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District shows off creeks and flood protection plan
By Steven Raphael
The phrase "wet and wild" has a different meaning for the Santa Clara Valley Water District than for most people.
The district unveiled its proposed Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection plan at an open house last week. The plan proposes to restore and maintain the South Bay's own wetland wilderness--those natural habitats along county rivers and streams. The 15-year plan would also provide flood protection for homes, businesses and transportation networks in the Santa Clara Valley.
To design the plan, the district spent the last two years gathering comments from communities on the needs, priorities and expectations of residents. Consequently, the plan has received support from 13 local governments and 19 other groups. It will likely be added to the November ballot for voter approval.
If the plan is approved, an estimated $328 million will be applied toward flood protection. The funds will come from a special parcel tax, amounting to an average of $39 per year for each homeowner. This will replace a recently expired benefit assessment.
According to Mala Magill, a district spokesperson, Willow Glen is the next area scheduled to receive increased flood protection.
"Willow Glen is one of the areas in Santa Clara County that's most susceptible to flooding from the Guadalupe River," Magill said. "It is one of our highest priorities."
The plan also calls for streams to be monitored for known pollutants that can infiltrate drinking water. Naturally occurring mercury and the pesticide-byproducts of diazinon are two of the chemicals that the district will measure.
Another aspect of the plan involves measures to protect the natural qualities, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities associated with waterways. That includes tasks such as creek restoration, graffiti removal and pollution control.
"The degradation of the quality of creeks has been a byproduct of development," explained Magill. As the region has expanded, businesses and homes have been built closer and closer to creeks, which has prompted the removal of natural vegetation, Magill said.
Because of this, some animals are no longer able to reach the streams and some fish can't navigate increasingly clogged waterways.
The plan calls for increased efforts to remove trash and debris from streams, clean graffiti from floodwalls and control erosion, which the district hopes will prevent streams from being blocked by sediment. Further efforts will be made to restore natural habitats.
District officials hope that replanting native trees and plant species will help animals and birds return to their original habitats. Other measures planned include a program for fish ladders to help fish navigate clogged streams.
"It's a quality of life issue," Magill said. "Do we really want to live in a community where the creeks are lined with concrete?"
For more information on the plan, contact the Santa Clara Valley Water District at 408.265.2607, ext. 2238, or visit the water district's website at www.heynoah.com.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
