ECAP
A Summary of the Erosion Control Assistance Program (ECAP)

Several years ago, the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District began a new program to assist the County Planning Department in the review of projects for issues related to drainage and erosion. That Erosion Control Assistance Program, or ECAP, has resulted in the improved design and layout of numerous development projects throughout San Luis Obispo County. Due to funding limitations, this program, to date, has been geared toward urban projects requiring permits and has not been available for agricultural areas.

The goal of ECAP is to foster RCD principles as well as implement provisions of the county Land Use Element and Grading Ordinance relating to the improvement of water quality, habitat enhancement, reduction of soil erosion, protection of topsoil, reduction of flooding hazards and general resource protection. During the past 150 years, there has been a gradual and continual degradation of the county's land and water resources. Some fisheries have been destroyed, some species have become severely impacted or endangered (steelhead trout, red legged frog, western pond turtle and two-striped garter snake) or have been lost entirely (eg. salmon on the Salinas River). No one contributing factor can be listed as the cause of this damage. Rather, the causes are many and the responsibility is widespread. Corrective actions require universal cooperation.

ECAP provides assistance to property owners, developers and planning staff in review of grading permits and land use permits, subdivisions and other proposals that have the potential to result in erosion, sedimentation or other land and water resource impacts. This work involves project review and, where requested or appropriate, site visits and consultations with clients and staff. The purpose behind this assistance is the protection of land resources such as soil and vegetation as well as water resources such as streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater by promoting effective resource management techniques. Since nonpoint pollution cannot be solved by typical after source treatment (such as sewage treatment facilities), finding solutions requires a comprehensive broad-based approach. Measures often include recommendations for better site design, stormwater detention, and surface water filtration.

Highly erosive areas are a major concern. However, the greatest impact of soil erosion, flooding, sedimentation and water contamination is from improperly designed cumulative development. Therefore, development of all upland areas as well as areas in close proximity to first and second order streams are an emphasis of the analysis and review. Seventy-two percent of all streams are first and second order. Soil types, slopes, drainage, stormwater management and geologic characteristics are evaluated. Where possible, suggestions to resolve problems associated with on-site and off-site drainage flows are provided. The RCD provides a summary describing the conditions of the site and the potential resource impacts of the project. This summary itemizes the circumstances, findings, potential concerns/impacts and recommended mitigation measures. Solutions often include suggestions for stormwater management, alternative materials or drainage improvements, revisions to site design and other alternatives.

In addition, the RCD, through ECAP, provides approaches and informational materials to assist the public in understanding the importance of measures to improve drainage practices and provide erosion and sedimentation controls. The RCD is currently in the process of preparing a county-wide Drainage and Erosion Control Handbook for the County Planning Department. There are three purposes of these informational materials. The first purpose is to show how resources are depleted. The second purpose is to explain to the public why it is important to retain these resources. Lastly, the materials will portray various solutions. The handbook will include informational diagrams and figures describing various measures capable of slowing storm runoff, reducing erosion, improving water quality and protecting habitat conditions.