This project represents a long-term effort, funded by the City and the USIBWC since 2002, to utilize satellite and aerial imagery to better understand regional water quality conditions off San Diego. The project is conducted by Ocean Imaging (Littleton, CO), and is focused on detecting and tracking the dispersion of wastewater plumes from local ocean outfalls and nearshore sediment plumes caused by stormwater runoff or outflows from local bays and rivers.

Annual reports produced by Ocean Imaging ensure compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit Special Studies requirements.