Guy Cipriano (2)
Pebble Beach Company, California Coastkeeper Alliance, The Otter Project and Monterey Waterkeeper are teaming up for a historic alliance to enhance the protection of water quality in the Carmel Bay, which is designated as an Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS).
As part of its longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship, Pebble Beach Company will, in coordination with its not-for-profit organization colleagues, pursue a first-in-nation Clean Water Act permit for discharges from Pebble Beach Golf Links into the Carmel Bay ASBS. This includes increasing water quality monitoring and developing updated best management practices related to dry-weather and stormwater discharges into the Carmel Bay ASBS, building on the company’s longstanding discharge management plan.
Pebble Beach Company will also donate $50,000 to the Big Sur Land Trust to support environmental projects related to water quality in the Carmel Bay ASBS and for programs to facilitate access to Carmel Bay.
“This collaboration represents a significant advancement in our mission to protect California’s coastal waters,” California Coastkeeper Alliance executive director Sean Bothwell said. “Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to our environment is second to none, and its actions here are a model for other companies to follow. We are committed to working with Pebble Beach Company to ensure the long-term health of Carmel Bay through this innovative permitting, monitoring and reporting framework.”
The Carmel Bay ASBS is one of California’s 34 “Areas of Special Biological Significance,” designated by the State Water Resources Control Board to safeguard distinctive biological species and communities. Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of three entities with outfalls into this protected area.
“This first-of-its-kind cooperative effort will help the Monterey Peninsula’s natural ecosystems thrive in a clean environment free from water pollution,” Monterey Waterkeeper executive director Natalie Herendeen said.
David Stivers, president and CEO of Pebble Beach Company, added, “Pebble Beach Company has long been a leader in ensuring environmental sustainability and water quality. We are proud to collaborate with these organizations to further our longstanding environmental commitments through this landmark initiative.”
California Coastkeeper Alliance was founded in 1999 and is focused on clean and healthy water’s, oceans’ and coasts’ importance to California’s economy, public health and way of life. The Alliance advances statewide policies and programs for healthy and clean waters.
Monterey Waterkeeper is a not-for-profit organization that protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters within the Monterey Region and along California’s Central Coast.
The Otter Project promotes the rapid recovery of the threatened California sea otter through science-based policy and advocacy. Founded in 1998, it has worked to improve nearshore ocean health and resolve the barriers to sea otter recovery.