Pebble Beach Golf Links to pursue Clean Water Act permit

Pebble Beach Company, California Coastkeeper Alliance, The Otter Project, and Monterey Waterkeeper announce 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).

Pebble Beach Company will, in coordination with its not-for-profit organization colleagues, pursue a Clean Water Act permit for discharges from Pebble Beach Golf Links into the Carmel Bay ASBS. According to a press release, this permit is the first of its kind in the U.S. This effort includes increasing water quality monitoring and developing updated best management practices related to dry-weather and stormwater discharges into the Carmel Bay ASBS, building upon 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 for all who live in and visit Monterey County. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to preserving the unique and sensitive ecosystems of Carmel Bay.

“This collaboration represents a significant advancement in our mission to protect California’s coastal waters,” said Sean Bothwell, executive director of California Coastkeeper Alliance, in a press release. “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, owned and operated by Pebble Beach Company, 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,” said Natalie Herendeen, executive director of Monterey Waterkeeper, in a press release.

“Pebble Beach Company has long been a leader in ensuring environmental sustainability and water quality,” said David Stivers, president & CEO of Pebble Beach Company, in a press release. “We are proud to collaborate with these organizations to further our longstanding environmental commitments through this landmark initiative.”