Rain to Rubbish
Source: Stu News Newport – https://stunewsnewport.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/14903-guest-column-hon-robyn-gran-041823
A close-up example of the trash interceptor
March showers have given way to April flowers. The recent storms left in their wake perfect conditions throughout Southern California for thriving vegetation – a super bloom resulting in lush landscapes carpeted with abundant wildflowers.
The storms also replenished many of our major water supply reservoirs and significantly refilled our groundwater basin, resulting in higher-than-average levels compared to many years when these resources remained in limited supply indefinitely.
These same storms have another, less favorable effect on our community, as Newport Beach is at the end of the water “pipe” when it comes to trash and debris flow. Much of the trash deposited on our local beaches and in our bay originates inland. It is transported here during rain events through storm drains, flood control channels, and rivers and creeks. The result, a significant increase in trash and debris hurtling downstream and depositing in our midst. This includes pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, animal and human waste, and oil and car debris, as well as common trash.
The city takes the impact of this trash very seriously. Street sweeping covers 36,000 miles a year keeping debris from reaching our waterways. Maintenance crews clear close to 800 tons of material from our beaches each year. A “debris boom” in Upper Newport Bay collects an additional 80 tons a year. The Harbor Department pitches in to clear floating debris after storm events. Other measures include storm drain and catch basin capture devices and marina trash skimmers deployed throughout the bay.
Conceptual photo showing trash interceptor positioned in San Diego Creek just above entry into the Back Bay
Another project in the works: The city is planning to install a water wheel trash interceptor 800 feet upstream from Upper Newport Bay. The 17-foot-tall wheel on a 70-square-foot barge (picture a conch shell crossed with a steamboat) will be permanently docked to intercept up to 80% of the trash flowing from inland Orange County before it can hit Newport Harbor and the open ocean.
In addition to city efforts, there are steps each of us can take to be mindful of our beautiful coastline:
– Place all waste in the appropriate containers, whether organic, recyclable, or regular trash.
– Pick up after pets. Animal waste can carry disease and parasites harmful to marine life as well as contaminate swimming areas with bacteria.
– Use environmentally friendly products inside and outside the home. Non-organic insect and rodent pesticides and fertilizers can enter and harm ocean and bay environments and wildlife.
– Practice good automotive maintenance. Use biodegradable and phosphate-free car washing products. Repair leaks and contain oil drippings for proper disposal.
– Eliminate single-use items like straws and carry-away food containers.
– Consciously reduce the amount of waste you create by reusing, repurposing, and recycling.
The good news is that more and more people are ready to work together to keep our city, beaches and bay in good shape. It’s easy to make a positive impact – get educated on waterwise environmental practices, implement safe household routines and volunteer for one of the many community beach cleanups that occur throughout the year.
Link: https://stunewsnewport.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/14903-guest-column-hon-robyn-gran-041823
Visitors to Newport Beach today might know the coastal Southern California city from “The Real Housewives,” “The O.C.” and “Arrested Development,” all of which were set amid its rolling green hills and picture-perfect beaches. But I had come to Newport Beach to commune with the stars of Old Hollywood, who began staking their claim to this idyllic spot just one hour south of Los Angeles during the silent film era.
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, Newport Beach’s lure was not so much its land, dotted as it was with big-band ballrooms and smoke-filled cocktail bars. It was its water, and specifically the sprawling recreational harbor where the stars docked their yachts and sailboats.
Continue reading at The New York Times…
Photo Credit: Beth Coller/The New York Times
After taking over management of the moorings from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol last summer, Harbormaster Dennis Durgan provided a “Year in Review” summary for the Newport Beach Harbor Commission on Wednesday.
Commissioners asked a few questions and expressed support for the work the Harbormaster team has done over the past 15 months.
“I think your numbers speak for themselves,” Commissioner John Drayton said. “You’ve really done a fantastic job.”
Among many other reported statistics, between July 1, 2017, and June 30, the Harbormaster team has recorded 2,144 general assists, 962 wake or speed advisements, 662 mooring checks, 253 pier/dock/bridge issues (includes jumping, fishing, time limits, and gangway issues), and 19 emergency calls to either OCSD Harbor Patrol or NB police.
The city of Newport Beach, steadily considered a premier boating destination, has made strides, in the last year, to improve services, amenities and educational information available to recreational boaters, residents and tourists. A model was also introduced for a freshly conceived Harbor Department, which also happens to be “new to the world,” according to several city officials.
“A lot has happened/is happening with harbor operations over the past year,” Tara Finnigan, Deputy City Manager, said in an email to The Log. “A lot of thought and effort went into the department structure that the city council approved on June 12.”
In addition to approving the department structure, council members approved the new budget of $1.1 million – up around $200,000 from last year’s budget – to be included in the 2018-19 fiscal year at the June 26 meeting.
Photo Credit: Devon Warren/The Log
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