VenturaWaterPure

This project is critical for addressing the City of San Buenaventura’s pressing water supply challenges, particularly during drought years. VenturaWaterPure will recycle 5,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) of water, providing a sustainable, drought-resilient potable water supply. It will also significantly reduce wastewater discharges into the Santa Clara River Estuary (SCRE), complying with a court-ordered Consent Decree to protect ecological values in the SCRE. The project represents a forward-thinking solution to enhance water security while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.

Since 2016, ESA has been a trusted partner to the City, delivering strategic guidance and technical expertise that have propelled the VenturaWaterPure project forward. A critical element of this effort is the new ocean outfall, a transformative infrastructure designed to safely manage wastewater effluent while advancing environmental and water supply goals.

ESA prepared a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that thoroughly assessed the construction and ecological implications of this outfall and developed innovative mitigation strategies to protect sensitive habitats and species. Leading the complex permitting process, ESA secured approvals from key agencies, ensuring compliance with the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. Our work included crafting a Pre-Construction Assessment Program (PCAP) and Monitoring, Assessment, and Adaptive Management Program (MAAMP) to minimize potential environmental impacts and safeguard ecological integrity.

By facilitating collaboration with regulatory bodies and overcoming significant permitting challenges, ESA has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.