Trash Capture Devices in Southern Marin Waterways

Description

Overview

In 2014, the State of California mandated a statewide Trash Implementation Program to require cities, towns, and counties to prevent trash the size of a cigarette butt and larger from entering municipal storm drain systems by 2030. The Marin Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) is helping its member agencies to fund the design and construction of trash capture devices in key locations to help limit debris and pollutants from entering Marin’s waterways.  

 MCSTOPPP is comprised of Marin’s 11 incorporated cities and towns and the County of Marin, and each will be involved in this implementation.  

 The program entails design and environmental permitting for up to 17 stormwater treatment installations that could possibly be constructed in eight Marin municipalities (Corte Madera, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon, and unincorporated Marin County).  

Marin County DPW Projects

 This project is being undertaken to meet the statewide Trash Implementation Program mandate for municipalities to prevent trash from entering waterways by 2030. 

 The initial implementation phase will construct trash capture devices in four locations in unincorporated areas of southern Marin County.  

 Those locations include: 

 The junction of Seminary Drive and De Silva Island Drive in Mill Valley, which is adjacent to the Seminary Pump Station; 

  • Upstream from the marsh near Goodman Building Supply in Mill Valley at 775 Redwood Highway; 
  • In front of Mill Valley Gardens at 915 E. Blithedale in Mill Valley; and 
  • Adjacent to the Shoreline Pump Station near The Yard fitness center at 215 Shoreline Highway in Mill Valley. 

Funding

The estimated project construction cost for the County projects is just over $5 million. Over $540,000 of the engineering design funding came from a $4 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund to MCSTOPPP.  

 The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has committed $5.4 million for construction costs of these projects. 

 Traffic impacts 

 The initial four locations that will be addressed in this construction project will cause traffic impacts. While traffic control measures will not be finalized until the construction bidding process has been completed, it is expected that some locations will operate under one lane with alternating access during the designated work hours.  

 Parking and driveway access may also be restricted. As per standard protocol, active emergency service vehicles will always be provided with access.  

 Additional outreach will be done once project specifics have been finalized. Public notice will be given in advance of any traffic impacts related to the construction efforts.   

Timeline

Fall 2026

  • Public meeting regarding project construction expectations and public impacts 

Spring 2027 to late Summer 2027

  • Construction expected to begin 
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