Watershed group taps into the community

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- County representatives and members of the Army Corps of

Engineers are organizing a study on the environmental health of Upper

Newport Bay and the San Diego Creek.

“We want a healthy watershed in Newport Bay,” said county representative

Kathie Matsuyama.

The two-year study will address the protection of the surrounding

habitats, flood protection, improvement of water quality and the

reduction of erosion.

Matsuyama explained that since the end of World War II, commercial

residential development has replaced open space. And with it, there is

increasingly more sediment and pollutants draining into creeks that

eventually flow into Newport Bay.

“The reason we have so many people contributing to the solution -- the

county and the Army Corps -- is because everybody has a stake in this,”

Matsuyama said, adding that there are at least 100 similar studies in

progress all over California.

In addition to meeting mandated requirements in terms of sediment and

toxicity levels, there are a number of problems that could develop if the

issue is left unattended.

These include increasingly poor water quality and a negative impact on

wildlife. Matsuyama cited this summer’s closure of parts of Huntington

Beach as an example of the harmful effects of poor water quality.

In an effort to prevent this, the group has scheduled a public meeting

tonight as the first step in the study process, giving residents an

opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions.

To prepare for environmental studies of the areas, the group is asking

community members to submit any relevant information they might have,

including prior environmental studies and data, as well as suggested

alternatives and any potential restoration measures.

FYI

* WHAT: Public meeting for watershed management study

* WHEN: 6 p.m. today

* WHERE: Irvine Ranch Water District, in the Michelson Treatment Plant

Multipurpose Room, at 3512 Michelson Ave., Irvine