On Feb. 12, federal, state and local officials joined Channelside Water Resources to commemorate the breach of Pond 15, the return of tidal flow to the area for the first time in 50 years.
This is a historic milestone for the Otay River Estuary Restoration Project as Pond 15 has not seen active tidal flow since the 1970s. This illustrates its pivotal role in creating new foraging, nesting and breeding habitats for colonial nesting seabirds, migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and salt-marsh dependent species.
Channelside is also celebrating the completion of the third season of work on the Otay River Estuary Restoration Project, a milestone over 10 years in the making. A joint effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the project aims to create, restore, and enhance 125 acres of coastal wetlands and salt-marsh habitat within South San Diego Bay.
“The Otay River Estuary Restoration Project is a huge undertaking and a clear testament to the steadfast commitment from all agency partners involved,” said Channelside Chief Executive Officer Greg Amparano in a press release. “We’re proud of our progress so far and remain wholly committed to both the environment and communities we serve.”
This marks the completion of the project’s earthwork phase, facilitating the regeneration of native flora and fauna, helping to fulfill Channelside’s commitment to environmental conservation as part of the permitting for the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. Once completed, the restoration will replenish and revitalize this habitat, restoring the area back to its natural conditions.
San Diego Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham said the following years of coastal receding caused by climate change.
“This project has made significant progress to revitalize the ecosystem. The restoration illustrated a long-term dedication to sustainability initiatives that support both water security and environmental health,” he said.
Building off the environmental importance of coastal wetlands, the estuary also holds an immense regional value to residents throughout Imperial Beach and South San Diego County. Further, these marshlands serve as an essential part of Imperial Beach’s approach to protecting its shoreline and adapting to rising sea levels.
Channelside Chief Operations Officer Michelle Peters said as responsible environmental stewards dedicated to serving local communities, they value creating healthier, more resilient coastlines that can be enjoyed for generations.
“Projects like this protect opportunities for people to connect with their local environment, allowing them to form habits that enable the protection of our natural resources,” said Peters.
In addition to environmental benefits, Channelside announced that the facility recently achieved the milestone of delivering 125 billion gallons of fresh, desalinated drinking water since beginning commercial operations in 2015. Paired with ongoing environmental conservation efforts like the Otay River Estuary Restoration Project, the agency has solidified its position as the sole provider of the region’s environmentally friendly, sustainable water supply in an era of increasing scarcity.
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the result of a 30-year water purchase agreement between Channelside Water Resources and the San Diego County Water Authority. A recently published study confirmed that the facility’s adherence to strict environmental regulations has been successful. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is not discharging toxic substances to the detriment of the environment and has not disturbed the receiving water quality or environment outside the brine mixing zone.
For more information about the ongoing restoration efforts, please visit the project website at carlsbaddesal.com/mitigation and https://fws.gov/story/otay-river-estuary-restoration-project.
