Facing fines, Escondido promises to clean creek 
The San Diego Union - Tribune; San Diego, Calif.; Sep 26, 2000; Kim Peterson; 

Abstract:
That warning followed a June inspection of the creek, which flows from Lake Wohlford northeast of
Escondido through the city, eventually emptying into the San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas. The 13 miles
of creek in the city has been a concrete channel since the late 1960s, but much of the rest of it is in
a natural state.

The city said it plans to remove piles of sediment from the creek within the next two to three
months as part of the Escondido Creek Enhancement Project. The sediment is the result of soil
washing into concrete-lined areas of the creek and flowing to areas were it is a natural channel.

Trash buildup in the creek has decreased significantly this year since the city began using more
contract laborers to maintain the channel. In June, the city reduced creek inspections to about twice
a month.

Full Text:
Copyright SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY Sep 26, 2000


Head varies | Editions vary

ESCONDIDO -- Facing violation notices and under threat of large fines, the city has sent the state a
detailed list of its efforts to keep Escondido Creek clean.

The city submitted the documentation Friday to the state Regional Water Quality Control Board, which had
issued a warning letter in August saying Escondido could be fined up to $25,000 a day for violating
pollution laws.

That warning followed a June inspection of the creek, which flows from Lake Wohlford northeast of
Escondido through the city, eventually emptying into the San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas. The 13 miles of
creek in the city has been a concrete channel since the late 1960s, but much of the rest of it is in a natural
state.

People have complained that the creek was littered with mattresses, plastic bags, foam cups and other
garbage and debris. The state board's inspection was prompted by such complaints.

The board had asked the city to answer by Friday 17 questions covering a variety of topics, including how
the city inspects the creek and what the city is doing to fight specific pollutants.

Among the city's responses:

The city said it plans to remove piles of sediment from the creek within the next two to three months as part
of the Escondido Creek Enhancement Project. The sediment is the result of soil washing into
concrete-lined areas of the creek and flowing to areas were it is a natural channel.

Gravel piles, adjacent to the creek and west of Harmony Grove Road, also will be removed as part of the
enhancement project. The piles are a result of street repair projects that were done 15 to 20 years ago.

Over the past year, the city has responded to 378 requests for storm water-related service, including
roadway debris and spills, drainage problems and illegal dumping.

Trash buildup in the creek has decreased significantly this year since the city began using more contract
laborers to maintain the channel. In June, the city reduced creek inspections to about twice a month.

Discharge of chlorine and detergent into the creek from a carwash on Auto Park Way has been stopped.

Pat Thomas, city public works director, said he thinks the city's response will go a long way toward
alleviating the water board's concerns.

"A lot of the questions had to do with programs that we already had in place, basically," he said.

The water board's staff has begun looking at the city's response, said Art Coe, an assistant executive
director at the agency.

Credit: STAFF WRITER


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