Progress continues on Miocean’s Santa Ana River Wetlands project, the foundation’s largest and “greenest” yet in its history. Conducted in partnership with the City of Costa Mesa, Miocean is supporting this multi-year effort to stop millions of gallons of urban runoff from the Santa Ana River that directly pour into the River Jetties surf spot at Newport Beach.

The first phase of the project, including restoration of constructed wetlands, grading of ponds and initial planting in a 17-acre area was completed in Fall 2010.

During 2011-2012, an “eco-friendly” system – comprised of a series of native habitat plantings that provide natural filtration – will treat as much as one million gallons of urban runoff daily, which will be diverted from the Greenville Banning Channel – one of OC’s “dirtiest” flood control channels. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is expected to occur this summer, which is expected to be fully operational by Spring 2012.