RIHE-5.3-SA3Maximize planning and implementation of green infrastructure at watershed scale and site specific with focused stakeholder engagement efforts in Communities of Concern

Green infrastructure benefits both communities and the environment by improving aesthetics, raising property values, cutting emissions, and boosting flood resilience and water quality. San Diego's Stormwater Department invests in green infrastructure to combat flooding and water pollution. Green infrastructure, like permeable surfaces and rain barrels, acts as a sponge, filtering pollution and managing stormwater safely. The department uses a Watershed Asset Management Plan to prioritize investments in physical and programmatic assets, considering social, environmental, and economic factors. Projects are assessed using the Climate Equity Index to ensure fairness and prioritize funding for long-term planning.

Click the project links below for complete descriptions and timeline.

Projects currently in the construction phase

• Logan Heights LID South – Project proposes a combination of bioretention, biofiltration, and proprietary biofiltration (Bioclean) to treat stormwater runoff of seven drainage areas within Logan Heights neighborhood. The proposed BMPs are generally located along Newton Ave between South 29th Street and South 33rd Street. The project is intended to capture and treat 0.5 inches of storm water runoff.

Projects currently in the preliminary engineering or design phase

• Serra Mesa Storm Drain & GI – Project improvements includes work within the Right of Way (ROW) and Canyon area to realign and extend the existing storm drain to the well-defined low point within the Canyon area to avoid erosion. Proposed green infrastructure includes seven (7) storm drain outfalls and 13 Biofiltration Bulbouts and 1 proprietary biofiltration (Bioclean).
• Green Infrastructure Group 1014 – Project proposes proprietary storm treatment facilities: Old Castle storm capture module and Filterra biofiltration. BMPs will capture and treat 0.5 inches before releasing water into the Chollas Creek. The proposed BMPs are generally located along Polk Ave between 45th Street and Menlo Ave.
• Green Infrastructure Group 1024 – Project proposes construction of below grade biofiltration basins along T Street and Dominion Street.
• Green Infrastructure Group 1027 – Project will install proprietary biofiltrations (Bioclean), dry well, and precast underground storage structure with associated storm drains and inlets along Pentuckett Avenue to remove pollutants from storm water within the Greater North Park community.
• Southcrest Green Infrastructure – Project will construct proprietary compact biofiltration BMPs, a 2,290 square foot biofiltration basin in an open space area, and a 52,000 cubic foot underground storm water detention vault draining to a proprietary compact biofiltration BMP. Associated work to convey storm water includes new construction of: 1,176 linear feet of 8" PVC storm drain, 227 linear feet of 12" PVC, 48 linear feet of 18" RCP, 145 linear feet of 24" RCP, 115 linear feet of trench drains, 7 storm drain cleanouts, and 1 catch basin. The project also includes replacement of 395 linear feet of curb and gutter, 8 curb ramps, 1 curb inlet, and 33,645 square feet of street resurfacing.
• South Mission Beach GI – The project’s primary objectives are reducing flood risk and inundation within the project vicinity and improving water quality within Mission Bay by treating storm water runoff. This Project includes upsizing, realignment, and replacement of the existing storm drain systems and extension of the outfalls to the Mariners Basin, as well as new storm drain systems to connect existing low points throughout South Mission Beach. The project also includes the implementation of Green Infrastructure (GI) features which include eight (8) proposed biofiltration basins in Belmont park in Mission Beach area. This is an integrated (bundled) project with Public Utilities Department (PUD) that is replacing sewer & water pipelines within South Mission Beach Area. These different assets were bundled to gain efficiencies, reduce cost, and minimize disturbance to the community.
• Streamview Drive Green Infrastructure – Project will install an underground detention treatment vault and appurtenances to ensure connectivity with the City's storm water conveyance system along Streamview Dr between 54th St and 55th St to meet TMDL compliance per the Chollas Creek Watershed Master Plan.
• El Cerrito & Rolando Park Storm Drain & GI – Project will replace several corrugated metal pipe (CMP) storm drains with reinforced concrete pipe (RCP). Inlets in the vicinity will also be replaced per current standards and sized for a 100- year storm event. The project proposes to replace several existing inlets with Type B curb inlets. In addition, the project proposes green infrastructure to treat stormwater with an underground Oldcastle PerkFilter unit on College Avenue and a proprietary biofiltration (Bioclean) on University Avenue.
• Green Infrastructure Group 1012 – Project will construct three (3) proprietary biofiltration (Bioclean): one at the southeast corner of Logan Ave. and S 36th street, and two on S 37th Street between Florence St and National Ave.
• Oak Park Storm Drain Replacement & GI – Project scope combines Green Infrastructure measures and drainage improvements within the Right of Way. Suitable GI feature will be selected during the design phase based on site conditions, i.e., soil type, existing utilities conflict, and available space. Project objective is to install GI to treat run off from three drainage basins. Additionally, the project proposes replacement of existing deteriorated drainage infrastructure.
• Auburn Creek Trash Capture Devices – Project constructs large scale regional trash capture devices at 3 locations and 12 inlet inserts at a 4th location along Auburn Creek near Wightman St and 50th St San Diego CA 92105. The project will also realign the storm drain system at these locations in favor of the most effective alignment to capture the generated trash per the trash amendment. The proposed changes will capture trash before it reaches water bodies, decrease creek maintenance, enhance the aesthetics of the park and trail systems (designed separately), and help the City Stormwater Department meet state trash amendment requirements.

Completed projects

• Alamo, Salvation, and 68th Street Basin LID Retrofit – Project will construct a treatment train of permeable pavement strips followed by proprietary biofiltration (Bioclean) along University Avenue to capture and treat the volume of runoff produced by the 85th percentile storm event.