Due to recent rainfall and the increased chance of future storms, Santa Barbara County Public Works will begin sediment deposit operations at Goleta Beach. The sediment deposit will start as soon as Wednesday, January 11, and will continue as needed until facilities have been cleared. Operations will occur Monday through Friday Weekend work may be required to complete the process sooner and minimize beach closures.

Santa Barbara County Flood Control Director Walter Rubalcava said, “Monday’s storm delivered a substantial amount of material through the watershed. Most of today will be spent clearing out the rocks and sediment from the basins to decrease the potential for runoff to vulnerable areas during future storms.” Large rocks and debris will be sorted from the basin material before it is transferred to the beach.

Sediment nourishment has occurred at Goleta Beach since 1994 with desilting material from the Goleta Slough and other creeks and basins. Public Works has also conducted environmental monitoring at the beach since 2003. Beach nourishment operations are conducted through emergency permits from state and federal agencies. Flood Control staff will take sediment samples from the debris basins and ocean water samples during operations. Weekly reports with information on sediment sampling results are sent to regulatory agencies.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department also monitors the ocean water at the deposit sites to ensure they meet water quality standards for recreation. Beach nourishment operations have also protected Goleta Beach Park from further erosion by creating a wide shore near the location of the sediment deposit.

For more information about district programs, visit www.countyofsb.org/pwd/floodcontrol.sbc.