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Beaumont staff recommend phased monitoring approach and pursue 1.7 MGD discharge target for Cooper's Creek as AMMP baseline
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Summary
After receiving a Phase‑1 technical study, the Beaumont City Council directed staff to pursue an Adaptive Management and Monitoring Plan (AMMP) that uses baseline monitoring and performance criteria to support a reduced continuous discharge to Cooper’s Creek of approximately 1.7 million gallons per day (MGD), enabling expanded reuse while protecting riparian habitat.
Beaumont staff presented the Phase‑1 findings of an Adaptive Management and Monitoring Plan (AMMP) study on June 17 and sought council direction about how far to pursue a reduced discharge to Cooper’s Creek while protecting riparian habitat downstream of the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
What the Phase‑1 report found: The consultant team (Tom Dodson & Associates, HDR, West Yost) said historical discharges to Cooper’s Creek have supported riparian vegetation and some special‑status birds in the corridor, and that higher discharges from roughly 2004–2023 correspond with increased riparian growth. Based on the assembled hydrology and biological data, the team said a reduction in continuous discharge to about 1.7 MGD (the historical higher‑end discharge the permit references) would likely sustain groundwater levels and riparian habitat if implemented with the proposed AMMP monitoring and mitigation measures.
Recommended next steps and scenarios: Consultants presented two primary paths: (1) a monitoring‑led approach to reduce to ~1.7 MGD with robust baseline hydrologic and biological monitoring, stream gauges, groundwater sensors and an AMMP that would set performance criteria to ensure habitat is not adversely affected, and (2) a lower‑flow target (below ~1.7 MGD) that would require substantially more hydrologic and groundwater modeling and a longer monitoring and modeling timeline (3–4 years for model development and review) before a permit change could be submitted. The consultants and staff recommended the city pursue Scenario 1 (1.7 MGD target with monitoring) to gain earlier regulatory progress while allowing the AMMP to adaptively manage any observed impacts.
Council direction and context: City staff asked for council direction. Councilmembers asked whether a 1.7 MGD target would still require the same level of monitoring and staff confirmed baseline monitoring and adaptive groundwater/surface water monitoring would be required in either scenario; Scenario 2 would lengthen the timeline and add modeling expenses. The council supported pursuing the monitoring‑based approach consistent with the Phase‑1 recommendation.
Regulatory and timing notes: Staff said that a consolidated CEQA document that covers the AMMP and a proposed change in discharge permits (WDR/12‑11 permit coordination) would be efficient, but the CEQA work was not yet initiated. Consultants advised an initial monitoring period and planned permit submittal could begin in 2026 if the city proceeds with Scenario 1 and CEQA is completed in time.
Speakers: Caitlin Dodson Hamilton (Tom Dodson & Associates), Clay Sorensen (West Yost contributor), John Wells (recycled water consultant) presented and took council questions. Peter Jaggers from San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency spoke in public comment supporting the Phase‑1 recommendation and urging timely progress.
Ending: Council directed staff to proceed with the monitoring‑first AMMP approach supporting a 1.7 MGD submission pathway (Scenario 1) and to return with CEQA steps, a monitoring plan and budget estimates.
