I-5 Expansion will consume wetland and lagoon habitat.
Caltrans is proposing to widen I-5 from Genesse Avenue and Mira Mesa Road to Vandergrift Boulevard. This expansion will impact Buena Vista Lagoon, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos Lagoon. As currently envisioned, the expansion of I-5 will consume many acres of wetlands and lagoon habitat and create even worse circulation problems for these lagoons.
Preliminary engineering and environmental studies are underway by Caltrans with completion of the environmental studies set for 2008 and construction scheduled to start in 2009.
Although, one of Caltrans goals is to "Minimize environmental impacts while enhancing corridor scenic values and community character," the loss of many acres and the resulting damming caused by the freeway can only have a negative long term impact on the wetlands.
Now is the time to act, if we are to reduce the impact of the proposed I-5 expansion and to make sure that the lagoons remain viable wetland habitat.
Experience has shown that waiting for the preliminary engineering and responding to the draft environmental report is often too late to have real impact on the basic approach or engineering of the freeway.
Caltrans has begun meeting with conservancy groups to address issues regarding the environmental impact of the I-5 expansion. If you or your group has not begun to think about the impact of the I-5 expansion, now is the time to act to reduce the wetland and lagoon habitat loss.
If you would like to help minimize the environmental impact of the I-5 Expansion or if you would like to discuss a joint response to the I-5 expansion, email or call Fred Sandquist at 760-918-2408
Or, you can contact Caltrans directly regarding the Biological and Wetlands Impact of the I-5 expansion: Bruce April
