Preserving scenic beauty and healthy ecosystems.
Environmental Role
Our nationally recognized, award-winning environmental programs have, among many accomplishments, protected the natural resources of more than 2,100 acres of habitat and open space; created the first successful native habitat on a closed landfill; transformed a narrow concrete drainage ditch into a thriving wetland; and built a state-of-the-art, wildlife protection fence that keeps wildlife and drivers separate and safe.
Funding
TCA’s long-term environmental initiatives are funded by toll revenues from the operation of The Toll Roads. This means that drivers using the roads have a positive effect on the quality of air, water, land and wildlife in Orange County. To date, TCA has spent more than $100 million on environmental initiatives.
Places We Protect
For more than 30 years, we have been committed to balancing construction and operations of our system with the preservation of open space and wildlife habitat. Learn more about the 17 environmental mitigation sites TCA protects throughout Orange County.
History
TCA has conserved and restored over 2,100 acres of coastal sage scrub, wetlands, riparian and saltwater marsh at 17 different locations. These locations were carefully selected to enhance wildlife connectivity and extend existing wildlife corridors.
TCA is an active participant in local habitat preservation through financial and land contributions to the County of Orange Central/Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and has been since its inception in 1996.
Did you know? TCA contributed nearly $7 million to the Natural Communities Coalition of Orange County’s endowment to ensure the long-term management of nearly 40,000 acres from Orange County’s coast to the Cleveland National Forest.
Awards
TCA’s demonstrated commitment to the environment has not gone unnoticed. Innovative strategies, design, management and conservation measures have been acknowledged by the tolling industry, government entities, planning and ecological organizations, and educational institutions. Among its awards are:
- Environmental Excellence Award from the Federal Highway Administration
- Focused Issue Planning Award from the American Planning Association Orange Section
- Award of Merit from the American Planning Association California Chapter
- Toll Innovation Award, International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
- Innovative Transportation Solutions Award from the Women’s Transportation Seminar Orange County
- Toll Excellence Award in Social Responsibility from the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
- California Association of Environmental Professionals Public Involvement and Education Award
- Acknowledgment by the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation for TCA conservation projects
- California Association of Environmental Professionals Outstanding Achievement Award
Environmental Programs and Projects
From the beginning, TCA has balanced construction and operation of The Toll Roads with protecting open spaces and wildlife habitat in Orange County. This is our highest priority. Learn about our current programs and projects at the links below.
