Restoration of San Elijo Lagoon San Diego, California

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) required Southern California Edison (SCE) to conduct mitigation at San Elijo Lagoon located in San Diego, California. Coastal Environments identified potential wetland restoration projects for the lagoon to satisfy the CCC permit requirements. Projects were evaluated using criteria including potential for approval by CCC, ecological merits, potential mitigation credit, and cost. Estimated volumes and costs for dredging and disposing of sediment nearshore were summarized. Economic analysis resulted in identification of four final mitigation program alternatives: a) all possible projects to create, restore, and enhance the lagoon were outlined b) lowest cost projects were outlined c) projects to increase subtidal acreage d) projects to maintain the opening to the inlet were outlined.

Costs were then estimated for each individual project. Best case and worst case cost analysis were conducted. Best case was defined as nearshore disposal and largest mitigation credit and worst case as offshore disposal and no credit awarded. SCE also requested options that were economically attractive to be identified.

Client:

Southern California Edison

Client Contact:

Southern California Edison
2244 Walnut Grove
Rosemead, CA 91770