About
Urban stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of pollution across the nation. Understanding the importance of pollution prevention is critical to every community. Educating the general public and targeted audiences about the impacts of stormwater as well as the specific behaviors they can implement to protect water quality are goals of this regional group.
Monterey SEA is comprised of the Cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Sand City, Seaside, and the County of Monterey, with additional support provided by the Pebble Beach Company and the Unified School Districts of Carmel, Monterey, and Pacific Grove. This group, also known as the Monterey Regional Stormwater Management Program (MRSWMP), has partnered to develop a regional stormwater program for the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas.
MontereySEA was formed in 2001 to begin working on development of a permit application for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II program, which requires cities under 100,000 in population to obtain permits and implement programs to address stormwater issues. The group meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month starting 9:30am at the M1W offices at 5 Harris Court, Building D, in Monterey.
Mission
The mission of our regional program is to meet Clean Water Act requirements for urban runoff, protect public health, and enhance environmental quality of watersheds and beaches.
Program Governance
The Program is organized, coordinated, and implemented in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement signed by each Co-permittee. The MOA was signed in 2002 and updated in 2013. It covers the responsibilities of each Co-permittee and identifies by-laws governing the program.
Monterey One Water serves as the Program Administrator of Monterey SEA.
Consulting Staff
Maris Sidenstecker | Public Education and Public Outreach Coordinator
Since 1996, Maris has focused on educating the public about stormwater pollution prevention through hands-on school outreach programs, public events, business outreach, community storm drain stenciling, social and media outreach (radio, print, TV and movie theatre ads), community based social marketing (CBSM), promoting Our Water Our World information about non-toxic alternatives to pesticides and sustaining state, regional, and community partnerships.
Storm Water Act
California State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) mission is to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
In order to improve the management of stormwater as a resource and address this major source of pollution to rivers, lakes, and the ocean, the SWRCB implemented the Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit. The final draft was approved on February 5, 2013 and became effective on July 1, 2013 - Order No. 2013-0001 DWQ. Click here to learn more.
Stormwater Resource Plan
In 2018, MRSWMP worked with partners and stakeholders to develop the Stormwater Resource Plan (SWRP) for the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Bay, and South Monterey Bay Integrated Regional Water Management Planning Region. This effort was funded by a Prop 1 Planning Grant from the State Water Resources Control Board, the City of Monterey’s Neighborhood Improvement Program, and the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.
The SWRP is a planning document that identifies public lands (i.e., streets, parks, and municipal properties) where stormwater capture projects could potentially be located to provide the most benefit. Stormwater capture projects collect, store, and treat stormwater runoff as well as dry weather flows such as excess irrigation runoff. Potential environmental and community benefits include:
- Providing water for other uses, such as irrigation
- Recharging groundwater
- Reducing local flooding
- Improving water quality in local creeks
Click here to access the Stormwater Resource Plan.
To suggest a new project to add to the Stormwater Resource Plan, please e-mail the Program Administrator at [email protected].
Areas of Special Biological Significance
Under the Phase II Stormwater Permit, Special Protections exist to protect designated Areas of Special Biological Significance. The following entities have partnered to form the Central Coast ASBS Regional Monitoring Program:
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- City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
- City of Pacific Grove
- City of Monterey
- County of Marin
- County of Monterey
- County of San Mateo
- Pebble Beach Company
- Hopkins Marine Station
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Caltrans
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Management Committee Members
Kevin Anderson | Chair, City of Monterey
Patrick Grogan | Vice Chair, City of Seaside
Ron Fucci | City of Del Rey Oaks
Mary Bilse | City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
George Fuerst | City of Pacific Grove
Leon Gomez | City of Sand City
Michael Trapani | County of Monterey