Model Schools Recognized For Innovative
Water Quality Programs
Six local schools have recently been recognized as Model Schools in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Bonny Doon Elementary, Carmel Middle, Chualar Elementary, Gateway, Happy Valley Elementary and Pajaro Valley High schools have successfully implemented projects aimed at reducing erosion and runoff from each school campus, directly decreasing the negative effects of urban non point source pollution flowing into the Monterey Bay.
According to the PEW Oceans Commission’s Report to the Nation "non point source pollution from urban sprawl has lead to the degradation of more than 60% of our coastal rivers." The Model School Program was designed to directly address this issue by working with school staff to collaboratively identify the sources of urban non point source pollution on each campus. Non point source (NPS) pollution is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as pollution that is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and even our underground sources of drinking water. Some examples of NPS pollutants include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, sediment runoff due to erosion, and nitrates from pet waste and faulty septic systems.
Local Need for the Model School Program
In the Central Coast area, urban development is occurring at a rapid rate. With increased population comes increased application of pesticides per capita. Additionally, most people using pesticides have little training or knowledge of the chemicals they are using, Integrated Pest Management (less toxic methods of controlling problem pests and weeds) or the connection of urban applications of pesticides to water quality.
School district staff and contracted professional landscapers, who serve both residential and commercial clients, have a significant impact on water quality due to the large amount of land and property they manage, and in how they address unique pest problems, landscape challenges and other conditions on the sites they manage. Ensuring that key staff has the skills, tools, incentives and help with implementing practices that are designed to protect water quality on their sites is critical for improving water quality in our region.
Specific Impacts of the Model School Program
Water Quality and Pest Assessments were completed at each location to determine reduced risk solutions to address individual challenges, and Pollution Prevention (P2) teams were established to help implement recommended practices and campus improvements. Furthermore, education, training and technical assistance were provided to facilitate the implementation of recommended improvements, ensure the long-term sustainability of the project and guarantee continued erosion reduction for years to come.
Gateway and Happy Valley chose to implement Low Impact Designs (LIDs) to reduce the potential impact their school may have on the surrounding environment and water quality. Gateway installed three cisterns that are designed to divert, filter and capture over 52,000 gallons of water annually which can then be utilized to water landscape. Happy Valley installed French Drains that will divert 224,023 gallons of storm water each year and reduce erosion and ponding issues on their campus.
Carmel Middle, Chualar Elementary and Bonny Doon Elementary schools all implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs). As a result of Carmel’s work, the project reduced sediment runoff near Carmel River, which flows into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, decreased source pollutant loads in the amount of 429 cubic yards of sediment over ten years. Chualar’s hedgerow will reduce soil erosion in the amount of 1.28 tons over ten years and Bonny Doon’s pathway, plantings and mulch will prevent 8 to 10 cubic yards of soil erosion over the next 10 years
Pajaro Valley High School implemented an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for their football field. This project improved the turf health and resulted in a reduction of nitrogen fertilizer nutrients in the amount of 2.53 tons over ten years. In addition, the reduced need for weed control with improved turf health, avoided the use of up to 100 gallons of weed herbicide over 10 years, thereby protecting the surrounding sensitive Harkins Slough habitat from potential nutrient and herbicide chemical runoff.
In addition, five of the six schools participated in the classroom technical assistance and education component of the Model School Program, which brought about not only student and teacher stewardship for our local rivers and streams, but also community stewardship by inviting volunteers to assist where appropriate.
To get your school involved in watershed education, you can contact the Santa Cruz Resource Conservation District. They are continuing to work in the classrooms with Watershed Cruzin, an integrated watershed restoration program. To get your school involved in projects on your campus, contact your principal or superintendent, or talk with your local School Board.
Program Contact
Kyrrha Sevco
Ecology Action
Phone: 831.426.5925 ext. 109
Fax: 831.425.1404
Email
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