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A More Eco-Friendly Approach to Flood Protection
For the past 40 years, the Valley has relied primarily on channelized arroyos, many of them concrete, to convey stormwaters through the area as quickly as possible.
But the new, more environmentally friendly Stream Management Master Plan’s vision over the next three decades is to create a flood-protection program that relies largely on using the future Chain of Lakes, a series of mined-out gravel pits between Livermore and Pleasanton, to detain stormwater in the Valley.
The stored water would be released downstream only after storms pass through the area – meaning arroyos can be kept in a more natural state than under the channelization method.
Not only significantly less expensive when it comes to flood control, this technical approach also affords opportunities to:
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improve our water supply through groundwater recharge
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enhance arroyo water quality and habitat
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increase the connectivity of trails and recreational opportunities in the Valley
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promote public understanding of our watershed through educational programs
Of the 45 conceptual projects identified in the SMMP, 10 would remove or modify fish-passage barriers in Arroyo Mocho, Arroyo del Valle and Arroyo de la Laguna. Others would restore natural stream flows, replace plants with native types, stabilize stream banks, create wetlands and other habitat for sensitive species, and install trails and educational kiosks near Valley arroyos.
SMMP Funding
The SMMP provides these fundamental flood-protection and collateral benefits for the community and environment for an estimated cost of $839 million. Approximately $546 million of that total is comprised of projects associated with flood protection and stormwater drainage management.
The proportionate share of costs for these flood-control components attributable to new development (17 percent of conveyance projects and 57 percent of storage projects) has been estimated at approximately $210 million.
For a copy of a newly adopted Development Impact Fee Ordinance, to take effect on May 18, 2009, click here. The share of costs for flood protection unrelated to new development will come from other sources.
Being StreamWISE
The agency is working to develop a community-backed implementation plan, called StreamWISE (Waterway Improvements Supporting the Environment), to prioritize projects for completion and to identify a financing plan. This plan could include a portfolio of options such as funding partnerships with other agencies, public and private grants, publicly supported bonds, financial support from the state, etc. For information on StreamWISE, click here.
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