Project Overview

The City of San Diego Storm Water Pollution Prevention Division has received grant funding from the State of California to restore Chollas Creek. There are two grants: the San Diego Region Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Education and Outreach Project grant and the Chollas Creek Water Quality Protection & Habitat Enhancement Project grant. Both grants are funded by the State Water Resources Control Board with funds approved by voters in the Proposition 13 Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grant Program.

Both grants are concentrating their efforts in the Chollas Creek Watershed. The creek winds its way from the cities of Lemon Grove and La Mesa before cutting through the heart of the City of San Diego. Along it’s way to San Diego Bay, Chollas Creek collects pollutants that are unhealthy for aquatic life and humans. In 2002, Chollas Creek was identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an impaired water body with high concentrations of diazinon, coliform, and metals such as cadmium, copper, zinc and lead. In its current state, the Creek has also become a major collector of trash and debris.

The purpose of these two grants is to improve the health of Chollas Creek, improve water quality, alleviate flooding, and provide essential pollution prevention information to residents and businesses who will sustain the creek improvements beyond the life of the grants. Enhancing Chollas Creek will also further the community’s efforts to create a natural linear park and trail system.