Green Infrastructure and Water Quality Improvement Projects
The County of San Diego is working to improve water quality through effective stormwater management and infrastructure investments. The County is working to implement projects that treat stormwater and irrigation runoff, reduce specific pollutants impacting local waterbodies, and remove trash from the County’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Green infrastructure and capital improvement projects are identified to support the priorities established in the Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPs) for each of the eight watersheds that are in the unincorporated county. Water quality treatment strategies employed include biofiltration/retention basins, tree wells, pervious pavement, and screen/filter devices. Where possible, the County seeks to implement multi-benefit projects that improve water quality while also enhancing our resiliency to climate change and contributing to unincorporated communities that are sustainable and thriving.
Interested in projects that are out to bid? Please refer to the County’s online procurement system, BuyNet.
Long-Range Planning Documents
Current Projects
In Development: Cole Grade Road Enhanced BMP (Valley Center)
In Development: Woodside Avenue Green Streets and Sidewalks (Lakeside)
Recently Completed Projects
- Riverside Drive Channel Retrofit Project (Lakeside)
A Green Streets Master Plan (GSMP) is being developed to identify multi-benefit green streets opportunities within the village areas of the western draining watersheds in the unincorporated County. Green streets are projects that implement green infrastructure BMPs within the County’s road right-of-way (ROW) to capture, slow, and filter stormwater. These BMPs are designed to treat runoff from impervious areas such as streets, sidewalks, and adjacent land areas. When integrated with complete streets and within development projects, they create additional urban greening and support walking, biking, and transit use, which in-turn supports economic, health, environmental, and community benefits.
Trash Order Implementation Plan
In 2015, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted regulations requiring local agencies to control the discharge of trash from the MS4 into surface waters (Trash Amendments). The Trash Amendments, which establish trash narrative water quality objectives, will be incorporated into the MS4 Permit upon its reissuance (currently scheduled for late 2021), and will prohibit the discharge of trash into the storm drain system. The County of San Diego has selected to implement measures to install, operate, and maintain full capture systems for all storm drains that capture runoff from priority land uses in the unincorporated County. For more information, please view the Trash Amendments Track 1 Implementation Plan submitted to the Regional Water Quality Control Board on December 3, 2018.
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