Riparian Waters/Wetlands Ecosystem Restoration, City of Pacifica, California, Lower Calera Creek Wetland Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The Lower Calera Creek Riparian Ecosystem Restoration Project in Pacifica, California, involved the re-siting of a state-of-the-art water recycling facility in the Calera Valley, and the discharge of tertiary-treated effluent into a restored reach of Calera Creek prior to its entry into the Pacific Ocean. L.C. Lee & Associates, Inc.(LCLA) provided regulatory assistance, project management, horticultural expertise, and restoration design and construction oversight for all activities involved in the restoration of the lower Calera Creek ecosystem. Construction was completed in January 2001. LCLA conducted the first three years of compliance monitoring and maintenance oversight.

calera creek.jpg

In the mid 1980's, the City of Pacifica, California was required to construct a new water recycling facility as a result of non-compliance with water quality standards at an existing wastewater treatment facility. LCLA initially was retained by Pacifica to assess several possible alternatives for the new treatement plant and associated water/wetlands, and after a thorough review of existing sites, assisted Pacifica in identifying the lower Calera Creek site as the preferred project alternative. LCLA worked with Pacifica and its engineering consultant to develop a plan whereby tertiary discharge fromt he new water recycling facility could be directed into a restored creek channel and riparian wetlands before exiting into the Pacific Ocean. As part of the identification of project alternatives, LCLA identified and delineated existing waters of the U.S., including wetlands (waters/wetlands), and the proposed project site. Then, LCLA developed a wetland and riparian ecosystem restoration design for the new stream channel and associated wetlands using the HGM functional assessment protocol. The design called for restoration of 17 acres of waters/wetlands, and construction of approximately 3,500 feet of restored channel. 

another frog.jpg

The Lower Calera Creek Riparian Ecosystem Restoration Project included restoration of breeding and foraging habitat for the federally threatened San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) and the federally threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). Throughout this effort, ESNRM scientists solicited the participation of private and public entities, individuals, and other interested stakeholders in the project, including groups such as Pacifica Environmental Family and the local chapter of the Surfriders Foundation. Also as part of this restoration effort, LCLA assisted Pacifica in the construction of three citizen-run nursery facilities within city limits to propagate the majority of the nursery stock required for the restoration effort.

In 2000, The Calera Creek Project garnered the following notable environmental awards: 

  • Outstanding Environmental Achievement, Earth Day 2000  Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX,U.S.
  • San Mateo County Sustainability Award 2000
  • California Legislature Assembly Resolution #3110, congratulating the City of Pacifica for success of Calera Creek Water Recycling Facility
  • Certificates of Recognition also were received in 2000 from Assemblyman Lou Papan, State Senator Jackie Speirer, Congressman Tom Lantos, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, and State Senator Byron Sher. A commendation for the project was received from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.