Unique Approach to Stormwater Treatment Gets Results for Dana Point

Its beaches and coastline are an important part of California’s culture and its recreational scene. That’s why, even after repeated tries, the City of Dana Point refused to give up in its attempts to reduce high bacteria levels in its coastal waters.

Salt Creek Beach and South Monarch Beach, two very popular recreational areas in southern Orange County, California, had been struggling with frequent beach closures related to unhealthy levels of bacteria in the water. Even after an aggressive campaign by the City to investigate pollutant sources and implement source control programs, postings were not reduced appreciably.

The City of Dana Point, working with water treatment experts from PBS&J, took a unique approach to the problem by choosing to disinfect stormwater with an ozone treatment system. While ozone treatment has been proven at potable water treatment plants and aquariums and zoos around the world, treatment of stormwater with ozone is considered unique.

The Salt Creek Urban Runoff Treatment Facility began operating in 2005. Within days of initial start up, bacteria levels downstream from the facility were significantly reduced. Furthermore, operational flexibility provided in the design of the facility made it possible for City staff to accommodate anticipated changes in influent water quality. Results from the first beach season of operation were exceptional. All postings caused by typical urban water quality challenges were eliminated.

Additionally, with the assistance of PBS&J staff, the City was also able to secure the largest single award of a Clean Beach Initiative Grant in California history.

As a result, the City of Dana Point’s Salt Creek Urban Runoff Treatment Facility has been selected as one of the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Public Works Projects of the Year for 2005.