Appendix A Water Quality Memo - Laserfiche WebLink

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17 structural source control BMPs, which would include use of efficient irrigation systems and landscape design, water conservation, smart controllers to reduce water usage. There are no other demands for harvested water that exist in the Project area. Recreational or Commercial Fisheries The beneficial uses of the Santa Ana River do not include commercial and sportfishing (COMM). In addition, the river is not used for water-related recreation or commercial fishing within or adjacent to the Project area. Therefore, the proposed Project would not have an adverse effect on recreational or commercial fisheries. Other Water-Related Recreation Although the beneficial uses of Reach 1 of the Santa Ana River include Water Contact Recreation (REC-1) and Non-Contact Water Recreation (REC-2), the river is not used for water-related recreation within or adjacent to the Project area. Therefore, the proposed Project would not have an adverse effect on water-related recreation. Aesthetics of the Aquatic Environment The SART is a multi-use recreational trail that parallels both sides the Santa Ana River within the Project area. The Santa Ana River is an aesthetic component that contributes to the enjoyment of users of the SART, particularly when water is present within the river. Trash and debris, oil and grease, nutrients, and sediment can detract from the aesthetics of a waterbody. Trash and debris can accumulate in the waterways. Oil and grease float on the water surface and often have a distinctive sheen and/or smell. Sediment increases turbidity and can turn water a murky brown color. Nutrients can promote algal blooms and reduce the clarity of surface waters. The Project has the potential to impact the aesthetics of the Santa Ana River by increasing pollutant loading. However, the disturbance area and increase in impervious area is minimal and construction and operational BMPs would be implemented to reduce pollutants of concern in runoff. Therefore, the proposed Project would not have an adverse effect on the aesthetics of the aquatic environment. Parks, National and Historic Monuments, National Seashores, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and Wilderness Areas The Santa Ana River is not designated as a wild and scenic river by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In addition, there are no national or historic monuments, national seashores, or wilderness areas in the vicinity of the Project area. No resources listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Historical Landmarks were identified as part of the draft Historic Property Survey Report (LSA 2019a) and Historic Resources Evaluation Report (LSA 2019b) prepared for the proposed Project. However, the SART parallels both sides of the Santa Ana River in the Project area. As discussed previously, the Santa Ana River is an aesthetic component that contributes to the enjoyment of users of this resource, particularly when water is present within the river. As also discussed previously, trash and debris, oil and grease, nutrients, and sediment can detract from the aesthetics of a waterbody. The Project has the potential to impact the aesthetics of the Santa Ana River by increasing pollutant loading. However, the disturbance area and increase in impervious area is minimal and construction and operational BMPs would be implemented to reduce pollutants of concern in runoff. Therefore, the proposed Project would not have an adverse water quality related effect on the use of the SART.