Santa Rosa Creek (and tribs) is a mess. The waterbody is listed as impaired for pathogens, temperature, sediment, nutrients, etc.. Not much is going on, in the case of the City, in terms of restoration and/or protect beneficial uses by limiting pollutant inputs. This problem exacerbates conditions on the Laguna – which intern compromises with the City’s waste water NPDES permit.
The City’s Stormwater Ordinance and implementation program is out to lunc (ineffective and not be enforced). This adversely influences the problems mentioned above.
My suggestions to start to initiate remedy (areas where the City can start working )are:
* Put more toilets where indigent folks can have access and not poop in the Creek(s).
* Do better enforcement on storm water issues.
* Initiate an education and enforcement program for dog poop control
* Do more waste water recycling for irrigation. This suggests less need for nutrients to support plant growth as the recycled water is nutrient rich.
* Ask SR residents, via an education program, to use less nutrients for lawns and gardens
* Work with, and/or comment on, Sonoma County programs (i.e. GP 2020) where the County has jurisdiction on responsibility for activities that effect Santa Rosa Creek and Laguna resources.
* Get expert opinion for basis in Santa Rosa Creek (and tributary) activities that would provide protection and restorative process.
Finally: The Laguna ( and Russian River) TMDL will indicate activity necessary to comply with beneficial uses protection for Santa Rosa Creek as well as the Laguna. Consultation with the Regional Board staff to address issue will be necessary. It would be wise to start this process immediately so as not to waste money and resources.
Alan Levine