This project reduces trash inputs to SF BAY waters through on-land, community-based trash monitoring, cleanup, and career training in underserved communities and in support of the municipal regional…

This project reduces trash inputs to SF BAY waters through on-land, community-based trash monitoring, cleanup, and career training in underserved communities and in support of the municipal regional stormwater permit (MRP). California state university sacramento (SAC state) will coordinate a participatory science network of community volunteers, high school interns, university-based interns and technical experts, and two nonprofits. This project will provide a public benefit, via trash removal, to SAN francisco BAY and specifically to underserved regions of pinole, SAN pablo, richmond, unincorporated north richmond and tara hills, and berkeley. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $742,240. Preaward costs have been approved back to january 1, 2024.activities:this project will leverage our usepa-funded trash rapid assessment data exchange (trade), which supports community-based monitoring in the regulatory context of california's trash amendments. Over the next two years, this project will result in: 160 on-land trash cleanups with APP-based surveys that feed quality-assured data to permittee partners through trade; 9,600 gallons of trash removed from underserved communities; 120 local internships focused on workforce development; and 960 hours of community participation in trash removal and education. Because these outcomes address regional and national plans as well the acute environmental and socioeconomic challenges of many SF BAY cities, this project will serve as a model for expanding participatory trash monitoring.subrecipient:there are three types of subawards included in this project. 1) earth team will coordinate and support the high school internship program (112 interns over 2-years). Earth team has relevant experience supporting internship programs in selected permittee communities. 2) keep california beautiful: will provide training to university and HS interns. IT will also provide support services to permittees. 3)the cites of pinole, SAN pablo, richmond and berkeley will each coordinate partner activities with existing trash management programs such as access to monitoring sites and disposal of collected trash; provide info and resources needed by the project team; provide input and receiving training on the use of (trash rapid assessment data exchange) trade; and share findings with other parties working to reduce trash pollution in SF BAY.outcomes:project deliverables include: the training of interns from underserved communities in career readiness and leadership; trash cleanup in underserved communities; developing a participatory science network that collaborates with local government for multiple benefits; 160 quality assured trash condition assessments; monthly updates/reports; and at least four presentations to local management forums. Expected outcomes include: engaging frontline, underserved, and indigenous communities as partners in protecting, restoring, and enhancing the estuary; reducing trash input into the estuary; and conserving and enhancing riparian and instream habitats throughout the estuary's watersheds. Intended project beneficiaries are frontline and indigenous communities which will benefit from skill training and living near a healthy, resilient estuary.