Storm Channel Maintenance Programmatic Permit

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has executed Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-SDO-59086-R5 with the City of San Marcos for the annual maintenance of 26 stormwater facilities. Pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1602, the project focuses on flood risk reduction through activities including the removal of non-native vegetation, trimming of native trees, and the removal of trash, litter, and debris. Maintenance is specifically targeted at channels, ditches, basins, and inlet/outlet drain structures, with vegetation removal at inlets and outlets limited to maintaining storm flows. The scope of work includes the application of herbicides at sites without year-round water flow and the removal of accumulated sediment to return facilities to original depths, provided that no more than three feet of sediment is removed during a single event. Mechanical equipment use is strictly limited to concrete-lined channels. The project is governed by a Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation Reporting or Monitoring Plan to ensure no significant environmental effects occur. Administrative oversight is provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the City of San Marcos, with the agreement officially approved on July 13, 2026.