Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Water Quality Group Enhanced Watershed Management Program
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Description
The Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Water Quality Group (RH/SGRWQG) Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP) is a comprehensive, groundbreaking program that provides a path to achieving important water quality objectives by specified milestone dates.
The RH/SGRWQG consists of the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), and Cities of Arcadia, Azusa, Bradbury, Duarte, Monrovia, and Sierra Madre. The Group is located in the eastern portion of the Los Angeles River Watershed Management Area and the upper portion of the urban San Gabriel River Watershed Management Area. The EWMP area encompasses approximately 42 square miles of predominately residential and open space land use.
The EWMP, approved by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) on
April 21, 2016, identifies the water quality priorities that are most relevant to the RH/SGRWQG based on water quality data measured in the area. These priorities are the focus of various implementation efforts to meet water quality objectives, including those identified in the Los Angeles County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Several of the RH/SGRWQG member cities fall within both the Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River Watersheds.
The EWMP also identifies existing Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented by the RH/SGRWQG. An approach to selecting distributed BMPs, such as green streets, is included, and proposed streets are identified so that load reductions can be achieved, allowing the RH/SGRWQG to plan future projects. Ten regional-scale BMP project concepts were developed and included in the EWMP. These BMP projects are multi-benefit, working not only to enhance water quality, but also to improve water conservation and bolster the quality of life within their communities.
Other major components of the EWMP included watershed control measures; a Reasonable Assurance Analysis (RAA) detailing the modeling system, calibration process, and baseline conditions; control measure implementation schedule and cost; and an adaptive management process. Tasks outlined in the EWMP included developing project concepts for groundwater recharge and water quality enhancement; developing an EWMP Work Plan, RAA, and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP); regional project planning and screening; and meetings between the RH/SGRWQG and Regional Board to discuss progress.
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