3.2 Coastal Wetlands
The lagoon has historically received discharges of secondary treated wastewater and presently continues
to experience sewage spills. The accumulated sludge, plant detritus, excess nutrients, and contained basin
combine to cause eutrophic conditions. Nonetheless, a diverse assemblage of sensitive bird species forage
or nest in the vicinity of this lagoon. The lagoon is a migratory bird stopover point and general habitat for
herons, egrets, dabbling and diving ducks. The lagoon supports endangered species such as the light-
footed clapper rail, California brown pelican, California least tern, and occasionally Belding's savannah
sparrows. Cattail marsh habitat along the lagoon has been utilized for nesting by light-footed clapper rails
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(Rallus longirostris levipes). It has been proposed by the USFWS as critical habitat for the tidewater
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goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi), a small fish.
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Agua Hedionda Lagoon
The ocean inlet to Agua Hedionda Lagoon is located south of the proposed North Carlsbad receiver site
and north of the proposed South Carlsbad (north and south) receiver sites. Aqua Hedionda has been a
tidal lagoon since 1954 when San Diego Gas and Electric completed a large-scale dredging project to
provide a deep water basin and cooling water for the Encina Power Plant. As a result, the lagoon exhibits
a diverse community of benthic invertebrates and fish. The lagoon serves as a nursery area for marine fish
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and has also been proposed as critical habitat for the tidewater goby. The outer lagoon supports
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commercial shellfishing aquaculture, recreational boating and skiing, a marina, and a marine fish hatchery.
Two pair of jetties maintain tidal flow and power plant circulation; the northern jetties serve as an ocean
inlet to the lagoon and the southern jetties serve as the warm water discharge from the power plant.
The lagoon is approximately 400 acres in size and consists primarily of open water habitat. A coastal
saltmarsh occurs at the eastern end of the inner lagoon and supports endangered Belding's savannah
sparrow. Endangered California brown pelican feed and roost at the lagoon, and California least tern
forage there as well. Cattail marsh habitat has been utilized by light-footed clapper rails for nesting.
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Eelgrass occurs along the shoreline throughout the lagoon. The entrance to the lagoon undergoes
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maintenance dredging annually or biannually and dredge materials are used to replenish beaches north,
between, and south of the inlet and discharge jetties.
Batiquitos Lagoon
Batiquitos Lagoon inlet is located north of the proposed Batiquitos receiver site. The lagoon is managed
as a State Ecological Reserve by the CDFG. A major wetlands enhancement project that involved
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Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
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