Natural Treatment Site: Orchard Meadow

Orchard Meadow NTS site The Orchard Meadow NTS basin is located at the corner of Orchard Hills and Portola Parkway. Orchard Meadows receives regular water quality monitoring. Water quality sondes have been installed, allowing the continuous collection of water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. It adequately removes nitrogen, phosphorus, selenium, and suspended solids.

In 2018, plants of different species were planted to increase native plant diversity while simultaneously combating invasive species. The plants were sourced from Tree of Life nursery and were planted by the District’s landscape contractor.

The primary surrounding land uses are mostly agricultural. The site went online in 2008.

Location & Size

Location: 12401.75 Orchard Hills, Irvine
Size: 2.4 acres
Tributary Watershed: 151 acres

Biological Values

The site maintains average biological values, even though it is close to urban development (to the south and west, outside its watershed) and agricultural uses (within its watershed). Much of the habitat is seasonal alkali meadow, but many cattails have emerged and are being maintained within the channel. The following nesting bird species were observed on the site: Marsh Wren, Mallard, House Finch, Black Phoebe, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee. Additional wildlife observations are planned for next year’s report.

Maintenance

Routine Maintenance Activities:

- TruGreen LandCare provides routine irrigation and landscape maintenance services at the site. Additional work such as mulch replacement, irrigation repairs, aquatic herbicide application, aquatic vegetation removal, and sediment removal were performed throughout the year.
- System operations staff performed weekly site inspection, water quality monitoring, and landscape and irrigation maintenance review.

Keyword

customer care

Keyword

customer care