Back to top

F1: Vegetation Control and Sediment Removal for Capacity*

About This Project

This project supports Valley Water’s ongoing vegetation control and sediment removal activities that reduce flood risk by maintaining the design conveyance capacity of flood protection projects. The project includes controlling in-stream vegetation and tree growth and removing sediment at appropriate intervals. Before carrying out in-stream maintenance, Valley Water’s personnel perform biological pre-construction surveys to minimize environmental impacts. This project also helps fund future maintenance of flood protection projects completed under the Safe, Clean Water Program.

This project comprises two (2) sub-projects that support Valley Water’s ongoing vegetation control and sediment removal activities. These sub-projects are:

  • F1.1 Vegetation Control for Capacity

  • F1.2 Sediment Removal for Capacity

 

 

*This project was voter approved as part of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

Los Coches Creek
Datapoints
Status
On Target
Location
Countywide
Schedule
Start FY 2022 / Finish FY 2036
Funding
Safe, Clean Water Fund ($103.7 million); Watershed Stream Stewardship Fund
News and UpdatesNews and Updates
Reports and DocumentsReports and Documents
Environmental and Community BenefitsEnvironmental and Community Benefits
History and BackgroundHistory and Background
News & Updates

KPI #1: Maintain completed flood protection projects for flow conveyance.

F1.1: Vegetation Control for Capacity
Valley Water completed 1,414.30 acres of in-stream vegetation management to reduce flood risk along 173.80 miles of streams throughout the county using an integrated combination of mechanical, hand labor, and herbicide methods in FY23 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023).

Vegetation Removal on Guadalupe River, downstream of Coleman Road
Hand crews performing in-stream vegetation removal

 

Mechanical vegetation removal with amphibious Marsh Master®

F1.2: Sediment Removal for Capacity
Valley Water completed 13 projects, removing approximately 14,832 cubic yards of sediment along 1.62 miles to maintain design capacity in FY23 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023).

Equipment removing sediment from Matadero Creek channel, upstream of West Bayshore.

August 2023

For more information:

Vegetation Management

Sediment Removal

Thumbnail
Environmental & Community Benefits

Key Performance Indicator (FY22-36)

  1. Maintain completed flood protection projects for flow conveyance. 

Benefits

  • Ensures that existing flood protection projects continue to provide flood protection

  • Improves water quality

Geographic Area of Benefit

Countywide 

    History & Background

    About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program

    In November 2020, voters in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure S, a renewal of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

    The program was first passed by voters in 2000 as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, then again in 2012 as the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water Program will continue to provide approximately $47 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship to all the communities we serve in Santa Clara County.

    While evaluating ways to improve the 2012 program, Valley Water gathered feedback from more than 21,000 community members. That helped Valley Water create the six priorities for the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, which are:

    Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply

    Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways

    Priority C: Protect our Water Supply and Dams from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters

    Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space

    Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools, Streets and Highways

    Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community

    Each year, Valley Water prepares a report providing a progress update for each of these program priorities, along with fiscal year accomplishments.

    To ensure transparency and accountability to the voters, the ballot measure also created an Independent Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. The Independent Monitoring Committee annually reviews the program’s progress to ensure the outcomes are achieved in a cost-efficient manner and reports its findings to the Board. Additionally, the IMC also reviews each proposed 5-year implementation plan prior to its submittal for Board approval.

    In addition, the program requires three independent audits.

    View the Safe, Clean Water Program’s annual reports, annual IMC audit reports, and independent audits, including a staff response, on the Valley Water website.