All About the County's Green Infrastructure Program
Did You Know the County has a Green Infrastructure Program?
Green infrastructure refers to a network of natural features integrated into traditional 'grey' infrastructure that provides cleaner water, cleaner air, improved habitats and ecosystems, and flood protection. The Green Infrastructure Program was established to respond to sustainability and water quality goals by incorporating green infrastructure elements into Capital Improvement projects.
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Measurable Goals of Green Infrastructure
The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) sets water quality goals by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to the surface waters. Green infrastructure helps meet water quality goals by infiltrating and treating stormwater runoff before it enters our storm drain system and ultimately discharges to the ocean.
The County of San Diego's Strategic Plan sets measurable goals for sustainability, including economic, climate, environmental, and resiliency. Green infrastructure helps meet these goals by increasing green space, breaking up impervious ground cover, closing pedestrian gaps, and enhancing local communities. While meeting water quality goals is the priority of Green Infrastructure projects, they include incredible co-benefits with large impacts!
Green Infrastructure Projects
Green Infrastructure projects are primarily identified by water quality needs established in Water Quality Implementation Plans, which have been developed for western-draining watersheds within the County. Projects are also identified based on other factors, such as community needs, and the Green Streets Clean Water Plan.
Elements of Green Infrastructure Projects may include: biofiltration basins, tree wells, pervious pavement, trash capture devices, and more.
Many green infrastructure projects have already been completed:
Current green infrastructure projects include:
 Estrella Park Biofiltration and Trash Capture Project was completed in Fall 2024.
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