Grand Jury Wants a New Coastal Effort

Orange County should create an advisory committee to address water-quality issues on the stretch of coast between the Santa Ana and San Gabriel rivers, mirroring successful collaborations in South County, the Orange County Grand Jury recommended Monday.

“Ocean water quality affects the quality of life of every citizen of the County of Orange, whether he or she is a surfer, boater, business owner or someone who simply enjoys visiting the beach,” grand jurors wrote in their report.

The proposed West County Coastal Watershed Coordinating Committee would allow collaboration between interested parties, such as government, business, environmental groups and residents.

“What they all share is a vital interest in their community’s water quality,” the report said. “Strong citizen involvement that motivates governmental entities is absolutely necessary to solve the severely degraded water quality.”

The grand jury’s report said other waterways, such as Newport Bay and Aliso Creek, have such coalitions, which are “instrumental” in dealing with local water-quality issues.

In contrast, the area between the Santa Ana and San Gabriel rivers “is poorly represented by government, environmental and private citizens’ groups,” the report said.

Responses to the grand jury’s findings and recommendations are required from the county Board of Supervisors, and requested from the county executive’s office and the Public Facilities and Resources Department.