EcoKai provided upland and stream habitat restoration consulting services for Southern California Edison’s Mission Creek Habitat Restoration Project in the Santa Ynez Mountains east of Santa Barbara, California. During road grading activities conducted by SCE in 2019, substantial volumes of rock and soil (sidecast) were inadvertently deposited downslope along a nearly two-mile earthen access road above Mission Canyon, resulting in sediment deposition within portions of Mission Creek and adjacent hillslope environments.
EcoKai was retained to support the planning and implementation of sidecast removal activities throughout the project. Our fluvial geomorphology team conducted detailed field investigations and channel surveys to evaluate the extent and geomorphic impacts of in-stream sidecast deposition. Based on these assessments, EcoKai developed a Technical Implementation Plan (TIP) that established the
methodology, sequencing, and operational procedures for sidecast removal within the active channel and riparian corridor. The TIP includes procedures for sediment excavation, channel repair, and reconstruction of streambed and bank features, as needed, to restore channel morphology and aquatic habitat conditions.
EcoKai performed multiple pre- and post-removal geomorphological surveys using established fluvial assessment methods to delineate the spatial extent and volume of in-stream sidecast deposits and to document channel response following removal activities. These surveys were used to inform removal priorities and areas of constraint to removal, guide field implementation, and evaluate post-construction channel stability and habitat recovery.
EcoKai also served as the lead environmental compliance team responsible for monitoring upland sidecast removal operations within Mission Canyon. Our staff coordinated closely with the construction contractor, biological and archaeological monitors, and SCE project personnel to identify sidecast boundaries, determine appropriate excavation depths and volumes, and ensure that native hillslope materials and stable geomorphic features were preserved. Monitoring activities ensured that all work was conducted in accordance with the ProjectHabitat Restoration and Monitoring Plan and the Technical Implementation Plan governing in-stream restoration activities.