CITY SPONSORS CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON NEW ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS

LOS ANGELES (November 5, 2003) — 175 private developers and municipal representatives attended a conference sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Attendees were briefed on a new environmental regulation known as the Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plans (SUSMP).

This regulation, adopted by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, requires all new developments to be designed to retain or treat on site the first three-quarter inch of rain that falls in a 24-hour period. The SUSMP Conference instructed engineers, architects, developers and planners on writing a SUSMP and navigating the City’s SUSMP permitting process. Case studies highlighting Playa Vista, Occidental College and the City’s Fire Bond Program were also be presented.

“Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plans present a phenomenal opportunity for private developers, engineers and planners to positively impact the quality of Los Angeles’ lakes, rivers and bays,” said Shahram Kharaghani, Stormwater Program Manager for the City of Los Angeles. “The City of Los Angeles has trained staff ready to assist the private sector with this new regulation. We look forward to working with private firms to improve the quality of Los Angeles’ water.”

The conference was held on Wednesday, November 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the University of Southern California’s Davidson Conference Center at 3415 S. Figueroa St.