Reviewing Stormwater Management Plans (SWMPs) has been one of our core programs at the Monterey Coastkeeper and the end is near! This spring saw a flurry of activity in getting plans approved in Santa Cruz County—this included 5 municipal SWMPs - most over 300 pages. The Monterey Coastkeeper commented at least once on all of them, and was actively involved in shaping the plans for the City of Santa Cruz, the City of Watsonville and the County of Santa Cruz.

SWMPs are plans to improve practices to prevent pollution—including efforts to educate the public as well as much tougher issues like adopting low-impact design standards to reduce the hydrological impacts of stormwater that runs off of paved (impervious surfaces). This means that getting policy makers to commit (in writing!) to practices that are environmentally necessary can be difficult. It requires constant negotiation over language choices that could make the difference between a loophole and a strong new regulation.

After reviewing multiple drafts of the plans, meeting with public officials, attending public meetings, and gathering environmental stakeholders to discuss the plans, the Monterey Coastkeeper endorsed the Watsonville SWMP and the City of Santa Cruz SWMP. The SWMPs for the County and Scotts Valley went to hearing, where they were approved—each with a list of more than 50 required revisions!

Although we opposed the approval of incomplete SWMPs, we decided not to appeal. One strong argument for getting the plans enrolled as soon as possible is that many agencies have been using their un-enrolled status as an excuse not to make necessary changes in their practices. As the plans are adopted, the Monterey Coastkeeper will stay abreast of their progress and continue fighting for environmentally stronger practices throughout Santa Cruz County.

In addition to the Santa Cruz plans, Monterey Coastkeeper reviewed the King City plan, and a collaborative plan for a coalition of cities in Southern Santa Clara. Of course getting the plans approved is only the beginning, but for now the skies are looking a bit clearer and by the time the rain comes back, the sidewalks should be clean!

The Monterey Regional Stormwater Management Plan negotiated in 2006 will expire in 2011 and will require updating.  Affectionately called the Mr. SWMP (Monterey Regional SWMP), this regional plan is perhaps the most progressive on the Central Coast.