Cleaning Up San Diego Bay: Crafting a Sustainable Trash Management Strategy

The Challenge
San Diego Bay faces an ongoing problem: trash. The Port of San Diego has the responsibility of significantly reducing trash discharges into the bay, keeping the waters clean while also implementing structural best management practices (BMPs) across various land use types to meet long-term environmental goals.
Our Approach
Craftwater stepped in to lead the development of an internal planning document, bringing our expertise to evaluate past efforts, assess current activities, and chart a course for the future to develop a trash management strategy that was both environmentally effective and operationally efficient.
Here's how we navigated the waters of trash management for the Port of San Diego:
Comprehensive Data Compilation: We efficiently gathered and analyzed diverse data sets, creating a holistic picture of the Port's trash management landscape. This included historical implementation activities, current practices, and progress towards long-term goals.
Collaborative Relationships: We fostered strong working relationships with Port staff, ensuring that our approach was grounded in the realities of day-to-day operations and aligned with the Port's vision.
Cutting-Edge BMP Knowledge: We leveraged our leading-edge understanding of structural BMP design and maintenance to inform our recommendations, ensuring that proposed solutions were both innovative and practical.
Resource Optimization: Our planning approach focused on maximizing the use of available resources, balancing cost-efficiency with operational effectiveness.
Strategic Planning: We developed a roadmap that not only addressed immediate trash management needs but also set the stage for long-term success in meeting environmental goals.
Actionable Insights: Our planning document translated complex environmental and operational data into clear, actionable insights for Port decision-makers.
Key Takeaways
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing diverse data sets to inform strategic planning and resource allocation
Collaborative Approach: Building strong partnerships with Port staff to ensure practical, implementable solutions
Innovative BMP Integration: Incorporating cutting-edge knowledge of structural BMPs to enhance trash management efficacy
Resource Efficiency: Developing a cost- and operationally-efficient planning approach to maximize impact
Long-Term Vision: Aligning immediate actions with long-term environmental goals for sustained impact
Adaptable Strategy: Creating a flexible framework that can evolve with changing environmental needs and regulations
Environmental Stewardship: Contributing to the preservation and enhancement of San Diego Bay's ecosystem
This project showcases Craftwater's ability to tackle complex environmental challenges through strategic planning, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving, charting a course for sustainable urban water management that balances environmental stewardship with operational realities.