SUPER alternatives offered

A consultant hired by the city supported the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and county assessments of the degradation of Aliso Creek, but was at odds with the recommendations for restoring and cleaning it up.

The council voted unanimously after hearing the consultant’s report June 2 to spend another $1,000 to incorporate public comments, questions, recommendations and objectives expressed at the meeting into the report and send it, along with a copy of the minutes of the agenda item and a cover letter from mayor summarizing friendly suggestions, to the county and the corps.

“We agree with the county and the corps — the creek is eroding,” said consultant Nick Garrity from the firm of Philip Williams & Associates LTD. “However, we think there are alternatives to proposals that would better meet the city’s goals.”

PWA was hired to evaluate the county proposal and corps study in relationship to community goals and policies and to provide comments for the corps’ draft environmental report.

The county’s proposal is dubbed the SUPER Project, shorthand for Stabilization, Utility Protection and Environmental Restoration of the creek. It calls for the construction of 24 concrete grade control structures to stabilize the creek.

The project also includes proposals to fill the channel and consequent new flood plain, by up to almost 30 feet, to counter previous erosion; reconnect the former flood plain and allow fish to pass over the structures and a bridge; and regrading the banks in some areas.

However, Garrity opined that the structures would severely impact the habitat and the report questions the need for 24 structures. Half the number would do the job, he said, maybe even less and none under some scenarios.

“We commend them [PWA] for challenging conclusions and coming up with alternatives,” said Scott Sebastian, a member of the city’s Environmental Committee, who urged support for the PWA report.

“We need to figure out and synthesize a cohesive community program or say this is what issues we are interested in.”

Among the possible alternatives offered by PWA:

 Preserve the existing channel and flood plain with the use of a minimum number of 2-foot drop structures that would minimize impacts and reduce construction costs;

 Consider using non-grouted boulders for 2-foot drop structures that are likely to improve habitat and natural aesthetics;