secure reliable water supplies to service the community?
What will the City do if one or more of the regional or local entities do not go
along with regionalism or sustainability? Should the City do anything?
19
Table of Contents
Air /En erg y /Transportation
1) Encouraging Bicycle and Pedestrian Modes of Transportation .... _ . _ ..3
2) Energy Usage at City Facilities • • . • . • - • _6
3) Public Works Department Vehicles ......... 8
4) Small Gasoline Engines (Leaf - blowers) ......... 10
Landscaping /Habitat(Land Stewardship
5) Firescaping .._._._..13
6) Guidelines for New Design and Redesign of Existing Structures .._._._._16
7) Invasive Non - Native Plants and Algae ......... 18
8) Landscape Maintenance: Integrated Pest Management/Pesticide Use .._23
9) Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) and Encinitas Subarea Plan ... 25
10)Sustainable Landscaping Program ........ 33
Environmental Policy /Education /Purchasing
11)Environmental Policy ........ 40
12) Environmental Management System & ISO 14001 ........ 42
13) Establishment of a Permanent Advisory Commission ........ 45
14) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy ........ 47
15)Annual Report ........ 49
Waste Minimization
16)Waste Minimization ........
51
53
17)Household Hazardous Waste ......
18)Green Waste ......
55
56
19)eWaste ........
20)Public Recycling .._._._.58
21)Solid Waste Reduction at Cottonwood Creek and Moonlight Beach.... _.64
22)Helium /Air/Water Balloons ........
66
Water /Soil Conservation & Quality
23)Beach /Cliff Protection ........ 69
24)Efficient Use and Conservation .- . -. -.73
25)Meeting Encinitas Water Supply Needs .._._. -...76
26)Stormwater and Urban Runoff Management . •. •. •. • 79
1) Topic: Encouraging Bicycle and Pedestrian Modes of Transportation
Issue:
Encouraging bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation
Justification:
Our own General Plan acknowledges the environmental and lifestyle desirability of
promoting alternatives to automotive travel. There is an urgent need to reduce the
consumption rate of fossil fuels, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to bring air
quality into compliance with Federal health standards. The President of the United
States has also recently proclaimed that Americans need to get more exercise, and the
media have been documenting the amount of time a typical American spends sitting in a
car. Encouraging residents and visitors to access downtown Encinitas, Moonlight
Beach, and other traffic- and parking- impacted areas on foot or bicycle would greatly
enhance our quality of life and support our claims of a healthful lifestyle.
Problem:
For various reasons, bicycle and pedestrian travel within Encinitas is significantly lower
than it could be with an appropriate set of incentives and accommodations. The City
needs to identify and to modify policies and facilities which discourage bicycle or
pedestrian travel.
Background:
Existing Practice /Policy:
1) Many traffic signal loop detectors do not respond to bicycles, although the situation
has been improving, and Traffic Engineering has been reasonably responsive to
complaints.
2) Some intersections have bicycle- and pedestrian - hostile fast, sweeping free right
turns, merges, or diverges. To the city's credit, many of the newer intersections are
configured to accommodate nonmotorized road users safely and conveniently.
3) Pedestrian crossings are restricted or even prohibited entirely (e.g. Saxony at
Encinitas BI.) at many major intersections, forcing pedestrians to take circuitous routes,
such as crossing all three remaining sides of an intersection when the desired crossing
movement is prohibited. The resulting delay and inconvenience tend to discourage
walking.
4) Some high -speed streets lack wide shoulders, with or without demarked bicycle
lanes.
5) Some of the greatest hazards occur during roadway and adjacent construction, such
as when bicycle lanes are obstructed on busy, fast arterials.
Assessment:
Overall, Encinitas is reasonably hospitable to nonmotorized road users, but it did inherit
various pre- existing trouble spots from the County and has yet to ameliorate some of
them.
Data Gaps:
Minor. A complete inventory of bicycle- insensitive traffic loops, prohibited pedestrian
movements, and pedestrian- or bicycle - hostile intersections will eventually be required.
Volunteer citizens and representatives of local walking and bicycling advocacy groups
could be recruited to complete much of the work at minimal cost to the city.
Recommendations:
1) Investigate opportunities for traffic calming in neighborhoods, without losing sight of
the need to enable cyclists to move from one neighborhood to another safely and
conveniently.
2) When designing or altering roads or bicycling facilities, consult and consider the
needs of transportation /commuting cyclists as well as recreational riders.
3) When construction temporarily obstructs a bike lane or otherwise dangerously
narrows a roadway, post and enforce a 25mph speed limit, with a "caution -- bikes
taking lane" warning sign.
4) Since many of these problems are regional, City government should voice support of
any proposed statewide or countywide legislation which encourages bicycle and
pedestrian travel.
Implementation:
1) Control or traffic -calm all free right turns, merges, and diverges, such as from
northbound Vulcan Av. to eastbound Encinitas BI.
2) Empower the Traffic Commission to discuss issues raised by private citizens, i.e.,
make it an ombudsman between the public and Traffic Engineering.
3) In new housing developments, require pedestrian and bicycle easements through the
ends of culs -de -sac. Example: from the end of Calle Magdalena to Requeza, through
the proposed new housing tract, which will need emergency vehicle access from both
directions, anyway.
4) Survey all traffic signals in Encinitas to ensure that they are responsive for all legal
bicycle uses, including turns.
5) Permit pedestrians to cross on all sides of four -way intersections. Eliminate "no ped
crossing" restriction at Leucadia BI. / Highway 101, Leucadia BI. / Orpheus, Saxony /
Encinitas BI., etc.
6) Endorse and support the "walk to school" program, to encourage the next generation
to consider alternative modes of travel.
7) Pass resolutions endorsing statewide or countywide policies which promote
nonmotorized travel.
Indicator:
1) Increased bicycle and pedestrian traffic in and around the city, coupled with reduced
local motor vehicle traffic.
2) Reduced demand for local parking.
3) Reduced congestion downtown.
2) Topic: Energy Usage at City Facilities
Issues:
Conservation /Operating Efficiency, Rising Costs
Background:
Energy costs have historically been high in San Diego. However, statewide
deregulation of energy suppliers has caused significant increases in costs over the last
two years. Further, increases in population, combined with delays in construction of
additional energy production capacity, have strained the existing capacity to deliver
energy to the point where brown -outs, and other service interruptions have occurred.
Problem:
How to reduce wasteful (both wasted energy and wasted money) energy consumption.
Current City Policy:
The City has instituted several energy saving measures. For electricity, these include 1)
City Hall is closed every other Friday. 2) The main electricity supply to City Hall is turned
off after the work day has been completed, and is turned back on the next morning. If
there are evening, or night meetings at City Hall, the electricity is reportedly kept on until
midnight. 3) Most, if not all offices and meeting rooms in City Hall have motion sensor
switches so that individual rooms are lit only when occupied. 4) Lighting has been
reduced by removing bulbs throughout City Hall. 5) Ancillary electrical appliances, i.e.,
computers, copiers, coffee pots, etc., are turned off when not in continuous use, or have
been eliminated. Comparison of monthly electrical consumption figures from July -
March FY 2000 -2001 (prior to instituting conservation measures) with July -March FY
2001 -2002 (after conservation measures instituted), shows decreases in usage year -
over -year of 20 -42% in seven of the nine month -long periods, and increases in usage of
25 and 44% in 2 periods (see Attachment). According a City Management Analyst, the
two monthly increases were due to an unusually large number of night meetings at City
Hall in those two months.
Natural gas usage (primarily for space heating) was also compared for the same time
periods. Usage decreased in 6 of the months by 6 -88 %, and increased in 3 of the
months by 25 -72 %.
Energy usage data was also made available for Fire Station #1. However, the data
were incomplete, and comparisons could only be made for four of the month -long
periods. Usage decreased year- over -year in three of the periods by 10.5 -29 %; usage
increased in one month by 46 %.
Data Gaps:
Each City facility gets a bill from SDG &E, so energy consumption figures should be
available from all City facilities for analysis. If SDG &E can not, or will not do year -over-
year comparisons, then the City's Management Analysts may have to do it.
Recommendations:
1) Conduct an energy audit at each City facility to assess energy use patterns.
The audits should be conducted by SDG &E, or a private consulting firm.
Results of the energy audit will likely indicate areas where additional energy
usage efficiencies may be realized. This process might be considered as a
test implementation of an Environmental Management System.
2) Explore the possibility of dividing City Hall into electrical zones so that only
public meeting areas may be lit for evening meetings, rather than the entire
complex. Also, modify the procedure for keeping the power on for night
meetings, so that when a meeting finishes at 9:30 PM, for example, the power
can be turned off manually, rather than waiting for a timer to turn everything
off at a preset, later time.
3) Ask City staff for additional energy- saving suggestions related to their own
areas within City Hall.
4) Explore alternate methods of providing a suitable work environment for City
staff, e.g., sky lights in work areas to further reduce lighting costs, raising the
thermostat temperature on warm days to reduce the need for air conditioning,
lowering the thermostat on cool days to reduce the need for heating, etc.
3) Topic: Public Works Department Vehicles
Background:
The Public Works Department operates approximately 80 vehicles, ranging
from standard passenger cars and pick -up trucks, to specialized vehicles like fire
engines and storm drain vacuum trucks. Five of the standard vehicles are dual -fuel,
i.e., capable of running on compressed natural gas (CNG), as well as conventional
motor fuels. Most of the vehicles are parked in open lots around City Hall.
Existing Practice:
Routine vehicle maintenance is carried out by City employees. The
Public Works Department recycles waste oil, and other vehicle fluids as much as
possible. They use recycled motor oil, rather than new oil, in City vehicles wherever
possible. Department policy is to purchase green whenever possible. It is unclear
whether these practices are fully implemented City policy, or reflect the attitude of the
current Public Works Director.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) Continue purchasing green. Insure that this is City policy that
will continue in spite of any departmental management and /or staff changes.
2) Operate City vehicles as long as is practicable. This must be guided by staff
recommendation. One change that would help lengthen the service life of City
vehicles would be to better protect them from the corrosive effects of salt air.
This might be accomplished by a) moving the vehicle storage area away from the
near coastal area at City Hall, or b) construction of a sheltered storage/
maintenance facility. The timing of this decision is important, as the current
storage area is the City s first choice for the new library.
3) As City vehicles reach the end of their useful service lives, replace them with
dual -fuel, or alternative fuel vehicles where possible. To facilitate the transition,
we recommend a pilot program to evaluate whether other currently available
alternative fuel vehicles, such as the gas /electric hybrids, might also provide
cost - effective functionality to fulfill City needs. The pilot program could include
from one to five additional alternative fuel vehicles. As a practical matter this
means only the passenger cars and pickup trucks. At the same time, encourage
vendors of other types of vehicles, i.e. fire engines and vacuum trucks, to make
available alternative fuel versions of their products. Only if they hear it from
enough potential customers, will there be any incentive to produce new models.
4) The City of San Diego recently received a $17 million grant to build and operate
an alternative fuels center (see Attachment). The facility will offer an educational
program for school children and other community members, as well as serve as
a alternative fuels fueling station. The City of Encinitas might seek to join the
project with San Diego in one of several ways including: financial support, using
the facility to fuel or service its own alternative fuel vehicles, or seek grant money
to operate a North County alternative fuels station. One obvious course of action
would be to contact Shell Oil Company, operator of the CNG station on Encinitas
Boulevard, to explore their interest in expanding that facility. As the City of
Encinitas acquired more alternative fuel vehicles, they could not only become
their own best customer, they would set the example for their citizens and other
cities.
4) Topic:Small Gasoline Engines (Leaf - blowers)
Issue:
Regulation of use and emissions of small gasoline engines.
Justification:
As automobile and truck emission standards become increasingly stringent, the exhaust
from the small gasoline engines in gardening equipment, scooters, leaf blowers, etc.
contributes an increasing percentage of urban air pollution. Problem gases include the
usual culprits of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen. Because most
of these emission sources are pre - emptively regulated at the State and Federal level,
the city's role in controlling them is quite limited. However, as will be noted below, the
city does have several specific opportunities to protect the health of its citizens.
Problem:
In this context, noise pollution poses at least as significant a problem as exhaust
emissions.
Background:
Existing Practice /Policy:
Currently, 21 California cities have elected to ban leaf blowers in residential areas,
whereas the vast majority, including Encinitas, permit them.
Assessment:
Data Gaps:
Recommendations:
1) Since vehicular and nonvehicular exhaust emissions are regulated at the Federal
and State level, the City of Encinitas has no recognized jurisdiction over them.
However, the city can and should join other local governments in lobbying for
stricter noise and emissions standards for these sources.
2) One distinct class of small gasoline engines, those used in leaf blowers, has
been singled out in several cities. Since leaf blowers generate inordinate
amounts of noise, direct emissions, and airborne dust and particulates, it is
reasonable to require the city's maintenance contractors to consider other
methods, such as manual sweeping and raking, and to use only the lowest- noise,
lowest- emission technology available. In residential areas, operation should be
restricted to standard workday hours, such as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3) The City can also ban gasoline - powered scooters from its sidewalks, for safety,
noise, and air quality reasons, although it may have to permit them on its streets.
5) Topic: Firescaping
I
Issue:
Preventing Wildfires and Reducing the Rate of Spread, Intensity and Damage
Problem:
Inappropriate flammable vegetation types and poor management practices contribute
significantly to the rate of spread and intensity of wildfires, and to the amount of damage
and loss of both property and life caused by wildfires.
The most devastating local example is the Harmony Grove Fire of October 21, 1996.
Residences with flammable and dead vegetation adjacent to exterior walls and
overhanging wood roofs and decks readily ignited, leading to the loss of structures while
fueling the spread of the fire. Burning palm frond bases that were windblown ignited
yard furniture in an enclosed residential atrium at Sea Point Tennis Club over 800 feet
from the burning front of the fire. Firebrands are burning embers produced by wildfire
which are lifted high into the air and carried beyond the fire front. Firebrands are one of
the major causes of home loss due to wildfire. Invasive non - native plant species such
as pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana and C. jubata) and eucalyptus tree species
occurring in dense stands in native plant areas also contributed to the spread of the
Harmony Grove Fire.
Justification:
The protection of lives and structures from loss by fire in the City of Encinitas is one of
the prime responsibilities and concerns of the City. The flammable characteristics of
plants, such as many eucalyptus and pine tree species, are readily known. Many plant
species have been identified and classified based on their known response to fire.
In the past couple years many eucalyptus trees have been killed or severely damaged
due to insect pest infestations such as the Redgum Lerp Psyllid and the Eucalyptus
Long- Horned Borer. Eucalyptus trees are often planted in dense stands, as property
boundary line demarcations or as windbreaks. These trees contribute significantly to
standing fuel loads.
Many native plants in natural areas can burn readily if ignited. That is why there are
guidelines and standards for fuel modification zones at the wildland /urban interface.
Flammable plants and unmanaged vegetation at some distance from the wildland /urban
interface can also contribute to fuel loads and become ignition sources for spot fires to
start from firebrands.
Existing Policy /Practice:
The City of Encinitas currently requires new developments subject to fuel modifications
to follow Guidelines for Planting in Developments Subject to Fuel Modification" (See
Attachment 1). In addition the City follows the County of San Diego Ordinance No. 9111
Amending Appendix II -A of the County Fire Code Relating to Wildland /Urban Interface
Standards (See Attachment 1).
,Goal 3 of the Resource Management Element of the Encinitas General Plan states,
The City will make every effort possible to preserve significant mature trees, vegetation
and wildlife habitat within the Planning Area. (Coastal 30240)"
Data Gaps:
There is currently no detailed mapping of locations of planted dense tree stands or
locations of highly flammable vegetation adjacent to developed residential and
commercial areas. This mapping could be done in conjunction with mapping invasive
non - native plants. This information would be useful if applying for grant funds and for
planning long -term control and fuel reduction efforts on publicly owned property.
Recommendations:
1) Limit plant choices in close proximity to City facilities to low flammability plants and
implement appropriate vegetation control and maintenance measures, such as proper
plant location and density control of flammable plants. This can be readily accomplished
as part of normal planning and ongoing maintenance work.
2) Thin dense tree stands. Dead or failing trees should be removed and replaced with
appropriate tree species at appropriate densities.
3) Remove " fuel - ladders" as part of maintenance efforts. " Fuel- ladders" are plantings
that extend uninterrupted from the ground level to the canopies of trees. " Fuel- ladders"
include the dried frond bases on the trunks of Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia
robusta) which can be removed by a pruning technique called " skinning" .
4) Remove flammable invasive non - native plants from natural habitats. This will improve
the quality and quantity of native habitat and reduce and /or prevent the further spread of
these plants while reducing the risks from wildfire.
5) Incorporate firescaping guidelines into City landscaping practices and contracts and
make this information readily available to the community. Every City facility, especially
the fire stations and parks, should be landscaped utilizing recognized firescaping
principals.
6) Use portions of the following example documents as a basis for Encinitas' guidelines:
City of San Diego' s Guide to Environmentally Sensitive Brush Management and
Environmentally Sensitive Erosion Control, the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy' s " Guide
to Protecting Your Home from the Threat of Wildfire" and the Rancho Santa Fe Fire
Department' s " Desirable Tree List" (See Attachment 11). Other sources of information
include local examples of Firescape Gardens located at Quail Botanical Gardens, the
Harmony Grove Fire Station and the Los Jilgueros Preserve in Fallbrook.
Appendices:
Appendix I.
Guidelines for Planting in Developments Subject to Fuel Modification.
County of San Diego Ordinance No. 9111 Amending Appendix II -A of the County Fire
Code Relating to Wildland /Urban Interface Standards.
Appendix II.
City of San Diego' s Guide to Environmentally Sensitive Brush Management and
Environmentally Sensitive Erosion Control.
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy' s " Guide to Protecting Your Home from the Threat of
Wildfire."
Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department' s " Desirable Tree List" .
6) Topic: Guidelines for New Design and Redesign of Existing Structures
City Department Responsible:
Public Works, Engineering, Community Development, Community Services
Problem /Opportunity:
Planning of new facilities and the redesign, retrofitting or remodeling of existing facilities
offer an opportunity for the use of sustainable design. Application of sustainable design
would benefit the City and region with long -range savings as well as the educational
principles, cultural and health benefits offered by such environmentally integrated
designs.
Recommendations:
1) Review the specification manuals used by City departments (such as "The Green
Book" or Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) specification formats)
concerning materials and methods to be used in new and remodeled facilities in
order to evaluate often used, pertinent specifications on a "green index" for
environmental sustainability.
2) Set up a design checklist and /or audit process to evaluate proposed designs or
redesigns of city facilities. This check list would include the following factors:
■ Site selection that minimizes (or generously compensates for) ecological disruptions.
These disruptions would be characterized as:
a) Use of land where natural topography and drainage patterns must be severely
altered to accommodate the proposed use;
b) Use of land that is important to an ecological process such as water courses,
important habitat areas or corridors; and
c) Large centralized hubs that require commuting and the resulting problems of
air pollution and parking.
• Integrated waste stream management
• The life cycle costs of materials and maintenance associated with the design and the
resulting health or ecological benefits (or damages) to the community.
• Encourage use of daylighting for internal illumination.
• Encourage use of passive heating and cooling
• Water and Energy conservation measures
• The use of local or native materials where possible and appropriate, including both
building and landscaping materials.
• Building and landscape design that is sensitive to and takes advantage of:
a) Psychological benefits of connections to outside air, daylight and views;
b) Aesthetic generated by regional climatic realities;
c) Integrates locally occurring materials and acknowledges the region's original
natural condition along with it's various overlapping histories.
3) As a method of measuring and evaluating this information it is recommended that
the city explore the use of a green building certification program such as
Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED), the U.S. Green Building Council
(www.usabc.org) or the International Performance Measurement & Verification
Protocol (IPMVP) (www.ipmvp.org/ipmvp_det.html)
7) Topic: Invasive Non - Native Plants and Algae
Problem:
Numerous invasive non - native plant species have become established throughout the
City of Encinitas and the County which are degrading the quantity and quality of our
natural habitats by outcompeting and displacing native plant communities. Invasive
non - native plants also negatively impact property by exacerbating flood damage (via
debris jams), enabling out of season wildfires that disperse more rapidly, increasing
water consumption, degrading pasture and agricultural lands, and limiting recreational
use.
Conspicuous examples of aggressive terrestrial non - native invasive plants include giant
reed (Arundo donax) and pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), which are large plants
that spread rapidly forming dense stands of vegetation that are a fire and flood risk, and
reduce the recreational access and enjoyment of our open spaces.
Caulerpa taxifolia is an extremely invasive aquatic saltwater alga that has so far only
been discovered in San Diego County within Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Once established
it grows rapidly and can form a dense smothering blanket on any surface that displaces
the native plants and animals. Sources of infestation are most likely through release of
fragments from private aquariums. If Caulerpa taxifolia is not successfully identified and
controlled it will threaten the marine ecosystems of the Pacific coastline as has occurred
in the Mediterranean.
Background:
Non - native plants are those that have been introduced from other locations and occur
beyond their natural range. Invasive plants are those that spread into areas where they
are not native (Rejmanek 1995) or species that displace natives or bring about changes
in species composition, community structure or ecosystem function (Cronk & Fuller
1995, White el al. 1993). The focus of this discussion is on non - native plant species
that are also invasive, although not all non - native plants are invasive.
In contrast to invasive non - native plant species, a native plant species is one that
occurs naturally in a particular region, state, ecosystem, and habitat without direct or
indirect human actions (Federal Native Plant Conservation Committee 1994). Native
plant species have evolved in a community that includes competitors, pests, grazers,
and diseases, and so the species composition and productivity of native plant
communities is controlled naturally. Non - native species lack many of these natural
checks, and can, therefore, exhibit rapid uncontrolled growth and wide dispersal. 17%
of the North American flora, and as much as 33% of some state flora are composed of
plants that are non - native species (U.S. Dept. Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration 2000).
Justification:
Management and removal of these invasive non - native plants will significantly improve
the quality and quantity of our natural habitat, will increase the recreational use of the
land, and will help slow the further spread of these plants. Removal of large stands of
invasive plants will reduce the risk of wildfire, reduce the risk of catastrophic floods,
lessen soil erosion in riparian areas, and reduce water consumption. If these plants are
not actively eliminated in the short term, they will continue to spread and create a far
more damaging and expensive problem in the future. Furthermore they may increase to
the point that control becomes unfeasible. The rate of spread of some invasive non-
native species has been rapid, for example, yellow star thistle (Centaurea so/stitialis)
has expanded in California (mostly north and central) from 1.2 million acres in the late
1950s to 7.9 million acres in 1991.
The issue of invasive non - native plants is so important that on Feb 8, 1999, President
Clinton signed Executive Order No. 13112 "To prevent the introduction of invasive
species and to provide for their control and to minimize the economic, ecological, and
human health impacts that invasive species cause. Invading non - native species in the
United States cause major environmental damages and losses adding up to more than
$138 billion per year (Pimentel et al., 1999). Among factors contributing to endangered
species loss, non - native invasions are the second greatest factor after outright habitat
loss. About 42% of the species on the Threatened or Endangered species lists are at
risk primarily because of non - indigenous species.
Existing Policy /Practice:
GOAL 10 of the Resource Management Element of the General Plan states that: The
City will preserve the integrity, function, productivity, and long term viability of
environmentally sensitive habitats throughout the City, including kelp -beds, ocean
recreational areas, coastal water, beaches, lagoons and their up- lands, riparian areas,
coastal strand areas, coastal sage scrub and coastal mixed chaparral habitats. (Coastal
Act/30230/ 30231/30240). There is currently no comprehensive City policy that
addresses the restoration of native habitat through the control of invasive non - native
plants. `Weeds' are removed by landscape maintenance crews contracted by the City,
but no guidance exists specifically for removal of invasive non - native plants or for the
identification of desirable native plants to be protected from removal. The focus of
landscape management efforts have been on high use parks. Since natural habitats
are not maintained, invasive non - native plants are spreading and are becoming a
serious problem.
The possession and sale of Caulerpa taxifolia was banned by the State of California in
September 2001.
Assessment:
The California Exotic Pest Plant Council (CaIEPPC) has identified the invasive non-
native plant species that are the most problematic in California (Attachment 1). This list
categorizes plants by their threat — with List A being the most invasive, and List B those
of lesser invasiveness. The most threatening invasive non - native plants vary by region
throughout the State. The top ten most problematic invasive non - native plant species in
Encinitas, as determined by this Committee, are described in Table 1.
Table 1. List of the ten most problematic invasive non - native plant species within the
City of Encinitas taken from the CaIEPPC List of Most Problematic Non - Native Plants in
California (Attachment 1). Plant species are listed in alphabetical order. Caulerpa
taxifolia has not been found within coastal habitat in the City of Encinitas.
Plant Species
Common Name
CaIEPPC
Comments /locations
List'
Acacia species
Acacia
More info
Generally in riparian and adjacent areas
Arundo dona
Giant reed
A -1
Riparian areas, drainages, around
wetlands
Carpobrotus edulis
Iceplant, sea fig
A -1
Coastal bluffs, sand dunes, escapee
Cortaderia selloana & C.
jubata
Pampas grass,
A -1
from gardens in many areas
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, riparian,
jubata grass
drainages, wetlands, horticultural
Foeniculum vul are
Lepidium latifolium
Wild fennel
Perennial pepperweed/
A -1
A
Grasslands, riparian, disturbed
-1
Currently only known at San Elijo lagoon
M o orum laetum
tall whiteto
M o orum
A -2
— riparian, wetlands
Coastal
Ricinus
Castor bean
B
riparian, horticultural
Coastal riparian, drainages, disturbed
Cot? munis
areas - TOXIC
Schinus terebinthifolius &
S. mole
Brazilian & Peruvian
B
Riparian, horticultural, disturbed areas
pepper tree
Tamarix species
Salt cedar /tamarisk
A -1
Riparian areas, wetlands, drainages
' A -1 = most invasive wildland pest plants, widespread; A -2 = most invasive wildland pest
plants, regional; B = wildland pest plants of lesser invasiveness.
z Currently proposed for listing as a CA Noxious Weed, CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture,
probably List B (see below). Public notice of these additions was published 8/2/2002 and
should be approved after a public comment period ending 9/16/2002.
'List B CA Noxious Weed, CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture. This includes species that are
widespread and at discretion of County Agriculture Commissioner to determine if eradication
is feasible. SD County Agriculture has formed a Weed Management Area that is specifically
targeting the eradication of L. latifolium from the County.
Data Gaps:
The general distribution of the most problematic invasive non - native plants (e.g. Arundo
and pampas grass) is known qualitatively, but a detailed mapping of their distributions
and acreage has not been done and is needed in order to develop and implement a
plan for their management and removal. This information is essential in securing
funding and in planning successful long -term control efforts.
Recommendations:
1) Ban the use of targeted invasive non - native plants in the landscaping of all City
properties. Targeted invasive non - native plants should include at a minimum the' Top
Ten Most Problematic Invasive Non - native Plants in Encinitas' identified by this
committee (Table 1). Ideally the target list would include all plants on the California
Exotic Pest Plant Council List of Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in
California (Attachment 1).
2) Adopt a Weed Abatement Code or similar policy to provide a comprehensive policy
for the identification and abatement of targeted invasive non - native plants on City
property (for an example see City of Richmond Weed Abatement Code, Attachment
II).
3) Require new housing and commercial developments to avoid the use of targeted
invasive non - native plants in their landscaping.
4) Initiate an eradication program for pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and giant reed
(Arundo donax), two of the most problematic invasive plants on City properties.
Infested properties adjacent to wildlands should also be treated where possible. This
program should be carried out in a coordinated manner with other Cities and entities,
preferable working from the top of the watershed towards the bottom to avoid re-
infection of downstream areas from upstream sources. Mapping of non - native plants
to be eradicated will aid in securing funding, estimating control costs, and carrying out
effective long -term efforts. High priority areas for control include the drainages that
lead into San Elijo Lagoon, Batiquitos Lagoon, and lower Cottonwood Creek.
5) Support the efforts of and actively work with the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, the
Cottonwood Creek Conservancy, the Escondido Creek Conservancy, and the
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation in the removal of invasive non - native plants. The City
should play a role in encouraging private property owners adjacent to natural lands or
wildlands to avoid the use of invasive non - native plants.
6) Discourage the sale of targeted invasive non - native plants (see Table 1) within the
City of Encinitas to prevent future introductions.
7) Promote community awareness on the invasive algae Caulerpa taxifolia. The State
of California banned the sale and possession of several species of Caulerpa on
September 24, 2001. However, awareness of what the plant looks like and where to
report any new sightings in the coastal waters of Encinitas is still a very important task
that should be encouraged by the City of Encinitas. Information on Caulerpa taxifolia
and how to obtain public outreach materials is listed in Attachment 111.
a) Post Caulerpa information posters at all beach access points, lifeguard stations
and nature centers.
b) Distribute brochures and posters to local dive shops, aquarium shops, bait and
tackle shops and schools.
c) Support and participate in public events to look for this algae and to promote
public awareness of the issue.
Implementation (policy, resolution, etc):
Changes will potentially be required to contracts, the Municipal Code, and /or the
General Plan. Grants are available that can be used for native plant restoration through
the removal of invasive non - native plants. Attachment IV lists several appropriate grant
opportunities. In addition, the City should organize community removal days to involve
the community and make use of volunteer labor.
Watershed based control of invasive non - native plants will require the City to participate
in joint projects and partnerships. These programs may involve other cities,
conservation groups, watershed networks, Resource Conservation Districts, and Weed
Management Areas. The City is already making progress towards this level of
cooperation as it recently signed an MOU to work with the City of Escondido, the
Escondido Creek Conservancy and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.
Attachments:
I. California Exotic Pest Plant Council List of Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest
Ecological Concern in California
II. City of Richmond Weed Abatement Code
III. Information on Caulerpa taxifolia
IV. Grant opportunities for invasive plant removal efforts
8) Topic:Landscape Maintenance: Integrated Pest Management/Pesticide Use
Definitions:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses pest prevention and mechanical and cultural
methods in landscape maintenance. Pesticides (herbicides and insecticides) are used
only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and
treatments are made with the goal of removing the target organism. Pest control
materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health,
beneficial and non - target organisms, and the environment.
Present Situation:
The City of Encinitas currently employs many integrated pest management methods in
the maintenance of City lands. However, the City of Encinitas does not currently have a
formal IPM program or specific guidelines to follow that indicate what methods should
be used and a preferred pesticide use list. The City is constantly striving to improve its
environmental practices and could do so through a formalized and widely used
program.
Justification:
Using IPM practices and reducing pesticide use on City maintained lands will control the
rate and type of chemicals being applied, and will reduce the total chemical load. This
will reduce potentially harmful impacts to humans (applicators and recreational users),
wildlife, beneficial organisms, and the environment.
Recommendations:
1) Practice the principles of Integrated Pest Management to the maximum extent
possible on City maintained land. Establish guidelines for IPM practices. This may
be a stand alone document or ideally would be part of comprehensive sustainable
landscaping program for the City of Encinitas that would include planning, sighting,
designing, constructing and maintenance of grounds and landscapes owned by the
City.
2) Eliminate the use of the most hazardous pesticides. This can be achieved by using
pesticide hazard categories developed by other cities or organizations or by having
an assessment carried out on the pesticides used by the City (Attachment 1).
Generally pesticides are classified from Tier 1 (greatest potential hazard) to Tier 3
(least potential hazard). Tier 1 herbicides should be targeted for elimination.
3) Reduce the use of all pesticides through IPM practices.
a) Monitor the types and amount of pesticide used by the City.
b) Consider setting a pesticide reduction target, such as an overall pesticide use
reduction of 30% by 2006.
c) Investigate and use alternative pest management strategies to reduce pesticide
use. Alternatives could include: pest prevention techniques like mulching and using
pest- resistant species, mechanical pest control techniques like weeding torch, steam
weeding, radiant heat weeder, and hand pulling; weed barriers (geotextile fabric
installations, mulch), hard edges (materials such as recycled plastic lumber are
effective barriers preventing weed creep into plant beds); alternative chemical
controls like neem oil products, active bacillus products and potassium bicarbonate
products; bio control (beneficial insects); and increased plant density.
4) Institute a pilot program to make one or more City parks or other maintained areas
completely pesticide free. Different IPM techniques could be evaluated at these
pesticide free parks to determine how effective they are. The program would also be
a valuable tool for educating the public on the efforts of the City to reduce pesticide
use and the potential impacts to humans and the environment.
5) Publicize the City's efforts to use IPM and to reduce pesticide use.
6) Encourage the community to follow the City's example in using less toxic pesticides
and reduced amounts, and in employing IPM practices. Consider adopting a
community IPM program.
9) Topic: Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MRCP) and Encinitas Subarea Plan
Problem:
The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) [ and the Encinitas Subarea Plan
(ESP)] is a major, regional natural habitat conservation program, with a 50 -year
commitment, that challenges the City to plan cooperatively beyond its jurisdiction, at a
regional level. The basic rationale of the MHCP makes good sense, but the County has
not had enough time or funds to generate the data that are really needed to provide a
stronger foundation for the MHCP. The framework of the MHCP and underlining
assumptions are overly simplistic, few data are presented, and the wrong alternative
was selected to be the Preferred Alternative in the DEIS /EIR. The MHCP's Preferred
Alternative (Alternative No. 2 — Focused Planning Area No. 2) is seriously flawed
because we do not know the consequences (impacts) of how the "take authorized"
growth will be played out. The hidden cost of selecting Alternative 2 is that the cities and
public will incur the cost of increased year -round urban runoff from the increased
impervious cover generated by the enabled development. Hence, it is in conflict with the
new Storm Water NPDES Permit (CAS0108758) issued by the SDRWQCB (2/21/01).
Year -round urban runoff facilitates water quality impairment, colonization and dispersal
of invasive exotic plants, degradation of riparian communities, contaminant/nutrient
loading, lagoon degradation, and beach closures. The proposed MHCP's Preferred
Alternative No. 2 conserves only 66% of the natural habitat. Alternative No. 3 —
Biological Core and Linkage Area — the Biologically Preferred Alternative, should have
been selected as the MHCP's Preferred Alternative, because it conserves 84% of the
natural habitat and minimizes the increase in impervious cover! Some of the more
significant problems are identified below (additional problems are described in
Attachment 1):
1. SANDAG (1999) has projected that the population of each of the cities
comprising the MHCP area and each of the Subarea Plans are projected to grow
substantially by the year 2020 [i.e. Encinitas (25516), Oceanside (39 %), Vista (30916),
Carlsbad (97 %), Escondido (225/6), San Marcos (93 %), and Solana Beach (19 %]. This
growth will overwhelm the viability of many of the same habitats the MHCP is attempting
to conserve. This growth will increase the amount of impervious cover by a similar
percentage and, therefore, increase the flow of year round urban runoff loading (i.e.
trace metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons, bacteria, nutrients), which will consequently
degrade the ecological performance of the riparian /creek habitats even further. Since
most of the creeks within the MHCP are already designated by the SDRWQCB (2002)
as Category 1 Impaired Waterbodies, this additional population growth is a significant
problem.
2. The following two MHCP objectives cannot be achieved:
• "Establish and maintain a balance between preservation of natural resources and
regional growth and economic prosperity."
• "Develop and implement a program for the conservation and management of
habitats of federal and state endangered, threatened, or rare species, thereby
reducing the human related causes of species extirpation with the MHCP study
area."
The "balance" has already been exceeded and the proper ecological functioning of our
natural resources is not being sustained. There is a significant, linear relationship
between the amount of impervious cover in a subwatershed and stream condition
(Schueler 1995). If the impervious cover within a subwatershed exceeds 10% then the
adjacent streams become rapidly degraded. The current MHCP strategy will actually
create more impervious cover. The amount of impervious cover in 3 subwatersheds in
Encinitas is currently estimated to range from 19.1 — 32.7% (CWN 2002).
3. The ESP only presents one alternative out of the 4 presented in MHCP for the
City to evaluate; the MHCP's Preferred Alternative. The ESP does not consider the
MHCP's Biologically Preferred Alternative, Alternative No. 3. Biological Core and
Linkage Areas at all. This burdens the City of Encinitas with the task of trying to figure
out what the ESP would look like if the MHCP's Biologically Preferred Alternative had
been written.
4. The MHCP is based on simplistic aerial surveys with minimal or no ground truth
information, and promises of future data acquisition. The proposed monitoring program,
designed to tract the status of population abundances of sensitive species and
effectiveness of management efforts, lacks current baseline data.
5. The adjacent North County MSCP will not be completed for another 1.5 - 2 years
(North County Times 7/25/02), even though a major portion of this MSCP lies within the
same watersheds (i.e. the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit) addressed by this MHCP.
Justification:
The MHCP is one of several major habitat conservation programs being developed for
the entire San Diego County; the MSCP in South San Diego County (completed), the
MSCP in North San Diego County (just started), the MHCOSP in East San Diego
County (not started), and the MHCP in North San Diego County (completed draft
EIR/EIS) (Figures 1 -1 and 1 -2). The MHCP program includes a detailed description of
the plan (Vol. 1), vegetation and ecological communities, and species accounts (Vol. 2),
individual Subarea Plans for each city within the boundary of the MHCP, and a draft
EIR/EIS. The draft Encinitas Subarea Plan is an integral part of the MHCP.
Implementation of this program will assign significant responsibility to the City of
Encinitas, but its overall success will be dependent on the performance of the whole
MHCP and at the regional level (MSCP).
Existing Practice /Policy:
The MHCP /ESP appears to be basically compatible with the City's General Plan:
Resource Management Element goals and policies. Sec. 2.3 of the ESP describes
which existing City documents, codes, and policies are relevant to implementation of the
MHCP and how they would need to be amended or supplemented to implement the
ESP. Applicable documents and elements include the following:
City of Encinitas General Plan.
• Land Use Element. Goal 8 and Goal 9.
• Public Safety Element.
• Resource Management Element.
• Recreation Element. Goal 1 and Goal 2.
Zoning Ordinance.
Districts and Overlay Zones
Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control Ordinance.
Fire Ordinance.
Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan.
Existing Facility /Program /Service:
The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MRCP) is a new regional, habitat
preservation program sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and by the
SANDAG (2001). The MHCP is a multiple - jurisdictional planning program designed to
create, manage, and monitor an ecosystem preserve in northwestern San Diego
County. The draft EIS /EIR that evaluates the MHCP and ESP is currently under final
review. The purpose of this joint EIS /EIR is to evaluate the potential for environmental
effects from the following proposed actions:
• Adopting the MHCP and five Subarea Plans for the cities of Encinitas, Carlsbad,
Escondido, Oceanside, and San Marcos.
• Issuing "incidental take" permits for covered species pursuant to Sec. 10(a)(1)(B)
of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Sec. 2800 et seq. of the California
Fish and Game Code.
The Encinitas Subarea Plan (ESP) (Ogden and Conservation Biology Institute 2001)
is a sub -plan of the MHCP that was specifically developed for implementation within the
boundary of the City of Encinitas. The ESP comprehensively addresses how the City
of Encinitas will conserve natural biotic communities and sensitive plant and wildlife
species pursuant to the California Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP)
Act of 1991 and the California and federal Endangered Species Acts (CESA and ESA).
The City may authorize the taking of natural habitats or associated species by public or
private projects within its jurisdiction as long as those biological resources are
adequately conserved by, and the projects are consistent with and covered by, the
provisions of this plan."
"The planning approach used by the MHCP is intended to replace the existing
project -by- project biological mitigation process with comprehensive conservation
planning. The current process results in fragmented biological mitigation areas, which
by themselves do not contribute adequately to the continued existence of sensitive
species or maintenance of natural ecosystem functions. Through a comprehensive
conservation program, the MHCP will help resolve problems associated with haphazard
and widespread habitat loss and piecemeal mitigation, which have constrained and
increased costs for private and public development in northern San Diego County. By
identifying priority areas for conservation and other areas for future development, the
MHCP will conserve the most biologically valuable areas, while increasing the certainty
for development outside the preserve area."
Assessment:
Background.
The DEIS/EIR for the entire MHCP area presented the following program
alternatives and strategies for preservation of different amounts of existing habitat
acreage:
• Alternative 1. Focused Planning Area No. 1:
Coastal sage scrub 60%
Chaparral 66%
Coastal sage%haparral mix 80%
Maritime succulent scrub 91
Total habitat preserved 65%
• Alternative 2. Focused Planning Area No. 2 (Preferred Alternative selected):
Coastal sage scrub 66%
Chaparral 66%
Coastal sage%haparral mix 80%
Maritime succulent scrub 91
Total habitat preserved 66%
• Alternative 3. Biological Core and Linkage Areas (Preferred Biological
Alternative):
Coastal sage scrub 89%
Chaparral 93%
Coastal sage%haparral mix 95%
Maritime succulent scrub 96%
Total habitat preserved 84%
Alternative 4. No Action /No Project.
Coastal sage scrub 19%
Chaparral 31
Coastal sage%haparral mix 18%
Maritime succulent scrub ??
Total habitat preserved 30%
The existing Land Uses and Ownership in the City of Encinitas (ESP Tables 2 -1
and 2 -3) present a major challenge to implementing the ESP. Of the total numbers of
acres in the City (12,074 ac), 8,151 ac are Developed, 1,111 ac are Agriculture, 83 ac
are Disturbed, 89 ac are Eucalyptus woodland, and 2,640 ac are Natural Habitats. The
2,640 ac of Natural Habitats are owned by 9 different classifications of ownership; for
example the City owns 67 ac, the County owns 551 ac, CDFG owns 274 ac, 1, 636 ac
are private, etc.
Preserve Design:
The proposed ESP will protect 28 sensitive plant species (13 species documented to be
present) and 47 sensitive wildlife species (31 species documented to be present) out of
a total of 77 sensitive species in the MHCP (ESP Table 3 -2). The approximate
locations of some of the documented sensitive plant and wildlife species (ESP Figures
3 -3 and 3 -4), led to the identification of areas for preservation. The preserve design
formally designates Focused Planning Areas (FPA), as shown in ESP Figure 3 -5. The
preserve is composed of "hardlined" and "softlined" areas. Hardlined areas are
properties that were designated in the past as open space in the process of permitting
various development projects. Softlined areas are properties not previously sanctioned
as open space. Natural habitat areas that are constrained from development due to
their steep slope are protected in the General Plan and zoning ordinance standards, but
are not part of the ESP. Also some protected areas are managed by various home
owner's associations (HOAs). In summary, the City of Encinitas is comprised of 12,074
acres, 22% (2,640 acres) of which are natural habitats. 2,358 acres of natural habitats
occur within the Focused Planning Area, and 2,173 (82 %) of these acres is proposed to
be preserved (2,088 ac of which are located within the Biological Core and Linkage
Area, ESP Table 4 -1 a).
By conserving these species in protected areas, the City will be given the
authority for "take authorizations" of them in unprotected areas. In addition, once the
whole MHCP is approved, the City will be given "take authorizations" for all species on
the MHCP covered list, because these species will be "conserved" elsewhere in the
MHCP area. The ESP also conserves critical locations of the following 8 plant species
and 9 animal species:
• San Diego thornmint
• Del Mar manzanita
• Encinitas baccharis
• Orcutt's spineflower
• San Diego barrel cactus
• Orcutt's hazardia
• Nuttall's lotus
• Nuttall's scrub oak
• Saltmarsh skipper
• California brown pelican
• Osprey
• American peregrine falcon
• Light- footed clapper rail
• Western snowy plover
• California least tern
• Belding's savannah sparrow
• Large - billed savannah sparrow
The ESP gives a list of Narrow Endemic Species that are to be protected (ESP Table 4-
3), a list of recommended native landscaping shrubs that can be used adjacent to
protected areas (ESP Table 4 -2), and a list of common invasive plant species that are
to be avoided (ESP Table 7 -1).
Environmental Issues:
A more detailed review of environmental issues and problems with the proposed ESP
and MHCP is given in Attachment 1.
Data Gaps:
• The ESP presents only one alternative for consideration, the MHCP's "Preferred
Alternative." It does not present the MHCP's "Biologically Preferred Alternative."
Consequently, a meaningful assessment is not possible.
• MHCP and ESP habitat maps are based on jurisdictional boundaries, not whole
watershed boundaries. Hence, they provide no context at the regional,
watershed, or subwatershed level. Major mapping gaps exist because these data
will be done in a future MSCP project (North County MSCP), which will not be
completed for another 1.5 — 2 years.
• The vegetation and habitat mapping is based on dominant species. Few data
are given on community species composition and there is little ground truth
information.
• Presence and status of sensitive species in natural habitats within the City is not
well documented.
• Since few data are presented on the actual population abundances of sensitive
species, it will be difficult to tract/monitor performance of the implemented MHCP
and ESP.
• Critical habitat and recovery plan maps for endangered species are not included
in the mapping or analyses.
• No contingency is given for effects of fire or failed mitigation projects in the
proposed conserved areas.
• The quantity and distribution of impervious cover within the City and by
subwatershed is not well known.
Recommendations:
The proposed MHCP and ESP program describes and would implement an extremely
important regional natural habitat conservation strategy; one that the City should
support in the future. However, in its present form, this program is unlikely to be
successful and may even cause unanticipated environmental impacts. The following
actions, prioritized in order of importance, are needed to improve the proposed program
and should be required by the City before it accepts this program:
1) The ESP should be revised so the City can assess the merit of both the MHCP's
Alternative 2 ( "Preferred Alternative" [ 66% of natural habitat] ) and Alternative 3
( "Biologically Preferred Alternative" [ 84% of natural habitat] ).
2) The City should calculate the percentage of impervious cover in each
subwatershed and use the results to interpret the spatial significance of the
proposed MHCP and ESP plans.
3) The habitat maps should be revised to provide a whole watershed and a regional
context for the MHCP report and for the ESP report. The current maps are based
on jurisdictional boundaries, which are not appropriate for an ecological program!
The ESP and MHCP habitat maps should identify all subwatersheds.
4) Since the City is expected to grow by 25% by 2020, where that growth takes
place is critical to performance of the MHCP and the ESP. The City's General
Plan should be revised to implement the revised MHCP and ESP.
5) Habitat acreage information provided is very confusing, and needs to be
presented in a more understandable manner.
6) The City should coordinate with the adjacent municipalities and the County to
assure 100% cooperation can be secured before future implementation is
accepted.
7) The "unforeseen circumstances" rule should be reevaluated, revised, or deleted.
8) A detailed description of the proposed monitoring methodology is needed. Since
the MHCP's Biological Monitoring Plan Vol. 2 was not included in the distributed
CD of MHCP documents it is not possible for the public to evaluate the adequacy
of the contemplated monitoring plan. Success of the ESP and MHCP depends
on this monitoring plan!
9) Recommended buffer zone widths are too narrow and need to be expanded (see
Appendix A).
10)The City should evaluate a variety of management structures and not just accept
the proposed creation of a MRCP Land Conservancy.
Implementation:
Section 6 Plan Implementation Policies in the ESP provides a detailed discussion of
how the ESP will be implemented and managed including the following topics:
Implementation policies and actions, implementing agreement, city implementation
actions and process, plan amendment process, boundary adjustments and equivalency,
annexations, process for adding species, permanent resource protection, relationship to
the MHCP, and cooperative MHCP implementation structure. The duration of the ESP is
for 50 years! The City will implement the ESP through its land use authority and by
taking the following actions:
• Implement an urgency ordinance for the interim
• Amend General Plan Elements: Land Use, Public Safety, Resource
Management, and Recreation.
• Amend Encinitas Municipal Code Zoning, Grading, Erosion, and Sediment
Control
• Continue current and revise Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control
ordinances
• Continue General Plan Goals and Guidelines.
The ESP will also commit the City to implement a Cooperative MHCP Implementation
Committee Structure to assure that policies, managing, and monitoring implementation
is coordinated across all MHCP subarea plans. This structure will include two standing
committees, i.e. elected officials, and an advisory group (city staff and stakeholders).
The MHCP will establish a nonprofit MHCP Land Conservancy to finance and acquire
land, facilitate coordination, and employ a manager. The ESP asserts that, since the
City does not have the staffing or expertise to manage the preserve system, the new
Conservancy would hire one.
10) Topic: Sustainable Landscaping Program
Present Situation:
While the City of Encinitas currently employs many methods that are important aspects
of a comprehensive sustainable landscaping program, there are no formal guidelines
that are to be followed by all City staff and departments, landscape architects and
contractors, or that can be made available to educate and guide the community.
Sustainability has been defined as follows: " ...to meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (United Nations
World Commission On Environment and Development, The Brundtlan Commission, Our
Common Future, 1987).
Justification:
City facilities and properties currently include approximately 442 acres and
approximately 14,000 trees in parks, viewpoints, a golf course, beaches and access
areas maintained by the Community Services Department (136 acres of which are
currently listed as undeveloped). The Community Services Department also maintains
8.5 -9.5 miles of street medians which include the recently completed downtown
streetscaping project. The five fire stations (comprising 3+ acres) have landscaping and
trees which are maintained by the Fire Department. Five City facilities with landscaping
and trees are maintained by the Public Works Department. These facilities total
approximately 3 acres and include City Hall. The Public Works Department also
maintains 1 -2 miles of street medians and 23,367 trees located in the public right -of-
way. This totals over 448 acres and over 37,376 trees.
A formal sustainable landscaping program would ensure that landscape architects,
contractors and City staff have specific guidelines to follow from the initial design to
construction and continuing to the maintenance phase of all projects. The desired result
of this program would be projects that have fewer negative impacts on the environment,
use less water, use less pesticides, generate less green waste and have significantly
reduced maintenance costs over the life of the project.
Recommendations:
1) Create a sustainable landscaping program for the City of Encinitas that specifies
how City -owned and managed landscapes will be designed, constructed and
maintained. Landscape design, installation, and maintenance contracts would be
required to comply with this program and its policies.
Assessment:
This section does not present an in depth analysis of all aspects of a comprehensive
sustainable landscaping program, because this is a major task. Several topics (i.e.
Guidelines for New Design and Redesign of Existing Structures, Integrated Pest
Management, Invasive Non - Native Plants and Firescaping) have been treated in depth
and are presented as detailed recommendations elsewhere in this report. Other topics
are presented below at a preliminary level, but should be treated in much greater detail
in a future effort.
The main elements of the Sustainable Landscaping Program should include the
following components:
1) DESIGN, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
Create guidelines for the design, installation and maintenance of new facilities and
landscaping areas and for the redesign of existing facilities. A specific recommendation
has been developed for Guidelines for New Design and Redesign of Existing Structures
(See Recommendation #6).
2) FIRESCAPING
Identify appropriate landscaping plants for City properties, and provide guidelines for
selection, spacing, density and maintenance to reduce highly flammable fuel loads and
to slow the rate of spread of potential fires. Specifically, identify appropriate native
plants and low -water use plants that have low flammability and fire spread
characteristics. Avoid the use of invasive non - native plants and remove them from
natural habitat areas.
Incorporate firescaping guidelines into City landscaping practices and contracts and
make this information readily available to the community. Every City facility, especially
parks and fire stations, should be landscaped utilizing recognized firescaping principles.
Refer to the specific recommendations under the issue of Firescaping
(Recommendation #5).
3) IRRIGATION & STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigation systems should be designed, installed, maintained and managed utilizing
evolving BMPs (Best Management Practices) such as those developed by the Irrigation
Association and listed on their website at www.irrigation.org /about_wtrmgmt_ bmp.htm
and by the University of California, Riverside for tall fescue lawns (Attachment 1). This
includes maximizing water use efficiency through the use of uniform, adjustable, low -
waste irrigation systems that are operated and monitored by Et (evapotranspiration)
irrigation controllers with periodic field operational tests and adjustments. The City is
currently utilizing many of these practices as outlined in its " Water Efficient Landscape
Program."
Since the industry is constantly developing improved, cost - effective products with higher
and more uniform water application efficiencies, the City should monitor these
improvements and acquire those that provide the best applications. Irrigation systems
should be based on hydrozones (areas of similar soil, aspect, exposure and plant water
requirements). The lowest amount and application rates of water to provide healthy
plant material should be utilized.
All of the other principles of xeriscaping (low -water use landscaping) should be followed,
including:
• Use native and other drought tolerant plants. However, in some wet locations
or along riparian areas such as Cottonwood Creek, high -water use native
plants are desirable.
• Reduce the amount of turf, especially in small areas that are narrower than 8
feet wide and /or less than a 1,000 sq. ft. in area. Continue the practice of the
Community Services Department to aerate turf once per quarter, to increase
water penetration and reduce run -off. Use turf with low water requirements.
• Create on -site water harvesting, retention, infiltration and re -use. City facilities
should cause no run -off from a site, including parking lots, unless it is part of
a natural watershed. Permeable concrete and asphalt should be utilized to
reduce runoff.
• Use organic mulches to slow the rate of water flow and increase the rates of
infiltration and absorption.
4) MULCHING /COMPOSTING /FERTILIZATION
The City should continue to reduce and reuse landscape green waste materials through
practices such as mulching mowers, and chipping larger green waste to use as mulch in
shrub /flower beds and around trees. No green waste generated on a site should be
removed from the site, but should be mulched, chipped, spread and reused. This will
recycle all of the organic matter and mineral nutrients applied to and produced by the
site. This will also reduce the need for supplemental fertilizers and the hauling and
disposal of green waste off -site.
Mulching and reuse should be done on -site as appropriate unless the City develops an
off -site facility for shredding and composting at a future maintenance facility yard. If
supplemental fertilizers are required they should be 100% organic.
5) INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Practice the principles of integrated pest management to reduce use of pesticides
including herbicides (see Integrated Pest Management - Recommendation #8 for
detailed recommendations on this topic). Vigorous healthy plants are less susceptible to
insect and disease problems. Weed control should be accomplished by non - chemical
means whenever possible, including mechanical removal, mulching, dense low -level
plantings to shade or cover exposed soil surfaces and other practices.
6) PLANT PALETTE
Revise, update and expand the City' s " Master Plant List" to create a more extensive
plant palette species list to be used in the development of all City landscape projects.
The plant palette list can be recommended or required for landscaping in new
developments and can be used as a guideline for the community. The plant palette
should be composed of native plant species and non - native plants that are climatically
and environmentally adapted to this region and that are drought tolerant or have a low -
water requirement.
The flammability of each plant on the list should be included as part of the required
information, as well as mature height and spread and tree setback and clearance
distances. Non - native plant species that are invasive or problematic in other ways
should not be included, but put on a list of plants not to be used (see Invasive Non -
Native Plants - Recommendation #7 for detailed recommendations on this topic).
Periodic review and updating of any plant lists should be required.
The use of native plant species and other appropriate non - native plant species will
reduce the amount of water required for irrigation while reducing the amount of
herbicides and pesticides needed and providing increased habitat for native wildlife.
In some wet locations or along riparian areas such as Cottonwood Creek high- water-
use native plants are both desirable and necessary. The plantings at fire stations could
include fruit trees, cooking herbs and other edible plants that can be utilized by the Fire
Station staff.
7) TREES & THE COMMUNITY FOREST
A sustainable community forest requires good initial design and tree selection to ensure
the use of appropriate tree species for each site, considering the site limitations along
with the tree' s intended functions. It also requires a plan for appropriate management
including BMPs.
The plan should be based on goals to be achieved. Typical goals should include at
least the following:
• Reduce the urban heat island effect by shading parking lots and buildings. This
reduces the production of volatile hydrocarbons and other greenhouse gases while
also reducing building cooling requirements and operating costs. A United States
Environmental Protection Agency joint study with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
showed that since 1900 there has been an increase in the average August
temperature of 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit per decade in San Diego (Attachment II).
Encinitas and the region may have had a similar increase. This rate was
approximately twice the rate of increase for other cities shown in the report. A study
in Sacramento reported in the January 2002 issue of Urban Forest Research
demonstrated a return of $2 for every dollar invested in planting and maintaining
trees to shade parking lots.
• Sequester carbon by increased tree plantings to offset the local and regional
production of carbon dioxide and investigate joining the California Climate Action
Registry which charts output and capture of carbon dioxide.
• Increase the amount of tree canopy cover - increased tree canopy cover reduces
storm water run -off and can reduce the size and complexity of storm drainage
systems. Large canopied trees are more effective than several small canopied
trees. " A typical medium -sized tree in coastal southern California was estimated to
intercept 2,380 gallons of water annually, a $5 per tree benefit" (McPherson et.al.
2000) as reported in the July 2002 issue of Urban Forest Research. Increased
canopy cover also contributes to improved air quality directly and indirectly through
shade and reduced air - conditioning electrical demands. Shade from tree cover can
also reduce the potential for skin cancers especially when used around schools and
playgrounds frequented by young children. Deciduous trees on the south side of
buildings allow for heating through solar radiation which also decreases energy
demands and cost.
• Increased diversity of tree species can be used to decrease the number and
concentration of highly flammable trees over time, while increasing diversity to
prevent the loss of large numbers of trees to potentially lethal outbreaks of insects or
diseases such as the Redgum Lerp Psyllid currently devastating several species of
eucalyptus trees.
• Age diversity is utilized to insure that tree removals and replacements are ongoing to
prevent a loss of canopy cover and to prevent numerous losses of large aging trees
over relatively years.
• Improve tree vigor and health by utilizing best management practices including
mulching and appropriate approved pruning methods. Overpruning reduces tree
vigor and reduces service life while increasing the frequency of the pruning
maintenance cycle and thereby increasing pruning costs. Topping is a pruning
practice that is extremely damaging to trees and can create potentially hazardous
conditions while reducing tree service life. This practice should be prohibited on all
publicly owned trees by City Ordinance as recommended by the State of California
Government Code Section 53067 Tree pruning: legislative declarations;
specifications (Attachment III).
• Have an approved tree list that includes accurate information on the mature size of
each tree by species. This list should include mature height, canopy spread, root
flare, and flammability. The list should also include specified setback or clearances
from buildings, hardscape (sidewalks, streets, curbs and gutters), street lights, traffic
and safety lights, signs, and both aboveground and underground utilities to prevent
damage to the improvements and /or premature tree removals. Trees should be
considered as much a part of the City' s infrastructure as streets and water lines and
protected appropriately, including during construction projects.
Additional appropriate goals should be included in a community forest management
plan as well as a tracking method to determine if the stated goals are being met. (Much
additional information, including numerous cost/benefit studies, are available at the
website for the Center of Urban Forest Research http: / /cufr.ucdavis.edu /.)
8) MAINTENANCE
Significant man hours and maintenance costs are often spent in size control pruning
and spent flower removal on trees, shrubs and perennials that grow larger than the
space that they are planted in can accommodate. Over - planting for quick effect is also
expensive and requires increased maintenance costs for pruning. Careful specification,
selection and design can correct these problems. Some studies have shown that the
payback period for removal and replacement of high maintenance plants can be one to
two years. There is also a dramatic reduction in the amount of green waste that is
generated and that must be handled, cleaned up after and disposed. This can allow
maintenance personnel time to work on other projects or do an overall better job of
maintenance.
9) EDUCATION
Every City landscape project should have an element of public education about
sustainability, proper plant selection or decreased green waste generation and
recycling. Signage, pamphlets, and displays can all be utilized to help the community
learn how to utilize the same techniques. Joint classes or seminars with Quail Botanical
Gardens could also be presented.
Attachments:
Attachment I:
Irrigation Association' s BMP' s at their website:
www.irrigation.org /a bout _wtrmgmt_ bmp.htm
University of California, Riverside - Best Management Practices for Irrigation and
Nitrogen Fertilization of Tall Fescue.
Attachment II:
" Cooling Our Communities - A Guidebook on Tree Planting and Light - Colored
Surfacing , , Akbari, Hashem, et.al editors, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.
Attachment III:
State of California Government Code Section 53067 - Tree pruning: legislative
declarations; specifications.
11) Topic: Environmental Policy
Present Situation:
Encinitas has developed a reputation for environmental excellence: The "diversion
factor" for waste has consistently been above 50 %. The program for household
hazardous waste is innovative. The use of vehicles powered with compressed natural
gas (CNG) shows the City is willing to spend money to improve the environment and
experiment with new technologies.
While some of this is driven by legislative mandates, much of it is done simply because
it is, "the right thing to do."
However, the City does not have an overall policy statement on environmental
protection. Many organizations find it useful to have such statements to clearly convey
the commitment and to make it clear to employees and citizens what is expected.
Further, no one on the staff has been specifically designated as the environmental
coordinator to coordinate and follow -up on work in this area.
Recommendations:
1) Develop and adopt a comprehensive environmental policy for Encinitas. Further, it
is recommended that the policy include the following elements as a minimum:
• A commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution in both the
community and the City's own operations.
• A commitment to comply with and exceed the requirements of relevant
environmental legislation and regulations.
• A framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets.
2) Periodic review and update of the policy.
Sample policies for other organizations are attached
It is suggested that initially the policy be adopted by ordinance, and then incorporated in
the General Plan at the next update.
Justification:
A strong environmental policy is the cornerstone of an effective environmental
management program.
It is also recommended that someone on the staff be designated as the environmental
coordinator for the City's programs.
Attachment I:
Sample Environmental Policies from "Implementation Guide for Small and Medium -
Sized Organizations," NSF, 2001
12) Environmental Management System and ISO 14001
Issue:
Should the City of Encinitas develop an environmental management system (EMS) with
the possible goal of ISO 94001 certification?
Justification:
The experience of 23 public entities involved in EPA's initiatives to test the applicability
of EMS to the public sector has validated this approach. While there are costs
associated with the process, the operational efficiencies and savings have more than
offset them.
Problem:
Environmental regulations become ever more complex with greater compliance
requirements levied on cities. At the same time, the pressures on the environment
become greater due to continued growth within and outside the City. The resources
and associated costs needed to respond to these issues continue to increase.
Background:
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of
national standards bodies from approximately 100 countries. ISO was established in
Geneva, Switzerland, in 1946 to develop a common set of manufacturing, trade, and
communications standards. Standards published by ISO are voluntary. ISO 14000
refers to a series of voluntary environmental standards, of which the cornerstone is ISO
1401, which specifies the contents of Environmental Management Systems (EMS),
comprehensive plans for organizations to effectively manage all environmental aspects
of their operations. ISO 14001 has auditable requirements that can be objectively
assessed by a third -party accredited registrar. Originally designed to help businesses
incorporate sound environmental management systems and processes into existing
business systems and practices, it has recently been adopted by public entities.
The environmental management framework should identify resources for developing,
implementing, measuring, and periodically reviewing an organization's progress toward
achieving the principles set forth in its mission statement and environmental policy.
This framework normally includes the following:
• A policy that states a commitment to a specified level of environmental performance.
• A planning process and strategy for meeting this stated performance commitment.
• An organizational structure for executing the strategy.
• Specific objectives and targets.
• Specific implementation programs and related support tools to assist in meeting
these stated objectives.
• Communications and training programs to execute the policy commitment.
• Measurement and review processes to monitor progress.
Since 1997, the US EPA, working with the Global Environment & Technology
Foundation (GETF), has sponsored two initiatives to help public entities test the
applicability and benefits of an EMS. While there are costs associated with
implementing the program, they have found that for every $1 of one time costs, $4 of
annual savings have been identified. Additional benefits identified include:
• Improved ability to meet compliance requirements.
• Increased efficiency, reduced costs and greater operational consistency.
• Improved environmental awareness, involvement and competency throughout the
organization
• Better relationships with regulators.
A final report describing the keys to success and lessons learned, and an
Implementation Handbook for Local Governments will be published in July 2002. In
addition, the EPA is promoting the use of EMSs in government entities through the
Public Entity EMS Resource (PEER) Center which will provide EMS information tailored
to the unique characteristics of public entities to include technical assistance, mentoring,
and training. The EPA will be sponsoring a third initiative for public entities later this
year and is looking for municipalities to participate.
Existing Practice /Policy:
The City responds to requirements on an as needed basis, the need being established
in most cases by the demands of regulators. There does not appear to be a formal
feedback process to evaluate on -going programs to see what can be done to improve
them.
Assessment:
It appears that environmental management and efficiencies of operation could be
improved through implementation of a formalized process to evaluate present
operations and the establishment of an on -going feed -back mechanism.
Recommendations:
1) City staff should develop a plan for implementing an EMS in Encinitas.
2) City should contact Jim Horne of US EPA to obtain information on participating
with EPA in establishing an EMS for Encinitas.
Implementation: City staff to research and return to Council with recommendations.
Indicator:
Dollar savings identified in implementation of environmental programs. Ability to meet
regulatory requirements in the most efficient manner.
13) Topic: Establishment of a Permanent Environmental Advisory Board
Justification:
The maintenance of a healthy local environment is critical to the continuance of the high
quality of life associated with Encinitas. A healthy environment is reflected in the health
of the community's residents, the desirability of the local neighborhoods as places to
live, and benefits the economy through the attractiveness of the community to tourists.
Problem:
The City Council continually makes decisions on issues which can affect Encinitas'
environment. The ability of the Council to fully understand the environmental
ramifications of such decisions has not been maximized due to a combination of factors.
These include lack of time to study an issue thoroughly, the difficulty in accessing
outside experts to provide their perspective, the tendency of people not to recognize
environmental loss or impact until the problem is well developed, and the lack of a
formal process to hear from the community on environmental aspects of issues.
Background:
Traditionally, City Councils throughout the state have received analyses and
background information from City staff and consultants hired for their particular area of
expertise. In addition, for those topics deemed to be of sufficient importance,
permanent bodies (commissions, advisory bodies, boards) were established to provide
an initial review with recommendations provided to City Councils. These bodies assist
in analyzing large amounts of information and in assessing accurately the community's
position about an issue. The Planning Commission and Traffic Commission of Encinitas
are examples.
Recently, communities have been recognizing that the environment is of such
importance that it warrants establishing a separate body to provide advice on
environmental issues to elected officials. For example, the City of Santa Monica set up
an Environmental Task Force in 1991 which has been meeting monthly since it was
formed. It consists of seven environmental experts appointed by the City Council. The
group provides input and advice to the Council and City staff on program and policy
decisions related to environmental issues. They were responsible for the development
of Santa Monica's Sustainable City Program and provide ongoing oversight of the
program. Examples of other issues they have addressed include regulating urban
runoff, green building guidelines, and air quality issues at the municipal airport.
The City of San Francisco created a Commission on the Environment in 1996. It
consists of seven members who serve four -year terms and are appointed by the Mayor.
Its mission statement is "To improve, enhance, and preserve the environment and to
promote San Francisco's long -term environmental sustainability as laid out in Section
4.118 of the City Charter." The Commission sets policy for the Department of the
Environment and advises the City on environmental matters.
Existing Practice /Policy:
The Encinitas City Council receives analysis and comment on the environmental
aspects of matters it is considering from City staff, consultants and any public comment
it receives. In January of 2002 it formed the Blue Ribbon Committee on Environmental
Issues. This committee has a six -month time frame to gather information and provide
recommendations to the City Council.
Assessment:
Independent environmental input to the City Council could be improved.
Recommendations:
1) Establish a permanent environmental advisory committee akin to the Planning or
Traffic Commission. The mission of the environmental advisory committee should
be to develop proposed policies and procedures which will sustain the
environmental health of the City of Encinitas and to advise the City Council on
environmental aspects of issues the Council is considering.
2) The committee to consist of at least seven voting members, appointed by the
City Council. Members should have expertise in different environmental areas.
Two non - voting positions on the committee be established for students from
Encinitas who attend a local high school or college.
3) Terms for the members to be four years, staggered among the members.
Implementation:
City Council direction.
Indicator:
Success of the City in meeting environmental regulations
- Maintenance of a diverse, healthy native eco- system
- Individual measurements in each of the areas dealing with the environment.
References:
City of Santa Monica Task Force on the Environment Mission Statement
City of San Francisco Commission on the Environment Mission Statement.
14) Topic: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy
Problem:
Without a Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy the City is not maximizing the
amount of sustainable, environmentally friendly products it is using. While the City does
currently purchase some environmentally preferable products (e.g. recycled paper,
recycled motor oil), there is no overall policy or guidance for City Departments.
Guidance needs to be provided on what products should be purchased and what cost
increases are acceptable to obtain these products. An increase in the use of
environmentally preferable products will maximize the City's use of products most
beneficial to human and environmental health and will complete the recycling loop.
Recycling has not truly taken place until products are used that are composed of
recycled materials.
Justification:
By using an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy the City will promote both
human and environmental health, will help maximize diversion of materials from the
solid waste stream and will strengthen the market for environmentally preferable
products. Other benefits of environmentally preferable purchasing include: improving
public and occupational health and safety, decreasing in air, water and soil
contamination, improving wildlife habitats, improving compliance with environmental
regulations, and decreasing costs associated with waste management, disposal and
cleanup. An Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy will set an important
example to the community and would advertise Encinitas as a leader in environmental
awareness.
Existing Policy:
The City currently has a recycling policy for purchasing recycled paper (Recycled Paper
Purchasing, City of Encinitas Administrative Manual, General Section #PCO2) and is a
member of the Recycled Products Purchasing Cooperative. Various Departments do
purchase some environmentally friendly products (e.g. Public Works uses recycled
motor oil where possible), but there is no formal environmentally preferable purchasing
policy that provides guidance and requirements.
Data Gaps:
While some environmentally preferable products have already been used and tested,
the quality and effectiveness of some products is unknown. In such cases pilot
programs may be required to test the quality and effectiveness of new products for the
City's needs.
Recommendations:
1) Develop an environmentally preferable purchasing policy to be followed by all
City Departments. This policy will provide guidance on products that must and
can be used, where they can be obtained, and what extra cost is considered
acceptable to obtain these products if they cost more than equivalent products
that are not environmentally friendly. A price preference used by many
organizations is 10 %. Some environmentally friendly products will cost the same
or less than equivalent products that are not environmentally friendly. The policy
will also provide guidance on the use of environmentally preferable products by
contractors and vendors that the City uses. A suggested Environmentally
Preferable Purchasing Policy for Encinitas (Attachment 1) and references for the
purchase of environmentally preferable products (Attachement II) are attached.
2) Publicize the City's efforts.
Attachments:
I. Suggested Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy for Encinitas
Il. References for purchase of environmentally preferable produucts
15) Topic: Annual Report
Improvement Opportunity:
Other than the AB 939 report for solid waste diversion, the City does not have regular
reports on its environmental performance.
Recommendation
1) Prepare an annual report on the City's environmental performance. The report
would include accomplishments during the year, goals for the next year and
recommendations for changes in the City's environmental programs. The report
would be prepared by the City Manager in consultation with the Permanent
Environmental Commission for the City Council, and distributed to employees
and the public. It would be desirable to prepare it prior to the Mayor's "State of
the City" address so it could be included in it.
Justification:
There are several reasons for the report.
• Employees like feedback on how well they are doing.
• Without such a report, the programs may get lost.
• This is a standard management technique to monitor progress and make
adjustments as appropriate.
• Helps portray the City as an environmentally conscious organization and an
environmental leader,
• Helps educate and involve the community,
16) Topic: Waste Minimization
Problem:
The City of Encinitas is mandated to reduce the amount of solid waste it produces (AB
939) and is constantly striving to improve its environmental record. A formal,
coordinated waste minimization program at City Operations (City Hall, Fire Departments
and Water Districts, Sanitation Districts, Public Works facilities, and the
Community /Senior Center) would reduce the amount of solid waste produced. The
generation of waste increases the consumption of virgin materials and the disposal of
waste is harmful to the environment by increasing the amount of solid waste sent to
landfills.
Justification:
Minimizing waste at City Operations will help the City to achieve its waste diversion
goals mandated by AB 939. Minimizing waste will be beneficial for the environment by
reducing the amount of solid waste deposited in the landfill. Minimizing waste could
result in cost savings for the City by reducing the amount of waste produced and
increasing the funds received from its revenue share with EDCO of recyclables. A
waste minimization program at City Operations would set an important example for the
community and neighboring cities, and would advertise Encinitas as an environmentally
conscious community.
Existing Policy:
Currently there is no formal waste minimization program, recycling policy or purchasing
policy for City Operations. Existing policy related to recycling includes a general
recycling directive that encourages City employees to recycle (Recycling, City of
Encinitas Administrative Manual, General Section #G005).
Recycling bins are available for paper, bottles, and cans at all City Operations, but the
system is not uniform and no instruction is provided to employees. At City Hall some
employees have individual paper recycling bins at their desks, while others do not.
Containers for recycling aluminum cans and bottles are available in some break rooms,
but not others, and there is no uniformity in the type of container provided and no
labeling on the containers. Most photocopy machines are capable of double sided
copying and paper recycling bins are located in copying areas.
Recommendations:
1) Establish a formal waste minimization program. The traditional hierarchy for
pollution prevention is: (1) Source reduction, (2) In- process recycling, (3) Other
recycling, (4) Treatment and recovery, and (5) Control mechanisms. Typically,
each department prepares a flow diagram showing all inputs and outputs. Inputs
to the process may include supplies, raw materials, chemicals, packaging and
energy. Outputs may include finished products, solid wastes, liquid wastes,
emissions, noise and odor. By analyzing the data, areas for improvement are
identified, plans developed and implemented, and so forth. This is a continuous
process of starting a new cycle when the previous cycle is completed.
Each Department could set up its own program or there could be a combined task force.
Solana Recyclers is experienced in this area and perhaps could assist the City as part
of the work in preparing the AB 939 annual waste diversion report.
It is obvious that one of the outcomes of the waste minimization program will be a
formal recycling program, which leads to the following recommendation.
2) Establish a formal recycling program for all City operations that provides recycling
for all standard recyclable products (glass, 1 &2 plastics, aluminum, steel, and
paper). Make the program uniform, easy and convenient.
a) Provide clearly labeled recycling bins at several locations at each facility.
Provide individual paper recycling containers for each person's desk. Use
signage where appropriate to encourage recycling and waste reduction.
b) Provide instruction to all employees on the importance of recycling, the City's
policy on recycling, and employee's responsibilities (what can be recycled and
how to recycle at City facilities). Include the City's policies and guidelines for
recycling in the new - employee handbook.
c) Double sided copying and printing: Make sure all new copy machines are
capable of double sided copying and using recycled content paper. Use signage
adjacent to copy machines to encourage and remind employees to make double
sided copies. New laser printers purchased should be capable of double sided
printing, where feasible.
d) Publicize the City's recycling efforts.
3) Establish an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policy that mandates the
purchase of recycled content products and products that can be recycled (see separate
recommendation for an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policy #14).
17) Topic: Household Hazardous Waste
Present Situation:
Household hazardous waste (HHW) covers a wide range of items, the following list
being from the City of Encinitas website:
• Household Cleaners: Drain openers, oven cleaners, wood and metal polish /
cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectants.
• Automotive Products: Oil and fuel additives, grease and rust solvents,
carburetor and fuel injector cleaners, air conditioning refrigerants, starter fluid,
lubricating fluids, radiator fluids and additives, waxes, polishes, cleaners,
transmission additives.
• Home Maintenance and Improvement Products: Paint thinners, paint
strippers, adhesives, paints, stains, varnishes, sealants, and wood preservatives.
• Lawn and Garden Products: Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fungicides (Poisons)
• Miscellaneous: Batteries, finger nail polish removers, pool and photo chemicals
Local governments are required to keep household hazardous wastes out of the solid
waste stream pursuant to PRC Section 47100.
Encinitas has a program for disposal of HHW that has two alternatives:
• Delivery to one of two regional disposal centers in Vista (19 miles one -way) or
Poway (27 miles one -way); there is no charge for Encinitas residents. The
disposal centers are only open on Saturdays from 9am -3pm.
• Arrange for home pickup. Home pickup is free for homebound elderly and
disabled citizens, but there is a $20 copay for all others. Two independent
attempts to arrange for home pickups were difficult to arrange. In one case, a
callback was promised within one week to schedule the pickup. The callback
was not made and repeated follow -up calls were made without any results other
than a promise to call. Finally, after six weeks the material was picked up. The
second attempt was similar, but the material was picked up in three weeks. See
Attachment I.
It is not known to what extent the public knows what materials are hazardous and
cannot be included with regular trash. Furthermore the new automated trash container
system makes it somewhat easier for citizens to ' hide' improper items in their trash bins.
The City's home page has a link to a page for HHW disposal. Additional information is
on a page that is part of Storm Water Services, which is very hard to find. Information
on what items constitute HHW is only on the Storm Water page.
Recommendations:
1) Conduct a brief, informal survey to determine whether the public is sufficiently
informed about what household hazardous waste is, and how to dispose of it. (A
brief, informal survey might consist of 50 random telephone calls.)
2) Based on the results of the survey, provide public outreach on this topic, perhaps
including:
a. Flyers in public buildings
b. Stores: Provide information at the point of purchase. Support programs by
Solana Recyclers for' shelf talkers' at points of purchase that provide
information on purchasing the least toxic alternatives.
c. Public gatherings, e.g. fairs.
3) Establish a HHW pickup site in Encinitas. The long drives to Vista and Poway
and the limited hours of operation discourage dropping off HHW, and the $20
copay discourages home pickup. The site would support nearby North Coast
communities as well.
4) Get the home pickup service to work. Make sure the home HHW pick -up service
is working efficiently. Currently pick -ups in an area occur when a threshold
number of requests are obtained. However, making citizens that are motivated
to properly dispose of HHW (and in some cases pay for the service) wait for a
month or more with no communication, is unacceptable. The HHW pick -up
service should consider having a set pick -up schedule, for example, the first
week of every month.
5) Suggestions for the City of Encinitas Website:
a) Combine the HHW information on the two pages into one page, with a
link from the home page.
b) Explain why it is important to properly dispose of HHW.
c) Rather than say, "Materials accepted included ..." Say that these
materials must not be disposed of with ordinary trash and they are
accepted ... "
d) The site states that there are periodic collection events. It is believed
that this is no longer the case. However, if it is, dates should be
provided.
e) In printing the web pages, they are more than one page wide and the
right hand edge is chopped off.
f) There are written directions for the Vista and Poway disposal sites. It
would be helpful to provide maps.
g) Explain that the "clean -up" day in October does not include HHW.
h) The website provides a number at Public Works to call for more
information - 760- 633 -2840. It would be helpful if the list of HHW items
on the website was more comprehensive.
18) Topic: Green Waste
Present Situation:
The City of Encinitas is mandated to reduce the amount of solid waste it produces (AB
939) and is constantly striving to improve its environmental record. The collection of
solid waste is a mandatory service for all residents and businesses. Residential service
includes curbside green waste and recyclable materials collection. The City has an
exclusive franchise agreement with EDCO to provide collection services for residential
and commercial customers.
All residential green waste from Encinitas is used as' alternative daily cover' at the Otay
landfill. Green waste from City properties is generally mulched and used on site, or at
other locations within the City, such as along the rail line. In some cases mulch is
purchased for use on City properties. Because the green waste is either used at the
Otay landfill, or mulched and used on City property, it is not considered "solid waste" as
measured under AB 939.
Recommendations:
1) Increase public knowledge on the importance of recycling green waste in the
curbside program, and on the backyard composting program that is run by
Solana Recyclers at Quail Botanical Gardens. Also make citizens aware of
where they can obtain recycled mulch and compost from other green waste
programs (City of San Diego Miramar landfill and City of Oceanside). This can
be achieved by providing more information on the City web site, through periodic
articles in the City newsletter, etc.
2) Use the maximum amount of recycled green waste and compost on City
properties and projects. This would involve using some of the curbside green
waste that is currently all being used for' alternative daily cover' at the Otay
landfill.
3) Consider using the curbside green waste for compost and mulch rather than for
alternative daily cover, and having the mulch and compost product available for
City and community use (see recommendations #2 &4).
4) Investigate the feasibility of having mulch and /or compost available to City
residents at a site within the City. This would just be a re- distribution point and a
nominal fee could be charged to cover the expense of the service.
5) Become a partial sponsor of the master composting training program carried out
by Solana Recyclers at Quail Botanical Gardens.
19) Topic: eWaste
Present Situation:
The term " eWaste" is loosely applied to consumer and business electronic equipment
that is near or at the end of its useful life. There is no clear definition for eWaste; for
example, no decision has been made on whether items like microwave ovens and other
similar " appliances" should be grouped into the category.
There are hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium in
circuit boards, batteries and cathode ray tubes (CRTs) for television sets and computer
monitors. According to the U.S. EPA, television set and computer monitors contain an
average of four pounds of lead. Further, electronic discards are one of the fastest
growing segments of our nation' s waste stream.
California law currently views nonfunctioning CRTs from television sets and computer
monitor as hazardous waste and they may not be disposed of with the regular waste
stream.
A notice from EDCO in early 2002 advised residents that they may dispose of
televisions, monitors and other electronic items at the household hazardous waste
collection facilities in Vista and Poway. Acceptable items include TV, computer monitor,
hard drive /CPU, keyboard, mouse, stereo, VCR, and radio. There is a $20 recycling fee
for each TV or computer monitor, no charge for other items. However, there is no
charge for the first 1,000 residents of nine North County communities. (Apparently, this
is a combined total, not the first 1,000 from each of the communities.)
Three electronic waste collection events were carried out in North County in August and
September 2002.
The August 2002 bill from EDCO contained its "Environmental Times" newsletter and it
provided excellent information on eWaste.
Despite these recent efforts, it is suspected that there is still limited knowledge in the
community that these items are hazardous and how to dispose of them. There is no
mention of eWaste on the Encinitas website.
Recommendations:
1) Conduct a brief, informal survey to determine whether the public is sufficiently
informed about what eWaste is, and how to dispose of it. (A brief, informal
survey might consist of 50 random telephone calls.)
2) Based on the results of the survey, provide public outreach on this topic, perhaps
including:
a. Flyers in public buildings
b. Stores: Provide information at the point of purchase. Support programs by
Solana Recyclers for' shelf talkers' at points of purchase that provide
information on how to properly dispose of eWaste.
c. Community events —e.g. fairs
3) Establish a home pickup service, similar to that for household hazardous waste.
4) Establish a drop -off site in Encinitas, similar to that recommended for Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW)
5) Encinitas Website. Provide information similar to the recommendation for HHW.
Probably combine HHW and eWaste.
a. Explain why it is important to properly dispose of eWaste.
b. Explain that the "clean -up" day in October does not include eWaste.
c. Provide information on organizations that will accept discarded electronic
equipment for reuse.
6) Encourage retail outlets to accept old equipment for recycling, or at least to
provide information on proper disposal, perhaps even including it with information
given to customers when new equipment is purchased.
7) Support companies that are establishing programs to help buyers reuse or
recycle old computers and other electronics as part of the process of buying or
leasing new models. Examples of companies with programs are: Best Buy, Dell,
Hewlett- Packard, Gateway, IBM and Sony.
8) Support legislation at the state and federal levels to include the cost of disposal
in the purchase price of equipment. This is similar to what is done for beverage
containers. This will result in the user paying for disposal, not the general public.
20) Topic: Public Recycling
Present Situation:
The City of Encinitas is mandated to reduce the amount of solid waste it produces (AB
939) and to meet the requirements of San Diego County Mandatory Recycling
Ordinance. The ordinance specifies various items that cannot be disposed of in San
Diego County solid waste facilities —and thus, must be recycled. Encinitas has in turn
adopted the ordinance as Chapter 11.20 of the Municipal Code, SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT. ` All recyclable materials shall be separated from other garbage and
combined refuse, and placed for collection in the same manner as when their regular
garbage collection occurs.'
Encinitas is constantly striving to improve its environmental record. The vast majority of
the waste produced in the City is from private residences and businesses; therefore,
increased recycling in this sector can have an important impact. The disposal of
products that are recyclable is harmful to the environment by increasing the amount of
solid waste sent to the landfill and by missing the opportunity to produce recycled
content products that reduce the consumption of virgin materials.
Justification:
Increased recycling by private residences and businesses will reduce the amount of
solid waste produced, helping the City to achieve its waste diversion goals mandated by
AB 939. Increased recycling will be beneficial for the environment by reducing the
amount of solid waste deposited in the landfill and by increasing the production of
recycled content products.
Existing Policy:
The collection of solid waste is a mandatory service for all residents and businesses.
Residential service includes curbside green waste and recyclable materials collection.
The City has an exclusive franchise agreement with EDCO to provide collection
services for residential and commercial customers. EDCO is the only company
authorized to haul solid waste in the City.
By virtue of the franchise agreement, the City has delegated responsibility for meeting
the recycling goals mandated by AB 939 to EDCO. Specifically, section 7.3 of the
agreement states:
7.3 Solid Waste Diversion
Given the full cooperation of the City, Franchisee guarantees to the City that the
diversion requirements of applicable state and federal law will be fully satisfied at all
times during the initial term and any extended term of this agreement.
Under the present agreement, EDCO has no requirement or incentive to exceed the
diversion required by law. In order for Encinitas to continually improve, a requirement to
do this needs to be incorporated in the agreement.
To meet the requirements, the franchise agreement specifies:
7 5 AB 939 Staffing
The Franchisee shall dedicate adequate staff to implement and monitor AB 939
requirements on behalf of City, throughout the term of this Agreement, in
accordance with the City's integrated waste management programs identified in the
Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE).
7.6 Public Outreach Proaram
The Franchisee will develop and implement a public education program on source
reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and secondary materials usage and
availability as required by the Public Education Component of the City's SRRE and
AB 939. This requirement may include, but is not limited to presentations, mailers,
and brochures.
To meet this responsibility for educational outreach, EDCO sends out a quarterly
informational newsletter with billing statements. However, anyone not receiving a bill,
such as many renters and apartment dwellers, do not receive any recycling information
or guidance. EDCO also has a web page that clearly explains what can be recycled
and gives holiday recycling schedules.
The City has little or no recycling information available at its website, at City and public
facilities, and in public mailings. There is currently no recycling at public locations in the
City, such as at beaches, parks, downtown, and at community events. An attempt at
recycling was initiated at Moonlight Beach about five years ago, but was halted quickly
due to contamination with non - recyclable items. Recycling at some community events
(such as the Street Fair) has been provided by Solana Recyclers in the past in
exchange for free booth space, but they are not going to continue this in the future.
There are inconsistencies in Municipal Code 11.20, SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.
At 11.20.100 H it states:
"All recyclable materials shall be separated from other garbage and combined
refuse, and placed for collection in the same manner as when their regular garbage
collection occurs"
Recyclable materials are defined at 11.20.020 M as " materials that are recyclable
and /or reusable within the following categories of residential, commercial (office and
hospitality) and industrial as defined more specifically within each category by resolution
of the City Council." According to the City Clerk, the categories have not been defined
by resolution of the City Council. However, the code does have definitions for
recyclable materials for commercial and industrial, but not for residential:
For the category of commercial recyclables, the code defines them at 11.20.020 H as
recyclables from the two commercial subcategories of office buildings (of more than
20,000 sq. ft.) which are office paper, corrugated cardboard, newspaper and awning
(sic); and hospitality (restaurants and taverns) which are corrugated cardboard, plastic
beverage bottles, glass jars and bottles, white goods (appliances), aluminum, tin and bi-
metal cans.
For the category of industrial recyclables, the code defines them at 11.20.020 Q as
industry/construction waste streams to include dirt, asphalt, sand, land clearing brush,
concrete and rock.
To implement recycling, resolutions by the City Council are required, as described at
11.20.170:
Diversion of designated recyclables from the City's waste stream is required by all
residential, commercial and industrial customers with the City of Encinitas as set forth
by resolution of the City Council The implementation schedule shall apply to the
provision of services which will divert designated recyclable materials from the City's
waste stream. These items shall be established by resolution of the City Council
According to the City Clerk these enabling resolutions have not been passed.
In summary, Municipal Code 11.20 is a mish -mash.
• It says diversion of all recyclables is required.
• There are glaring exceptions for commercial establishments —only office
buildings, restaurants and taverns over 20,000 square feet must recycle.
• Recyclables for residential customers have not been defined.
• The City Council has not passed the necessary resolutions to implement the
program.
Four large retail establishments were asked for information about their recycling
programs. Two responded they did not recycle (one said it was, "too large to recycle ".)
and the other two did not respond.
Recommendations:
1) Establish an additional recycling drop -off facility for public use. Currently the only
public drop -off site is located at Solana Recyclers at 137 N. El Camino Real. This
site is well used, which indicates that an additional site in closer proximity to Old
Encinitas, Cardiff and Leucadia would provide valuable services for these
communities. The drop -off site needs to be convenient and in a location that can be
enclosed at night or that is well watched to avoid vandalism and drop -off of un-
recyclable products. One potential site is at City Hall.
2) Establish a pilot recycling program at Moonlight Beach and another public location
such as a sports park that would be expected to have less contamination. Other
locations that could be included or added in the future (depending on the success of
the pilot program) include downtown, other beaches, parks, and at community
events (e.g. the Street Fair).
a) Two alternatives for recycling receptacles that should be considered include wire
baskets attached to the side of trash containers, and separate recycling
containers with restricted opening sizes to discourage the deposit of trash items.
The advantage of wire baskets /side -cars attached to trash receptacles is that
they are convenient for people to use, they are inexpensive, and they will not be
damaged by vandals. Funds are currently available through Solana Recycler's
grants for such a program. Separate stand -alone recycling receptacles require
more effort by the recycling party, will be vandalized, and are more expensive to
purchase and maintain.
b) The institution of a recycling program needs to be coupled with educational
outreach. A past effort to recycle at Moonlight Beach was halted due to high
contamination. The pilot program should be well advertised to make the
community and visitors aware of the effort and to reduce the contamination
levels. Public outreach could include articles and advertisements in local papers,
information on the City web site and newsletter, and rental of billboard space
along Highway 101 during the summer. Grants are available for such projects,
and a selection of recycling messages /artwork are available for free use (see
Attachment 1).
c) A pilot program at Moonlight Beach would have to be tailored to accommodate
the higher volume of visitors during the summer months. This could include an
increased number of recycling receptacles, increased collection frequency,
and /or increased educational /instructional signage during this period.
d) Monitoring of the pilot program would allow for an accurate assessment of how
well the program is working and how it could be improved.
3) Publicize waste minimization /recycling and services that are available:
a) Create a comprehensive fact sheet on recycling and other related services and
make available to the public through the City's web site, at City facilities, at City
events, in the City newsletter, in the City Community calendar, at libraries, etc.
When posted on the City's website, the link should be prominent —at present a
search is required to locate recycling information. The fact sheet could contain
information on a variety of services so that all pertinent information is available in
one convenient location. Information could include: recycling (curbside program,
drop -off facilities), streetsweeping schedule, community cleanup events, Household
Hazardous Waste program, electronic waste, green waste, composting classes at
Quail Botanical Gardens, motor oil recycling, and stormwater run -off guidelines and
hotline telephone number. See Attachment II for an example of a comprehensive
web page addressing environmental issues from the City of San Francisco. This
information could also be available through a telephone hotline that has recorded
messages with all this information (see Attachment III for list of information available
on the City of Escondido's hotline). A single hotline number is convenient and easy
to use and can be publicized and distributed easily, for example on refrigerator
magnets.
b) Promote recycling in general, such as in the community calendar and City Hall
bulletin board – anyplace there is a blank spot occasionally put in a reminder to
recycle.
4) Reduce the contamination level in the curbside recycling program by increasing
public education. This can be achieved by the City (see recommendations W)
and by EDCO. The following are suggested recommendations for EDCO.
a) Recommend EDCO distributes its quarterly newsletter to all curbside customers
(i.e. all renters and multi - family dwellers), not just those receiving a bill.
b) Recommend EDCO is more aggressive in educating individuals at the curb. This
is especially important for renters and other new residents that may not have
received any information on what can be recycled and how to present it. EDCO
currently has a policy of leaving explanatory notes when improper items are placed
in recycling bins, but it is at the discretion of the driver when to do this (i.e. after
repeat offenses, when a lot of improper material is presented, etc.). Based on
observations within an Old Encinitas neighborhood, EDCO could have a more
stringent and standardized policy. It is also recommended that these explanatory
notes indicate where items that EDCO does not recycle can be recycled at other
locations (e.g. plastic grocery bags can be recycled at most grocery stores). A
more convenient dispenser system for the notes would reduce the amount of time
required by the drivers to leave a note. Currently drivers must return to the cab to
obtain a note — a hip dispenser or dispenser on the outside of the truck where the
recyclables are deposited would be more efficient.
c) Instead of, or in addition to, increasing the responsibility of EDCO drivers,
personnel could be specifically dedicated to check curbside bins at certain
intervals, e.g. every 3 months. They would be responsible for examining curbside
bins and leaving explanatory notes where necessary. This could be combined with
a recycling incentive program that chooses ' excellent recyclers' that are awarded
prizes or small monetary amounts.
5) Include mandatory recycling in permits for City events such as the street fairs.
This recommendation is included in a proposal Solana Recyclers is planning on
submitting to the Community Services Department and should be adopted by the
City.
6) At community clean -up events make sure that waste is segregated for
recycling (if not done already). Consider partnering with Goodwill or other
organizations at the clean -up event to allow for re -use of items.
7) Promote full recycling for apartments, condominiums, and other multi - family
residences. One condominium was found where the management will only
recycle newspapers. (Perhaps we should recommend that all apartment and
condominium complexes with ten or more units shall have programs to meet the
requirements of the City ordnance.) Currently only the owner of the complex
receives the EDCO newsletter. Consider requiring that all individual residents
specifically receives an information newsletter so they know what to recycle and
how to do it. This could a requirement of EDCO or of the managers of the multi-
family complexes.
8) Prominently display on all literature, announcements, recycling stations, etc. that
the recycling program is a City of Encinitas program, not EDCO. This will give
the effort more credibility and provide some positive publicity for the City.
9) Publicize on the City website the locations for oil and oil filter recycling, and
redemption centers.
10) Pass the necessary resolutions to implement Municipal Code 11.20 with respect
to recycling.
11) After passing the necessary resolutions, follow -up to see that the Code
requirements are being met.
12) Consider implementing mandatory recycling for other commercial
establishments, such a retail outlets.
21) Topic: Solid Waste Reduction at Cottonwood Creek and Moonlight Beach
Problem:
Litter collects in Cottonwood Creek due to run -off from surrounding areas and is
deposited on the beach and in the ocean. Summer crowds at Moonlight Beach create
large amounts of waste and the number of trash cans and frequency of pick -up is not
sufficient to prevent overflow of trashcans during high use periods.
Justification:
Reduction of litter in these public places will create more aesthetically pleasing
recreational opportunities for Encinitas residents and tourists. Reduction of litter in
Cottonwood Creek, and therefore in the ocean, will be beneficial for native wildlife.
Avoidance of trashcan overflow at Moonlight Beach will prevent the spread of trash by
seagulls and other wildlife and will be less unsightly.
Existing Policy:
Solid Waste Management, Chapter 11.20, Encinitas Municipal Code
Litter Control, Chapter 11.24, Encinitas Municipal Code
County of San Diego Recycling Ordinance adopted by City of Encinitas
Trash is collected at Moonlight Beach once per day, generally very early in the morning.
The City is in the process of installing screens in at least some of the storm drains that
lead into Cottonwood Creek.
Recommendations:
1) Place screens on all storm drains that lead into Cottonwood Creek to catch solid
waste in run -off and prevent the deposition into the Creek, onto the beach and
into the ocean. For example, litter is deposited into the Creek area from the
Second Street outfall because there are not adequate screening devices in place
(Attachement 1).
2) Investigate the sources of solid waste in the watershed and address these
sources where possible — i.e. implement a watershed approach.
3) Increase the number of trashcans and /or the frequency of collection at Moonlight
Beach. During peak use periods the trashcans are filled to overflowing.
Currently these overflowing trashcans are left overnight, resulting in the
scattering of litter by seagulls and other wildlife before the trash is collected in the
morning. A final, late day trash collection should be instituted, rather than, or in
addition to, the current early morning trash collection that allows the dispersal of
litter. In addition, the number of trash cans could be increased during peak use
periods and reduced during low use periods.
4) Fence off the end of the alley between Second and Third Street along to stop
illegal dumping down into the Creek area (see Attachment I for examples of
dumping).
5) Institute a pilot recycling program at Moonlight Beach for aluminum cans and 1&2
plastics. This program would require a concurrent education and awareness
effort. This is presented in detail in the Public Recycling recommendation ( #20).
Attachment I:
Photos illustrating trash in Cottonwood Creek after a storm event, area at end of alley to
be fenced, and trash overflow at Moonlight Beach during the summer
22) Topic: Helium Balloons
Present Situation:
Balloons are sold and given away at many functions, both public and private. The
release of balloons, whether intentional or accidental, causes litter which can harm wild,
farm, and domestic animals. A portion of released balloons end up in the ocean and on
the beaches. In addition to creating litter on the beaches, these balloons can harm
marine wildlife. Many species of marine animals, including turtles, seals, whales,
dolphins, fish and birds have been found with balloons in their digestive systems. It is
assumed that these animals mistake the balloons for their natural prey such as jellyfish
and squid. Although it is difficult to prove that death results directly from ingestion of a
balloon, their presence in animals' stomachs indicates either that they are not easily
digested and /or that death occurs shortly after ingestion due to blockage of the digestive
and /or respiratory tract. The ribbons attached to the balloons can also entangle
animals. A selection of publications relating to the negative impacts of man -made
debris on marine mammals is included in Attachment I.
There are currently no restrictions on the sale or use of balloons in the City of Encinitas.
Background:
Balloons that are not disposed of properly end up littering the beaches and ocean. Non -
helium balloons are carried through storm drains and natural waterways. Helium
balloons that are released rise up in the air and eventually are deposited on land or in
the ocean. An estimated 90 -95% of released helium balloons rise to an altitude of 1.8
miles and burst into small fragments. Others may float for miles before descending to
the ground or sea semi - inflated. While many balloons are made of biodegradable latex,
they can still take up to 6 months to break down. Balloons made from mylar are slower
to break down.
Justification:
Reducing the release of helium balloons within the City will reduce the amount of
balloon litter on the beaches and will reduce the potential negative impacts to marine
wildlife. Since balloons can travel for many miles in the air or ocean, actions taken by
the City of Encinitas would also have positive impacts for surrounding areas. However,
without restrictions in surrounding communities balloons will continue to wash up on the
City's beaches.
Recommendations:
The most comprehensive solution would be to ban the sale and use of helium balloons
in the City, but several alternative options are listed below. Depending on how strong a
stand the City of Encinitas wants to take on this issue, one or all of the following
recommendations could be implemented.
1) Ban the intentional release of balloons at any City or private event within the City
of Encinitas. The intention is not to undermine or prevent celebrations, only to
ensure that people are aware of the negative environmental impacts and choose
2)
3)
an environmentally friendly alternative. Balloons could potentially still be used,
but would have to be disposed of properly.
Require retailers of helium balloons to provide a verbal and /or written explanation
to purchasers of helium balloons on the harmful impacts of balloon release.
Implement an educational outreach program on the harmful impacts of helium
balloons. This could be achieved through providing information in the City's
newsletter, the City's web page, at public events, at the Community Center, at
public parks, etc. Point of purchase outreach (recommendation #2) would also
be an important element of this education effort.
23) Topic: Beach /Cliff Erosion
Issues:
Public Safety, Tourism, Sand Replenishment
Background:
A large part of the allure of Encinitas to tourists, both local and transient, lies in
its beaches. The City commissioned a survey in the summer of 2001 of visitors
to its beaches, and their economic impact on the City (King). Results of the
study indicated that nearly 44% of visitors to Encinitas' beaches are residents,
and another 20% live within 20 miles. The remainder come from farther away.
Three - quarters stay one day or less. The major reasons for visiting the beach
included swimming (18.7 %), surfing (14.6 %), play on the beach (9.1 %),
recreation for the kids (22.1 %), and hang -out (33.8 %). The overall economic
impact of beach visitors to the City of Encinitas was calculated to be
approximately $47 million per year.
Problem:
Ever since southern California's creeks and rivers started being dammed for
flood control in the mid- 1930's, the natural supply of sand that had been
replenishing the beaches was interrupted. Compounding the problem is the fact
that sea level has been rising steadily for several thousand years, which
increases the likelihood of beach erosion by large storm waves that run up the
beach further than the average waves. The net result is that there is already a
sand deficit on the City's beaches, and on -going sand replenishment is
necessary to maintain the beaches and protect the sea cliffs. Less sand on the
beaches means that the bluffs behind the beaches are at risk for undercutting,
and eventual collapse. Bluff collapse may have negative impacts on public and
private property (restricted beach access /houses falling), and public safety
(recent fatality).
Two things to keep in mind: 1) Mitigation measures that might be implemented
are only buying time — time before the sand naturally migrates elsewhere, time
before the bluffs recede, time before manmade structures along the immediate
coast and bluff line are destroyed. 2) Migration of beach sand and bluff erosion
are not steady state processes, they are both seasonal and episodic. During
intense storm activity that may accompany El Nino conditions, the processes
may be catastrophic.
Current City Policy:
Concern for the condition of the beaches and coastal bluffs are evident
throughout the City's General Plan (Introduction, and Land Use, Circulation,
Public Safety, Resource Management, and Recreation Elements of the Plan).
For example, Policy 1.7 of the Public Safety Element says "The City shall
develop and adopt a comprehensive plan.. to address the coastal bluff recession
and shoreline erosion problems in the City." Goal 8 of the Resource
Management Element says "The City will undertake programs to ensure that
Coastal Areas are maintained and remain safe and scenic for both residents and
wildlife." Goal 10 of the Resource Management Element says that "the City will
preserve the integrity, function, productivity, and long term viability of ...ocean
recreational areas, coastal waters, beaches ..'
Encinitas has an agreement with the State of California to maintain the State
beaches at Leucadia, Swami's, and Moonlight beaches. The City values its
beaches as a public resource for its citizens, as an attraction for promoting
tourism in the area, and as a means of protecting private property on the
adjacent bluffs. The City currently has a policy of trying to obtain surplus sand
when it becomes available (Page 1 -7 of the Introduction to the General Plan says,
"Beaches - The beach areas are losing sand depth each year and sand
replenishment programs are needed to provide for their restoration." In general,
this has resulted in sporadic placement on City beaches of relatively minor
quantities of sand. In 2001, through the efforts of SANDAG, Encinitas and
several other coastal San Diego County cities received a total of 2 million cubic
yards of sand dredged from offshore sources at a cost of $17.5 million.
Approximately 470,000 cubic yards were placed on Encinitas' beaches. There is
no current source of funding in place to repeat 2001's effort. However, the City
does allocate 2% of the T.O.T. for sand projects (approximately $225,000/yr).
Current city policy regarding private property where there is a risk of bluff
collapse is to require the private parties to pay for their own bluff stabilization
measures. The City exercises its control through the design and permit process
(Coastal Development Permit, EMC 30.80). For example, the City wants sea
walls to have as natural an appearance as possible. Once a section of bluff
collapses, the City pays to have the fallen rocks and debris removed to the extent
necessary to maintain public safety, and the overall appearance of the beach. In
certain cases, the City might seek to recover some of these costs from the
private party(s) involved. The City requires a bond for debris removal as part of
the Coastal Development Permit.
The City has adopted a Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone (EMC30.34) where special
restrictions on development apply. Some of the restrictions include a 40 -foot
buffer zone for new construction or any permanent irrigation systems, a
requirement for drainage and runoff to be channeled away from the bluff edge,
use of drought tolerant plants, design of buildings (new construction, as well as
remodeling of existing structures) to be easily removable if threatened by bluff
collapse, and preservation of scenic views. The Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone also
defines conditions for the installation of "preemptive measures," i.e., protection
devices.
The City has a Final Draft Comprehensive Coastal Bluff and Shoreline Plan
(Draft Plan) that was approved in June 1998. The major elements of the Draft
Plan include on -going sand replenishment and retention, bluff stability, bluff
protection, permanent sources of funding, and a Beach Restoration Committee
made up of senior City staff, one City Council member, property owners,
community groups, and the public at large (probably 7 -10 members total).
Data Gaps:
Since last year's sand program was the first large scale sand replenishment
program on the West Coast, there is no historic data to evaluate how and where
the sand placed last year will be distributed naturally on the beaches. In other
words, how long will the new sand stay on the local beaches; and what are the
differences in sand distribution between El Nino, La Nina, and ` average' storm
years? Is there an optimal size for sand grains to maximize retention, or does
size matter at all if there is an adequate supply of sand? What are the primary
and secondary effects of the imported sand on other aspects of the local
environment, i.e., effects on local reef communities, bottom topography as
related to surfing, long shore transport that might restrict water flows across the
mouth of the lagoon (forbidden by the General Plan), and potential impacts to
neighboring areas like Solana Beach and Del Mar.
Another large data gap is the identification of a reliable source of funding. How
can the City of Encinitas secure reliable funding to pay for on -going sand
replenishment? The 2% T.O.T. allocation will never provide enough money to
allow the City to overcome the large sand deficit that exists.
Recommendations:
1) The City should approve and implement the Final Draft
Comprehensive Coastal Bluff and Shoreline Plan (Draft Plan), dated
6/11/98, with only minor changes as suggested below. The fact that
there is an approved 4 year old draft calls into question the City
Council's commitment on this issue. If the City Council can't or won't
approve the complete Draft Plan, then it should at least approve the
Beach Restoration Committee as proposed in the Draft Plan. With this
committee, the City Council would have an advisory resource to help
them deal with these issues.
2) The Draft Plan does not stress enough the fact that shoreline retreat is
inevitable. The Draft Plan is also short- sighted in that there is no
provision for dealing with the long term implications of this problem.
Page 33 of the Draft Plan states, "It is recognized that shore and bluff
protection, including a sand replenishment and retention program, can
promote safe lateral beach access by reducing or eliminating bluff
erosion." (emphasis added)
3) The Draft Plan should state that is undesirable to armor the entire bluff
face within City limits. The Draft Plan appears to be contradictory on
this point. In one area of the Draft Plan, the use of small scale
protection devices such as notch fills, pocket fills, and cobble barriers
is encouraged. In another area, the Draft Plan says "All reasonable
efforts shall be made to maximize the length of the seawall within the
segment."
4) Institute an on -going program of monitoring City beaches, and the
adjacent offshore areas to beyond wave base, as a means of
identifying areas where sand preferentially accumulates or erodes.
The current program of semi - annual monitoring to a depth of only 50
feet is inadequate. Monitoring events should occur at least quarterly;
monthly would be better. Monitoring immediately after significant
storm activity should also be included in the program. This will help
serve as an early warning system to identify problem areas where
active erosion is occurring, evaluate the effectiveness of sand
placements, and assess negative impacts to specific habitat areas
and /or surfing resources.
5) The concept of stockpiling sand for future use is flawed for several
reasons, and should be dropped. First, there is a considerable sand
deficit on City beaches. Why put the sand elsewhere, when it is
needed on the beaches now? Second, several hundred thousand
cubic yards of sand makes a big pile. There are no obvious, out -of-
the -way storage places. And there could be many potentially negative
impacts, including habitat destruction, visual impacts, and
transportation issues. Third, moving a pile of sand that large is
expensive, and stockpiling would require moving it at least twice.
Where would the extra money come from?
6) The City should continue to work with SANDAG, and other
governmental agencies (local, regional, state, and federal) on this
issue.
Some factions have advocated a policy of hands -off coastal management
whereby natural processes would be allowed to work. This means no sand
replenishment would take place, bluffs would be allowed to collapse and recede,
and structures would be lost. There are at many problems with this approach,
but the one with greatest significance is that such a policy is counter to the Public
Safety Element of the City's General Plan (and the General Plans of most cities),
as well as the California Coastal Act.
Shoreline protection /sand retention devices such as groins, jetties, or
breakwaters are not recommended unless proposed as part of a regional sand
management plan.
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24) Topic: Efficient Use and Conservation
Justification:
Encinitas, while on the ocean, is located in an and area and is without sufficient
indigenous local surface or ground water. Ultimately, the security of water supply
depends upon perpetual reuse, efficient usage patterns, and conservation.
Problem:
Encinitas has only enough capacity for the next 1000 homes and will soon lose
its allotment from Lake Hodges to San Diego (L. Wurb, Public Works, pers
comm). Encinitas has several available mechanisms to conserve and save water
but has implemented only a few. For example, the City has installed low -flow
water appliances at many locations.
Background:
Encinitas retails water from San Diego County Water Authority through the San
Dieguito Water District and treats sewage through the San Elijo Wastewater
Treatment JPA.
Most water comes from the Colorado River though the Metropolitan Water
District, from CalFed in northern California, collections at local reservoirs, and
from ground water in slight amounts. It stores water in Lake Skinner and Lake
Hodges.
The City claims 47% are from local sources, 15 million gallons MG storage
treated, 495MG storage untreated, 14% for irrigation and 14% for agriculture.
The SDCWA claims 5,112 acre -feet supplied in 2000, but a combination of 3,663
acre -feet local and 4,690 acre -feet Authority - supplied for a total of 8,353 acre -
feet of which 4,690 is municipal and industrial use (matching the Authority
supply). They also estimate a City population of 36,500.
Encinitas, as a world- famous floriculture center, dedicates significant water to
that and other industry and to irrigation of public parks and landscaping.
Desalination remains prohibitively expensive in the near -term unless co- located
with a power generator such as the plant being proposed in Carlsbad.
The City, acting as the water utility, recently adopted a rate structure to fund
capital investment and operations that did not consider conservation or drought.
The City, acting as the water district, operates a reclaimed water system
consisting of treatment plants and a distribution system.
Existing Practice /Policy:
The general plan mandates reducing dependence on imported water. The
current fee structure, instead of promoting conservation, perpetuates the sense
that water is nearly free and therefor valueless. For the most part, the fee
structure provides excess use rates at equal to base rates. Higher- tiered rates
(in effect until and through 1991) would inevitably provide some conservation
measures.
Only residential users have a truly tiered structure allowing agriculture, irrigation,
industry, landscaping, and municipal users to use without apparent price penalty.
Homes with agriculture pay much less than those without and pay only
$0.03 /HCF (hundred cubic feet) more for all water over 21 HCF.
Reclaiming water has recently been implemented in the form of tertiary treatment
facilities and a partial distribution system to large users. The rate structure is a
"take and pay" type which promotes usage rather than some conscientious
conservation. Use of reclaimed water is better than raw water, but there has
been little, if any, investigation of the use of reclaimed water to recharge
groundwater or to augment flows through the two local lagoons.
The fire system is charged by drinking - quality water.
Assessment:
The City recently approved and implemented unsustainable rates. The city will
run short of water unless market incentives are put in place to conserve it.
Data Gaps:
None in rate structure
Recommendations:
1) Continue to calculate and charge for infrastructure maintenance,
improvements and operations.
2) Develop sufficient supply sources to provide water during normal and
drought years.
3) Devise and implement a drought rating and notice system to:
• sensitize water users,
• prepare them for inevitable water -short years,
• plan voluntary conservation, and later
• mandate conservation necessary to reduce demand to supply.
4) Maximize direct and indirect use of reclaimed water.
5) Restore /recharge groundwater ensuring quality and storage capacity.
6) Consider revising the rate structure to:
• more dramatically tier rates for single and multi - family residences,
• delete the flat rate for residences with agriculture and replace it with a
tiered rate structure,
• include at least a moderately tiered rate structure on agriculture,
landscaping, excess use, and construction,
• include a seasonal demand accommodation structure, and
• require that the service meter fee pay a greater proportion of the costs.
7) Increase the infrastructure spines of reclaimed water to make it more
available without undue cost to smaller users.
8) Have the fire chief consider the costs and benefits of converting to
reclaimed water in the fire mains.
9) Implement a water education program in the water district bill mailing
system focused on:
• implementing a household gray water - irrigation reuse scheme,
• composting, and
• water conservation.
10) Mandate sustainable and low -water use landscaping for all new and
replanted city landscaping.
11) Require all new city facilities, such as the library, to install and maintain
water saving appliances.
12) Fund and implement a water efficiency revolving loan program.
13) Conduct an audit of city water appliances to retrofit all inefficient ones and of
all systems to take advantage of gray water reuse opportunities.
Implementation:
Staff and District evaluation
Indicator:
Water and reclaimed water use and sewage disposal rates per capita, per
household, on a city -wide basis, and as a water district.
References:
Black and Veatch report and presentation and Water District agenda report of
Feb 27, 2002 and personal interview with City Public Works Director.
Attachments:
Existing and recommended rate structure.
25) Topic: Meeting Encinitas Water Supply Needs in the Face of Dwindling Supply
Present Situation:
The City of Encinitas relies upon imported water to meet its water supply needs.
Consequently, the cost, reliability, and, most importantly, long -term availability of
water is linked to water supply issues throughout California and indeed the West.
Water is supplied in Encinitas by two water districts: San Dieguito Water District
( "SDWD ") and Olivenhain Municipal Water District( "OMWD ").
SDWD supplies water to approximately two thirds of the City population in its
service district which is predominantly west of El Camino Real. OMWD provides
the balance of the City's water supply to its eastern half — predominantly
Olivenhain and portions of New Encinitas.
SDWD obtains its water from two sources: the San Diego County Water
Authority ( "SDCWA ") and Lake Hodges. Both the Lake Hodges and untreated
SDCWA water is treated at the R.E. Badger Filtration Plant in Rancho Santa Fe.
Additionally SDWD receives treated, potable water from SDCWA and also non -
potable recycled water from the San Elijo Water Pollution Control Facility.
Recycled water is currently in use for the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course and
certain traffic medians. In Fiscal year 2001 -2002, SDWD is expected to deliver
approximately 8,000 acre -feet [ 1 acre-foot= - 326,000 gallons] .
OMWD, like SDWD, is a member of SDCWA which in turn is a member of the
Metropolitan Water District ( "MWD ") which supplies both the Los Angeles and
San Diego metropolitan areas with water from the Colorado River through the
Colorado River Aqueduct and from Northern California through the State Water
Project.
Since less than 20% of Encinitas' water supply comes from local and reclaimed
sources, Encinitas must rely heavily upon water ultimately supplied by the MWD
from the Colorado River and the Sacramento River /San Joaquin River Delta (via
the State Water Project) with approximately three fourths of these imports drawn
from the Colorado River. Consequently, as demand for the limited supply of
water available from the Colorado River intensifies throughout the West,
Encinitas, like San Diego County, is vulnerable to water shortages.
Such shortages may arise from both increased demand as well as disruptions in
historical regional precipitation patterns arising from the effects of global
warming. For example, recent efforts at modeling the effects of global warming
performed by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz project a
50% decrease in the Sierra Nevada snowpack —a significant source of water for
urban California.
The cost of residential water in Encinitas varies by water district and volume used
within a range of approximately $600 to $1,000 per acre -foot. [ Note that an
acre -foot of water is commonly described as meeting the annual water needs of
two typical families of four people.] Recent estimates for desalination of sea
water are $1300 /acre -foot and higher. Hence if persistent shortage resulting
from declining water supplies and increased population cause a doubling in the
cost of water, desalination will become a feasible alternative source of water.
However, the operating costs of desalination plants depend heavily upon electric
energy costs and thus desalinated water costs could increase sharply in tandem
with energy prices should California suffer future energy supply crises as it did in
2000 -2001.
Encinitas, as a recipient of Colorado River water, is poised to suffer a substantial
cut in the available water supply from the Colorado River effective December 31,
2003 unless a complex water transfer and water conservation is put into place.
The roots of this problem lie in a 1931 apportionment of the Colorado River
amongst the western states; this apportionment, which is administered by the
U.S. Department of the Interior, is known as the Law of the River. California's
share of the Colorado River flow under the Law of the River is 4.4 million acre -
feet per year. Nevada and Arizona, for example, are apportioned 300,000 and
2.8 million acre -feet per year respectively. For decades these and other states
did not make full use of their allotments and California used as much as an
additional 900,000 acre -feet of the unused surplus. Now that both population
demand and new infrastructure in Nevada and Arizona make it possible for these
states to claim their full entitlements to the Colorado River, California must
ultimately reduce its use of Colorado River to no more than its 4.4 million acre -
feet share. The deadline for this reduction is the end of this year unless
California approves and implements a series of contemplated conservation
measures that would begin a phased reduction in its consumption from 5.3
million acre -feet to 4.4 million acre -feet by 2015. If California does not meet its
obligations for the first phase of this reduction in water use, it will face an
immediate loss of all surplus water it has been withdrawing from the river.
Most of the water withdrawn from the Colorado River is apportioned for
agriculture and only 550,000 acre -feet are earmarked for the MWD. Of the
surplus water beyond California's allotment of 4.4 million af, an additional
672,000 of has been withdrawn by the MWD each year for urban use. In
California as throughout the west, the right to use water is tied to one's priority in
time when one began making beneficial use of the water. The principle is
summed up as "First in time, first in right." Thus in a drought, the senior water
right holder gets her allotment satisfied first and then the second most senior
right holder's claim is satisfied and so on until the water is exhausted. MWD is
only fourth in line for its 550,000 of share of California's 4.4 million of share of the
Colorado River. Furthermore, the 112,000 of earmarked for SDCWA is of lowest
priority of all the 672,000 of of surplus Colorado River water received by MWD
beyond its basic allotment. Consequently, San Diego, including Encinitas, is on
the frontlines of California's current water war and stands to lose a substantial
portion of its water supply.
The linchpin of the settlement agreement which forestalls California's complete
loss of the surplus Colorado River water is a water conservation plan to be
implemented by farmers in the Imperial Valley who have superior rights to MWD
regarding California's basic allotment of Colorado River water. By conserving
water and also by transferring some of the conserved water to MWD, MWD and
particularly SDCWA, will be able to maintain urban water supplies by receiving as
much as 200,000 of per year for the next 75 years. The greatest threat to the
success of this plan lies in the consequences for the Salton Sea.
The Salton Sea, without a natural outlet apart from evaporation, is brackish and
becoming inexorably more so over time. The principal source of relatively fresh
water supplying the Salton Sea is agricultural drainage in the Imperial Valley. If
less water is used in the Imperial Valley and what is used is used more
efficiently, the Salton Sea will receive even less water thereby accelerating the
process by which it becomes too saline to support fish and bird populations.
While such decline is inevitable, the quick withdrawal of a substantial amount of
agricultural runoff may impair efforts to mitigate the loss of environmental
benefits provided by the Salton Sea to migratory birds and other wildlife. Without
approval of the plan by the State Water Resources Control Board including
reviews of the likely environmental consequences of the water transfers, the plan
will not go forward, California will fail to meet its first milestone for conservation of
water to reduce its withdrawal of surplus Colorado River water, thereby triggering
the draconian immediate cut -off of all surplus withdrawals by California.
Recommendations
1) Reduction of water consumption in Encinitas and throughout the county
coupled with increased use of reclaimed water is essential to cope with
the long -term effects of drought and reduced water supply from the
Colorado River. Thus Encinitas should look to the water conservation
strategies set forth in the Water Conservation section.
2) Encinitas through the SDWD, which is a member of the SDCWA, can
contribute its voice to advocacy for effective agricultural conservation
measures in the Imperial Valley coupled with support for water transfers to
urban use so as to preserve the gradual rather than abrupt reduction in
California's share of the Colorado River.
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26) Topic: Stormwater and Urban Runoff Management
Problem:
In 1999 the City of Encinitas was sued by the San Diego Bay Keeper (San Diego,
CA) for discharges of contaminated urban runoff and storm water to the ocean as
evidenced by a long history of high bacterial counts in the surf zone; particularly
at Moonlight Beach. The resulting litigation led the City to implement a new storm
water monitoring and reporting program. Moonlight Beach and San Elijo Lagoon,
as well as Escondido, Encinitas, and San Marcos Creeks, are currently listed by
the SDRWQCB as Sec. 303(d) Category 1, Impaired Waterbodies. In February
2001, the SDRWQCB formally acknowledged the magnitude of the non -point
source runoff pollution problem by adopting Order No. 2001 -01, and issued a
new NPDES Permit No. CAS0108758, which defined Waste Discharge
Requirements for Discharges of Urban Runoff from the Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Draining the Watersheds of the County of San
Diego, the Incorporated Cities of San Diego County (including Encinitas), and the
San Diego Unified Port District.
Ultimately, storm water and urban water runoff contaminants are derived from
diverse sources and practices throughout the upper watershed, and, therefore,
present a very difficult public education problem.
In 1998, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation
(NEETF) /Roper conducted a public survey and reported that "fewer than 1/3 of
American adults could select the definition of a watershed from a simple multiple
choice quiz, and there was reason to believe that fewer than 1 % could define one
if you asked them point blank. Just 25% of Americans even know where their
water originates, even though the vast majority consumes water directly from the
tap (Scott 2002)."
Justification:
The esthetics, ecological condition, and environmental health of our coastal
waters are of significant value to the citizens and economy of the City of
Encinitas. Coastal recreation is an important part of life in Encinitas and its
economic value has been estimated to be about $47 m /yr (King 2001).
Consequently, impairment of these natural resources via contaminant loading
(associated with urban runoff) is a serious issue.
Existing Practice /Policy:
The City conducted an analysis to assess the City's consistency with the
watershed protection policies and principles found in the new Storm Water
Permit, and it concluded that the City's General Plan (GP) and Local Coastal
Plan (LCP) were consistent with the new permit and that no amendments to the
GP /LCP were needed. "Many of the City of Encinitas GP and LCP policies
directly specify preservation and acquisition of riparian corridors, wetlands, and
buffer zones providing important water quality benefits. They place limits on
disturbances of natural bodies of water and drainage systems caused by
11
developments and even strive to avoid developments susceptible to erosion and
sediment loss. GP /LCP policy discourages the amount of impervious surfaces in
new development areas minimizing the transport of urban runoff and pollutants."
A full description of these policies, with respect to storm water runoff, is given in
Appendix D, and ordinances are given in Appendix F of the JURMP (2002)
report.
Existing Facility /Program /Service:
In response to the new storm water runoff permit issued by the SDRWQCB in
February 2001 (and to the Heal the Bay lawsuit), the City has taken a very
aggressive and leadership role in implementing a new storm /urban water runoff
assessment and monitoring program. The City is required to do the following:
• Prohibit non -storm water discharges from entering the Municipal Separate
Sewer System (MS4s).
• Prohibit discharges from storm drains that violate water quality standards.
• Implement legal authority to control pollutant discharges into and from
MS4s.
• Implement BMPs to reduce pollutants discharge into and from MS4s.
• Implement a Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Program ( JURMP)
to reduce discharge of pollutants via urban runoff.
• Collaborate and implement a Watershed Urban Management Program
(WURMP) to identify and mitigate highest priority water quality
issues /pollutants in the watershed.
• Collaborate with all co- permittees to plan and coordinate activities.
"The goal of the City's JURMP is to protect and improve the quality of urban
runoff and storm water in order to improve the water quality of the local water
bodies. These water bodies primarily include the Pacific Ocean and beaches of
Encinitas, Batiquitos and San Elijo Lagoon, Cottonwood Creek, Escondido
Creek, and Encinitas Creek. The goal of this program will be accomplished
through public education, implementation of BMPs (both structural and
nonstructural), enforcement of the City's (new and updated) ordinances, and
working with construction sites, and industry and commercial entities to increase
their awareness or urban runoff issues and reduce pollutants leaving their sites.
The City has revised its storm water ordinance and updated its grading ordinance
to more clearly address its position regarding urban runoff and storm water
pollution. " The City submitted a comprehensive JURMP report on February 21,
2002, which includes the following elements (items 2, 4, and 5 will be
emphasized):
• Legal Authority —Storm Water & Grading Ordinance
• Land Use Planning for New Development and Redevelopment
• Construction
• Existing Development (Municipal, Industrial, Commercial, Residential)
• Education
• Public Participation
• Assess JURMP Effectiveness
• Fiscal Analysis
12
The City currently monitors 3 storm water flow events per year, and 46 dry
weather stations throughout the City at least once between May 1 and Sept. 30
using generic Co- permittee protocols. 25% of the samples were analyzed by a
commercial laboratory.
Subsequently, the City of Encinitas was identified by the SDRWQCB as the lead
Responsible Co- permittee for the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (904.0), which
includes the Cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido,
Encinitas, and Solana Beach, and the County of San Diego.
On January 31, 2003, the City is required to submit a comprehensive WURMP
report, which must include the following elements:
• Completed watershed map
• A water quality assessment and watershed monitoring needed
• Prioritization of water quality problems
• Recommended activities
• Individual co- permittee implementation responsibilities and schedule
• Description of watershed public participation mechanisms
• Description of watershed education mechanisms
• Description of mechanism and schedule for watershed -based land use
planning
• Strategy for assessing the long term effectiveness of the WURMP
To facilitate develop of the WURMP the City's Encinitas and Escondido and the
Escondido Creek and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancies, and appropriate federal
and state agencies took a major step and signed a formal Cooperative
Agreement to manage and preserve the Escondido Creek Watershed as a
Preservation Area on July 17, 2002.
Assessment:
Background:
The City has made a substantial effort and investment to increase its ability to
assess, monitor, and manage pollutant loading from urban runoff. The City has
also conducted a very valuable assessment of the contaminant loading in the
Cottonwood Creek watershed and acquired funds to construct and operate a
small water treatment plant along Cottonwood Creek to reduce the high bacterial
loading in the creek. These credible efforts document and treat serious
symptoms, but the sources of these problems are largely derived from the upper
watersheds.
Impervious Cover:
One of the problems that results from urbanization is an increase in the amount
of urban runoff due to an increase in impervious cover. Rough estimates of the
current amount of impervious cover for the subwatersheds in Encinitas are as
follows: Cottonwood Creek (32.7 %), Encinitas (21.4 %), San Elijo (19.1 %),
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Encinas (35.3 %), and San Elijo Hills (7.6 %) (CWN 2002). Since the City of
Encinitas is projected to grow by 25% by 2020, urban runoff should increase
proportionally to this growth.
Schueler (1995) has shown that there is a significant linear relationship between
the amount of impervious cover in a subwatershed and stream condition. If the
impervious cover within a subwatershed is less than 10 %, then the adjacent
stream should be in relatively good physical and ecological condition, if it
measures between 10 — 25% the adjacent stream should be degraded, and if
above 25 %, the stream should be in serious trouble. Since the rate and volume
of storm water runoff is related linearly to the amount of impervious cover,
increased contaminant loading and further impairment of the beneficial uses of
our local creeks, lagoons, and nearshore coastal waters can be expected. This
trend can be managed to the extent that the correct "best management practices"
are selected, implemented, and are effective.
Cottonwood Creek Urban Runoff Assessment and Action Plan:
The City conducted a field study to characterize the "dry weather" composition
and sources of water pollution throughout the Cottonwood Creek watershed in
order to develop an action plan for how to reduce urban runoff, improve water
quality conditions in the creek and at its ocean discharge at Moonlight Beach.
The watershed was segmented into 9 sub - basins, and 10 stations were selected
to represent the input of each sub -basin to the main stem of Cottonwood Creek.
Each station was sampled 3 times (once per week) over a period of 3 weeks
during September 2001. Water samples were analyzed for a spectrum of
parameters (i.e. physical analytes, inorganic non - metals, organics, metals, and
bacteria) using standard, analytical protocols, by the Encina Wastewater
Authority Laboratory (Encinitas, CA) and by Del Mar Analytical (Irvine, CA).
The City concluded:
• Groundwater is significant component of the average surface flow
(100gpm) in the lower reaches of Cottonwood Creek.
• Type and quantity of contaminant loading is related to land uses in each
sub - basin.
• Many of the tributaries were dry in their upper reaches.
• There is significant nutrient loading (agricultural /nursery activities and
groundwater) throughout the watershed.
• Bacterial counts were elevated throughout the watershed, especially in the
upper reaches. Several stations exhibited very high counts.
• Metals were elevated in the middle reaches of the watershed.
• No significant organic compounds (fuel hydrocarbons, PCBs,
organochlorine pesticides) were found.
• Each sub -basin exhibited some unique pollution problems.
The City developed a Watershed Action Plan, consisting of the following
elements, to improve water quality:
o Reduce use of fertilizers (nutrients) and increase containment on site.
o Increase inspections and public education to reduce bacterial loading
associated with fertilizers, urban runoff, and illegal encampments.
14
• Use of BMPs and inspections to reduce metal loading.
• Preserve open space, acquire property to create /increase stream side
acreage buffer, increase riparian buffer, day - lighting pipes as open
earthen channels to provide passive water quality treatment.
• Conduct a focused quantity and quality groundwater study.
Subsequently, the City secured funds to construct an urban runoff "treatment"
facility adjacent to Cottonwood Creek, and plans to divert the creek and to treat it
by applying UV and Ozone.
Unfortunately, Schueler (2000) concluded that "current storm water practices,
stream buffers, and source controls have a modest potential to reduce fecal
coliform levels, but cannot reduce them far enough to meet water quality
standards in most urban settings." Key factors that can be used to facilitate
bacterial die -off include: Sunlight (uv light), sedimentation, sand /soil filtration,
chemical disinfection, and growth inhibitors. UV light has been used by waste
water engineers to treat discharges from municipal storm water pipe systems.
However, water turbidity and flow rate greatly limit the effectiveness of UV light
treatment systems.
North County Storm Water Public Awareness Survey (SANDAG 2002):
In 2002 SANDAG completed a North County Storm Water Public Awareness
Survey at the request of 7 cities in North San Diego County, including Encinitas
"to determine residents' knowledge and actions regarding storm water pollution
and water quality." The survey was conducted by mail and was sent to 2,500
households in each city. 506 surveys (20 %) were returned from Encinitas. The
survey results suggest that the citizens of Encinitas citizens are very
knowledgeable about pollution issues and actively practice pollution
management methods.
Data Gaps:
• Current data on the % of impervious cover for each subwatershed
throughout the City is preliminary and needs to be assessed more
rigorously.
• Correlations between contaminant loading and land uses by
subwatershed are needed.
• Standard public education methods and strategies may not be effective
Recommendations:
1) The City should map the boundaries of each of the subwatersheds
throughout the City and include these boundaries as a common data layer
on many of the City's maps.
2) The City should conduct an Urban Runoff Assessment and Action Plan for
each of the other 6 subwatersheds that comprise the City, similar to the
study that it did for the Cottonwood Creek subwatershed (Weldon et al.
2002).
15
3) The City should calculate the % of impervious cover for each
subwatershed, and correlate the results with the storm water and dry
weather runoff monitoring data by subwatershed.
4) The results should be used as a basis for planning for where to
accommodate future growth, as a means for managing urban runoff, and
as a mechanism for implementing "smart growth" strategies.
5) The City should use the subswatershed as the geographic unit for
educating the public about how they can help to "best manage" urban
runoff from their local subwatershed. Perhaps a runoff "report card" could
be developed and published for each subwatershed.
Implementation:
The City is already making a very credible, significant effort at complying with the
new storm /urban water permit; has assessed the problem at Cottonwood Creek
and is implementing a fast track engineering solution; and has formalized a
"partnership" Cooperative Agreement, in recognition of the fact that the City is
part of a larger watershed. "Watershed partnerships represent a new method of
watershed management. Instead of each agency, organization, or individual
working separately, a wide array of stakeholders decide to work cooperatively at
the watershed scale toward improved environmental conditions. Watershed
partnerships are based on the assumption that longer - lasting improvements
result from decentralized, community -based collaborative decision that is made
by those most interested or most affected by the outcome of the decision. These
voluntary partnerships complement the existing regulatory framework of local,
state, and federal agencies and are not intended as a replacement for any
regulatory program (Rea et al. 2003)." These current efforts can be enhanced by
increased understanding of the role impervious cover and guiding future growth
to areas already exhibiting high impervious cover, and discouraging growth in
areas with less than 10% impervious cover.
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