Ballona Creek Watershed Task Force

PURPOSE


SUMMARY
Established in August 2001, the Ballona Creek Watershed Task Force is a stakeholder group responsible for the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan. Included on the task force are members from state water quality and resource management agencies, municipalities in the watershed, environmental organizations, and community groups. The SMBRP was instrumental in applying for and obtaining a $200,000 grant for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LAC-DPW) to fund the Watershed Management Plan development.
The objectives of the management plan are:

• Identify target areas for control of pollutant sources,
• Identify potential to restore natural habitats and open spaces,
• Select and prioritize cost-effective measures to achieve water quality improvement and restoration goals, and
• Develop a community-based watershed monitoring program.

Malibu Creek Watershed Executive Advisory Council

PURPOSE


SUMMARY
The SMBRC participates on the Malibu Creek Watershed Executive Advisory Council, which was established in the early 1990s to address the watershed pollution and restoration issues of Malibu Creek and its tributaries. Members of the Council include representatives of several local and state agencies, five municipalities, local organizations, environmental groups, and the public at large. Throughout its tenure, the role of the Council has been to oversee, instigate, and implement both upper and lower Malibu Creek watershed restoration activities. More specifically, the group's role has been to:

• Call attention to watershed service opportunities (including grants, studies, pilot demonstration projects, partnerships, and events)
• Promote/implement watershed protection and restoration projects
• Help secure funding opportunities such as Proposition A bond funds and US EPA/State 205(j) grants and 319(h)
• Oversee subcommittee activities; and
• Serve as an information sharing and clearinghouse outlet

Best Management Practice Task Force

PURPOSE


SUMMARY
The SMBRC participates on the County-led Best Management Practice (BMP) Task Force. This group was convened in 2001 to address the BMP requirements called for in various NPDES permits, including the Municipal Storm Water permit, and to explore viable solutions for BMP implementation. Priorities of the Task Force include:

• Preparing guidelines for evaluating BMPs;
• Developing an objective standard plans and specifications book for BMP selection and implementation;
• Developing guidelines for coordinating regional solutions and broad BMPs;
• Developing a website/list serve to disseminate information; and
• Creating a forum for exploring financing mechanisms.

Topanga Watershed Committee

PURPOSE


SUMMARY
The Topanga Watershed Committee was formed in 1998 with funding from the California Department of Conservation. Its mission is to coordinate and implement a consensus-based, voluntary, sustainable, Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP) that integrates the needs and concerns of the community while addressing all aspects of watershed ecology and management. The Watershed Committee represents all stakeholders in the Topanga Creek watershed. The Bay Commission is represented on both the Watershed Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee. Priority issues for both committees include:

• Creek restoration and bank stabilization
• Lagoon restoration
• Water quality improvement and
• Septic system maintenance issues

Rindge Dam Committee

PURPOSE


SUMMARY
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California State Parks are conducting a Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, focusing on ecosystem restoration and Rindge Dam removal issues. These agencies, along with the Bay Restoration Commission, the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, several non-governmental organizations, and private citizens are supplying technical expertise and input with regards to

• Restoring hydrologic functions and sediment transport.
• Potential beneficial uses of sediment, including beach nourishment.
• Maintaining existing flood protection.
• Enhancing terrestrial and aquatic habitat.
• Protecting sensitive and endangered species, including Steelhead trout.

Septic System Management Task Force

PURPOSE


SUMMARY
In January 2000, the SMBRP established a multi-agency Task Force on Septic System Management in the northern Santa Monica Bay watersheds. The Bay Project brought together key members of state and local regulatory agencies, municipalities, environmental organizations and health departments to:

• address the potential human health and water quality problems associated with the discharge of waste from residential and commercial septic systems and
• develop recommendations for improving management of septic systems in unsewered areas of the Bay's watersheds.