Carpinteria rushes to shore up creek from recent storm and clear debris basin

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - Trucks are lined up in Carpinteria full of boulders to reinforce the creek near the Sanitary District property on Sixth Street. It took a big hit and lost stability during last weeks violent series of storms.

The reinforcement site is about 250-feet long. The rocks being delivered are up to four-feet in diameter.

This section is being repaired by the state.

The Sanitary District ordered extra large boulders for a section by its wall.

Recalling last week, "It was violent,  it started out with debris flowing down here and by four in the afternoon the creek was ripping," said Craig Murray with the Carpinteria Sanitary District.   "It was threatening the infrastructure here at the treatment plant which protects the environment and public health.  We were nervous that damage was upstream at the bend of this creek."

Urgent action was needed because Murray said, "another event like we had or even not quite as bad and that I think it would put that soft bank in jeopardy of  further erosion." 

Residents have been told to expect to see numerous trucks working in the area, or parked near homes and schools.

The creek also delivered a massive amount of dead trees and debris to the beach. That will need to be cleared for safety reasons and to prevent runoff clogging in the future if big storms return.

Watershed Debris Basins

Throughout the area, the Santa Barbara County Flood Control (SBCFC) isl clearing of the Carpinteria Valley Watershed Debris Basins. 

This includes the Santa Monica, Gobernador and Arroyo Paredon debris basins.

Similar to the aftermath of the mudflow debris disaster in 2018, trucks will be depositing rocks, gravel and sand to the Carpinteria City Beach at Ash Avenue in the City of Carpinteria.

Under natural conditions, this debris from the watershed would naturally flow there.

The city says a second location along the City Beach will be approved in the coming days.

In a news release Carpinteria City Manager Dave Durflinger said, "maintaining the capacity of the debris basins is crucial for its main function of protecting Carpinteria from destructive debris flows from our foothills.” “On the coastal side of Carpinteria Valley, it is also important that collected sediments are transported to the shoreline, where the natural material buttresses our beaches from erosion and vulnerability to winter storm surges, swells and tidal events.”  

Without this action flooding would spread likely leading to an increased number of evacuations, damage to streets, homes and local infrastructure, and a risk to individual health and safety.  

The debris basins were constructed in the early 1970s, and since then, they have prevented floods.

“The City believes that the most beneficial long-term debris basin sediment management program includes routine deposition of qualified mineral sediments on the shoreline that optimizes long-term cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits and public safety,” said Matt Roberts, City of Carpinteria’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities, in a news release.

 

Emergency Permits are being written for approval this week.

Truck traffic increases

Sediment will be hauled in truckloads that may have noise and traffic impacts.

The City says it will work with the County of Santa Barbara to reduce project impacts, including air quality and truck queuing on City streets.

In 2018 there were complaints from residents about dirt and dust for weeks.

Street sweepers will work throughout the operation to keep roadways as clean as possible.

Trucks transporting sediment will utilize best practices to deposit material on the beach, thereby reducing the sediment tracked along roadways.

The Flood Control District is also working to secure trucks with sealed tailgates to reduce material leaks along the hauling routes.

With all this going on the city says there will be inconveniences but also both short-term and long-term benefits. 

At the creek washout and on the beaches of Carpinteria some people are looking for rocks to add as a decoration to their garden.

Terry Sparks  had to lug a heavy bucket load  out.  "I just built a little small retaining wall  and I have turned it into a little planter garden."

 Others have picked up drift wood for art and garden projects.