SFPUC 2001 Alameda Watershed Management Plan

XII. SUMMARY OF COMMMENTS AND RESPONSESB. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSESH. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITYComment H-1: “ACWD has a strong interest in protecting and preserving the water quality inAlameda Creek, and, therefore is especially interested in the SFPUC’s policies and programs asthey relate to watershed issues in the Alameda Creek watershed. Because 36,000 acres ofproperty owned by the SFPUC is within the southern portion of the Alameda Creek watershed(which is a source of ACWD’s local water supplies), ACWD is concerned with potential impactsthat management policies may have on downstream water quality. As you know, ACWD hasmaintained a long term commitment to watershed protection and to assuring the health and safetyof water supplies on which our customers depend.Based on our review of the Alameda Watershed Management Plan and the DEIR, we commendthe SFPUC on the effort and quality of work put forth in developing the Plan. The policies andprograms in the Plan appear to meet the stated goal of maintaining and protecting water qualityfor the SFPUC and its suburban customers. However, we also encourage SFPUC to continueactive participation in other local watershed planning efforts, including the on-going developmentof the Upper Alameda Creek Watershed Management Program. This effort is critical in ensuringthat the beneficial uses of Alameda Creek and all of its tributaries are maintained and protectedthroughout the greater watershed.” (Alameda County Water District)Comment H-2: “Management Action con2 includes the use of reclaimed water for various uses.The Department would consider the use of reclaimed water in the watershed as a potentiallysignificant impact to water quality with potentially significant adverse physical effects. TheDepartment makes recommendations to the Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding usesof reclaimed water. The Department would, through its own authority, reevaluate theeffectiveness of SFPUC treatment facilities if reclaimed water were used on the watershed.”(Department of Health Services, Drinking Water Field Operations Branch)Comment H-3: “Management Action des8 and sun17 and Policies WA15.2 and WA15.4 couldhave a significant impact on water quality. Specific implementation information is not included.Depending on implementation, these activities could directly affect water quality through theintroduction of contaminants, pathogenic organisms and sediments. Section III.D (page III D14)states that these impacts would indirectly affect water quality.” (Department of Health Services,Drinking Water Field Operations Branch)Comment H-4: “Golf Course Expansion – Careful golf course design and management areimportant to reduce adverse impacts to water quality caused by sedimentation, pesticides,fertilizers, and other course maintenance. A chemical application and management plan(CHAMP) and/or an integrated golf course management plan (IGCMP) should be prepared andutilized by the course management staff to ensure compliance with state water quality standards.”(Regional Water Quality Control Board)Comment H-5: “Project Planning – We encourage the project proponent and the lead agencyto obtain a copy of Start at the Source, a design guidance manual for storm water qualityNOP 96.223E: Alameda Watershed Management Plan C&R.41 ESA / 930385