Natural Treatment Site: Lower Eastfoot

Lower Eastfoot NTS site

Lower Eastfoot functions well, but it has generally had problems with sulfides and algal growth in the pools. Regular water quality monitoring occurs at this site.

Water quality sondes have been installed, allowing the continuous collection of water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen.

In 2020, over 4,000 plants from 12 different species were planted between Port Culver and Lower Eastfoot to increase native plant diversity while simultaneously combating invasive species at each basin. The plants were sourced from Tree of Life nursery and were planted by the District’s landscape contractor. The site went online June 2007.

Location & Size

Location: 3801.5 Portola Parkway, Irvine
Size: 3 acres
Tributary Watershed: 288 acres

Biological Values

This site has above average wildlife values; the presence of good dry weather flows has allowed many more species to utilize the site than the dryer Port Culver NTS basin, for example. Although the surrounding areas are primarily urban, the site sits along the Peter’s Canyon Channel, which acts as a corridor for many species. The following nesting bird species were observed on the site: Marsh Wren, Bewick’s Wren, House Wren, Mallard, Western Bluebird, House Finch, Black Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, American Crow, Greater Roadrunner, Yellow Warbler, Mourning Dove, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Coot, Bullock’s Oriole, Ash-throated Flycatcher, American Robin, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk. Additional wildlife observations are planned for next year’s report.

Maintenance

Routine Maintenance Activities:

- TruGreen LandCare provides routine irrigation and landscape maintenance services at the site. Additional work such as mulch replacement, irrigation repairs, aquatic herbicide application, aquatic vegetation removal, and sediment removal were performed throughout the year.
- System operations staff performed weekly site inspection, water quality monitoring, and landscape and irrigation maintenance review.

customer care

customer care