The mission of The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program is to “preserve, protect and enhance surface water resources within Ventura County. Photos by Patricia Schallert
by Patricia Schallert
The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program is a collaborative effort by ten cities, the County of Ventura and the Watershed Protection District. The “Every Litter Bit Matters Campaign” kickoff presentation on Feb.22, 2022, at Marina Park in Ventura emphasized the Ventura cities and county’s efforts to protect Ventura County’s Watersheds and to reinforce the importance of putting trash and recyclable items in proper bins to prevent litter of waterways. This program encourages all County residents to be involved in local community clean up programs which will reduce pollutants in the storm drains and watershed.
Ventura County’s Community for clean watersheds “Every Littler Bit Matters” campaign was developed to educate area residents on the harm caused when trash and other contaminants are left in our environment, which are eventually washed or blown through storm drains to the Ventura and Santa Clara Rivers, Malibu and Calleguas Creeks and the streams and estuaries making the way eventually to the Pacific Ocean.
Representatives from each of the ten cities pledged to continue to work cooperatively to improve stormwater quality throughout Ventura County. This joint effort assures consistency and efficiency in stormwater programs county wide and is guided by formal implementation agreements.
The speakers were:
- City of Ventura: Sofia Rubalcava, Mayor
- County of Ventura: Matt LaVere, Supervisor of District 1
- City of Thousand Oaks: Claudia Bill-de la Pena, Councilmember
- City of Ojai: Betsy Stix, Mayor
- City of Port Hueneme: Laura Hernandez, Councilmember
- Ventura Land Trust: Leslie Velez, Development Director
Watershed encompasses all lands that drain to a common waterbody such as a lake, river, estuary, lagoon or ocean when rain falls or snow melts. As runoff flows downhill, it picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, pesticides, oils, pet or animal waste and dirt sediment that travels into the storm drain systems and eventually to the ocean.
Pollutants are a primary concern to the environment and are preventable. Litter needs to be put into proper bins. Chemicals can end up in rivers, creeks and the ocean through wind, sprinkler runoff or rain. Pet poop has harmful bacteria that can also end up in rivers creeks and the ocean.
The City of Ventura prides itself in presenting its five miles of beautiful coastline though measures aimed at reducing litter and pollution.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban was adopted in 2020 to eliminate the used of stylophone food and beverage containers which are a prevalent form of litter. See www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/EPSban.
The Safe and Clean initiative was developed to maintain clean public spaces and ensures that illegal dumping and waste in streets are removed promptly and properly. See www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/SafeAndClean
Sofia Rubalcava stated “The Countywide Community for a Clean Watershed program was established to help residents understand how to respect and protect our watersheds and provides information on how simple changes in our daily lives can bring water quality benefits countywide.”
“The “Every Litter Bit Matters” Campaign aims at controlling the preventable pollutants that accumulate throughout our communities that can damage our waterways and impact public and watershed health. Simple changes, such picking up litter in and around our homes and businesses, can make a big difference in keeping our watersheds vibrant and healthy for generations to come.”
Matt LaVere, District 1 Supervisor, Ventura County (and former Ventura city council member)
stated “Being a second generation in Ventura County one of the primary reasons I became Supervisor was the preservation of the environment.”
“ Collaborative partnerships are so important to accomplish the task at hand.”
Leslie Velez went on to say “Since 2003, Ventura Land Trust has conserved and stewarded open spaces in Ventura County. Ventura Land Trust protects over 3,800 acres of land in the Ventura hillsides, Ventura River, and coastal estuary. We recognize the importance of the Ventura County Community for a Clean Watershed and look forward to a continued partnership with the organization.”
For more information and resources on how to be involved, please visit wwwcleanwatershed.org or www.vcstormwater.org
