SCE expected to submit Mission Creek debris-dumping assessment by end of week

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The cleanup clock is ticking for Southern California Edison (SCE) after an illegal creek dumping incident on city property in Mission Canyon above Tunnel Road. 

SCE admitted last month to over-grading along Inspiration Point Trail, causing soil to move into a highly sensitive area of Mission Creek.

Santa Barbara County and the Army Corps of Engineers sent out Notice of Violation letters to SCE and the City of Santa Barbara earlier this month, putting each on 30 day notice.

The Department of the Army's certified letter warned that SCE faced criminal and civil penalty fines totaling more than $100,000 dollars per  violation day and up to three years in prison; the County's letter to the City stated possible time extensions, an abatement option and possible fines of up to $100 dollars per day. 

The City of Santa Barbara is required to make sure the work gets done.

Environmental experts say tons of rock and debris were dumped into the watershed back in mid-December, creating a huge risk to hikers,  homeowners below and, a handful of endangered species in the area. The problem was first noticed by daily, early morning hikers who contacted a number of local agencies, including Fish and Wildlife, Public Works, and the Environmental Defense Center (CDC).

Brian Trautwein, Environmental Analyst with the EDC, told reporter Beth Farnsworth that the agencies informed the EDC and him that Edison's biological assessment and determination are expected "end of week."

Mary Ann Milbourn, SCE Media Advisor, sent our newsroom the following statement last week:

"Southern California Edison has made temporary repairs to stabilize the slopes above Mission Creek and is working with the City of Santa Barbara to assess and implement any long-term stabilization that may be needed for the road. The company continues to work with the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the City and County of Santa Barbara, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the public to assess impacts to the creek and determine the appropriate plan for remediation."