San Diego Coastkeeper


Chollas Creek Enhancement Project

Chollas Creek is an impaired water body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) due to point and non-point pollution sources. Pollutants and stressors identified in the 2002 CWA 303(d) listing include cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, high coliform counts, and toxicity. The toxicity effects have been attributed to organo-phosphate pesticides (primarily diazinon) which have been found in storm water runoff from Chollas Creek. Additionally, portions of the San Diego Bay at the mouth of Chollas Creek also are identified in the 2002 CWA 303(d) list due to sediment toxicity and benthic community effects. One (1) of five (5) toxic hot spots identified within the Bay under the California's Bay Protection Toxic Cleanup Program is located at the mouth of Chollas Creek. Chollas Creek drains a highly urbanized hydrologic area (San Diego Mesa, 908.2) contained within the cities of San Diego, La Mesa and Lemon Grove.

The creek drains 16,273 acres, and is the principal tributary to the San Diego Bay. Urban development in the Chollas Creek watershed has resulted in channelization of segments of the creek, floodplain encroachment and the loss of associated wetland habitats. The Chollas Creek Enhancement Project involves an extensive outreach and education campaign as well as habitat restoration and water quality monitoring components aimed at reducing water pollution and improving riparian habitats within the Chollas Creek Watershed. The San Diego Baykeeper works in partnership with the City of San Diego, Southwestern College and SDSU GSPH to conduct water monitoring in the Chollas Creek Watershed.