Cox bill calls for wetlands aid

Paul Clinton

Rep. Chris Cox wants more federal oversight of a wetlands filtering

project that could significantly clean up polluted runoff in San

Diego Creek and the Back Bay.

A subcommittee of the House Resources Committee on Thursday held a

hearing on Cox’s bill that could also hook federal funding for the

project.

The Irvine Ranch Water District has proposed, with its natural

treatment system, a network of natural wetlands along San Diego Creek

to filter water flowing down the San Diego Creek Watershed from

lawns, highways and golf courses. The water usually contains

pesticides, oil, grease, animal waste and other substances that

degrade water in San Diego Creek, a Back Bay tributary.

The bill, called the Irvine Basin Surface and Groundwater

Improvement Act, would allow the federal Bureau of Reclamation to

“assist in the planning, development and design” of the man-made

wetlands, Cox said.

“Because the Bureau of Reclamation has extensive experience with

such projects, its participation will be important in ensuring that

the project moves forward as quickly and cost-effectively as

possible,” Cox said.

With the agency involved, project planners could secure federal

grant money to pay for 25% of the project’s $41-million price tag.

Bob Caustin, an environmentalist who founded Defend the Bay to

improve water quality in the Back Bay, accused the Irvine Co. of

adding polluted runoff to the watershed with its 374-home Shady

Canyon project. The company has also set aside 175 acres, as part of

that project, for open space.

Caustin said the company has a responsibility to develop a better

drainage plan for that and other housing projects in the watershed

that stretches through six cities, including Newport Beach and

Irvine.

“I’d rather see Congressman Cox work on getting the bay dredged

than something that’s going to benefit the Irvine Co.,” Caustin said.

“Now, the federal government is subsidizing [Irvine Co. Chairman] Don

Bren; he’s already a billionaire.”

An Irvine Co. spokesman sharply refuted Caustin’s comment.

“Whatever difference Mr. Caustin has with our company, it’s

inaccurate, unfair and off-base for him to criticize Congressman Cox

for his superb leadership on an issue that will significantly improve

water quality in Newport Bay,” Irvine Co. spokesman John Christensen

said.

In addition to the water district, Newport Beach and Orange County

officials are offering their input on the project.

“Congressman Cox should be applauded for his support of this

project,” said Beth Beeman, a spokeswoman for the water district. “It

shows he cares about the quality of water in Newport Bay.”