Tahoe agency encourages property owners to control stormwater

By Kristi Boosman
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is continuing efforts to encourage public-private partnerships that improve the clarity of Lake Tahoe by bring properties along Highway 50 into compliance with Best Management Practice (BMP) erosion control requirements.

Private BMP contributions represent the largest component of the private share of Environmental Improvement Programs (EIP) which is a partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, private interests, and the Washoe Tribe. The Environmental Improvement Program was created to protect the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Recent research has confirmed that the Highway 50 Corridor transports a high amount of fine sediment to Lake Tahoe, clouding its famed clarity. Last year, about 60 commercial property owners along Highway 50 received letters about Best Management Practices and the majority of these owners are now diligently pursuing compliance with BMP regulations.

The $40 million Caltrans project currently under construction along Highway 50 between Ski Run and Trout Creek will help minimize the number of pollutants entering Lake Tahoe. While this project will reduce roadway stormwater pollution, in order to function effectively to improve lake clarity, private parcel owners must control runoff from their properties. Owners of commercial properties along Highway 50 between Trout Creek and the South Tahoe Y who do not have a BMP Certificate on file with TRPA can expect a letter from TRPA in the coming weeks.

"Our goal is to help property owners develop a plan and a schedule for implementing BMP's." according to Jessica Schwing, TRPA Stormwater Management Program. "We realize these are difficult economic times right now, so it is even more important to work with adjacent property owners to share costs and spread them over several years. It may also be a good time to take advantage of lower construction costs."

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Kristi Boosman, 775-589-5230, or email at kboosman@trpa.org.

— Writer Kristi Boosman is the Public Information Officer for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. She can be reached at (775) 589-5230.