Clean California Project Improves Amenities at Berry Summit Vista Point on Route 299, Featuring Vault Toilet Facilities, EV Charging Stations, and Night-Sky Lighting

Published: Jul 25, 2024

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. - Caltrans and its partners joined on July 24 to celebrate the completion of the Berry Summit Vista Point Project on Route 299 in Humboldt County. The project features the installation of vault toilet facilities, solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations, a picnic area, night-sky-friendly solar lighting, and decorative garbage cans at the often-visited vista point located ten miles west of the Willow Creek community.

The $759,000 effort was made possible by Governor Gavin Newsom's Clean California Initiative - a sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform, and beautify public spaces …and keep them that way.

The newly installed vault toilets at the Berry Summit Vista Point offer a range of benefits, including water conservation and reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional flush toilets. These facilities are self-contained and do not require a connection to a septic system or sewer line, making them an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, the night-sky-friendly solar lighting enhances safety for visitors while minimizing light pollution, thereby preserving the natural night sky.

The Clean California Project at Berry Summit Vista Point is situated at one of Caltrans' 147 vista points found across the state and was accomplished with the help of the Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department, REACH Air Medical Services, and CHP Humboldt.

"This project showcases the spirit and purpose of Clean California by delivering upgraded resources to thousands of people who visit this popular recreational destination every year," said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. "The added restroom facilities, solar-powered EV charging stations, and night-sky-friendly lighting are just a few examples of how we are improving the visitor experience while also protecting our environment. By incorporating local drought-resistant vegetation and providing educational kiosks, we are also promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among the public."

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.5 million cubic yards of litter - enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 with an inch of trash from San Diego to the Canadian border. This represents a substantial increase compared to the department's previous trash collection efforts and can largely be attributed to Clean California, along with other Caltrans litter removal efforts. Caltrans has hosted more than 500 free dump days in communities throughout the state - resulting in the collection of 12,000-plus mattresses and nearly 50,000 tires. The initiative has drawn more than 10,000 community clean-up volunteers and created 15,000 jobs, including positions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated, on probation, or experiencing housing insecurity.

For more information, visit CleanCA.com.