Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek has been awarded a competitive grant by the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health (DEH) under the Vector Habitat Remediation Program (VHRP) to construct the Lenox Drive Vector Habitat Remediation Project. Under the VHRP program, grant funding is
“…offered to landowners and managers, including public sector entities, to physically alter chronic mosquito breeding sites in ways that will reduce mosquito breeding habitats and improve the effectiveness of mosquito breeding control measures. The Program provides a strong focus on designing, modifying and maintaining wetlands and stormwater facilities to function in a way that will reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding habitat while balancing water quality, biological, aesthetic and hydrological values.” [1]
The VHRP Grant will fund Phase II construction of the Lenox Drive project to remedy mosquito breeding pools in Chollas Creek. Stagnant water has formed as a result of deteriorated grade control structures immediately north of the Lenox Drive Bridge (see photo).
Due to the proximity of human activities (residential and recreational/hiking), mosquitos are a problem in this area; the County of San Diego Department Environmental Health (DEH) has identified this site as a high priority treatment area (Site 1702). The site is immediately adjacent to a residential community and is a known mosquito breeding habitat. In addition to the residences, hikers would also be affected by mosquito breeding habitat in this section of Chollas Creek. This important project is a component of Groundwork San Diego’s overall watershed and water quality improvement program, and is part of enriching the experience of the Chollas Creek.
