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INVITATION FOR STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP
When: September 21, 2010
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: Hyperion Treatment Plant, Conference Room 116, 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA
DEVELOPMENT OF TMDL IMPLEMENTATION PLANS IN BALLONA CREEK WATERSHED: WORKSHOP III
On behalf of the Ballona Creek watershed cities and agencies, Dr. Shahram Kharaghani (Division Manager of the Watershed Protection Division, City of Los Angeles) would like to request your participation in the third workshop for the development of TMDL Implementation Plans for the Ballona Creek watershed.
The previous two workshops discussed the identification and prioritization of pollutant hotspots and opportunities for water quality improvement projects in the Ballona Creek watershed. With your input, this resulted in two Implementation Plans for the Ballona Creek Bacteria and Metals TMDLs. The third workshop will be dedicated to the development of the third Implementation Plan for the Ballona Estuary Toxics TMDL.
Workshop topics will include:
* Multi-pollutant and sustainable, green approach to water quality improvement and TMDL compliance
* Proposed distributed and regional projects for implementation in the Ballona Creek watershed
* Results of Toxicity Identification Evaluation special study
* Proposed strategy to address the specific requirements of the Ballona Estuary Toxics TMDL
In addition, Watershed Protection Division staff will present preliminary concepts of several stormwater projects identified in the Implementation Plans.
We look forward to meeting with you at this workshop:
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Ida Meisami at Ida.Meisami.Fard@lacity.org or (213) 485-3999 by September 7, 2010 with your name and the names of any additional guests.
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Sun Valley Watershed Stormwater Projects
Please join the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and the Proposition O Citizens Oversight Advisory Committee for a briefing and tour of Sun Valley Watershed Stormwater Projects.
When: September 15, Wednesday
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Sun Valley Recreation Center, 8133 Vineland Ave., Sun Valley
Download the flyer for complete details here.
To RSVP or for more information, please email BPW.PAO@lacity.org, or call (213) 978-0333.
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Echo Park Rehabilitation Community Meeting; Wednesday August 4, 2010
A public hearing is scheduled for August 4, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at Barlow Hospital within Williams Hall, 2000 Stadium Way, Los Angeles, 90026 on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation project issued by the Department of Public Works. All interested stakeholders are invited.
The Department of Public Works has received requests from members of your community about providing transportation to and from tomorrow's Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation Project Draft EIR Public Hearing at Barlow Hospital. In our efforts to provide reasonable accommodation and to involve all community members interested in this project and the public hearing, we are pleased to offer a shuttle service that will run from Echo Park Lake to Barlow Hospital. However, RSVPs are required so we can make sure we provide the service to all that need it.
All interested in availing of this service MUST RSVP to Olga Morales at (213) 978-0329 by Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Please indicate the number of people in your party.
We apologize for the late notice on this service. Please share this with your neighbors, and encourage them to attend as well.
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City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program in the News
The City's Stormwater Program has been featured in several news publications both online and in print. The Municipal Sewer & Water did a feature on the Watershed Protection Division's activities in their administering of the Stormwater Program and the Los Angeles Times had an article on the program's Green Streets Program with a feature on Elmer Avenue.
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The 26th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day — Saturday September 25th
On Saturday, September 25, at 9 AM, join other volunteers in cleaning up the beaches along our Santa Monica Bay and the Los Angeles River in honor of California Coastal Cleanup Day. Look for more information on volunteering activities by clicking on the following links.
Heal the Bay
Los Angeles River
California Coastal Commission
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Consideration of LID Ordinance at Energy & Environment Council Committee
Due to a scheduling conflict, the proposed Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance will not be considered by the Energy and Environmental Council Committee at their July 20, 2010 meeting. The Committee will schedule the LID Ordinance for a future meeting once the City Council returns in September from their recess.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and will continue to notify you as early as possible about upcoming LID Ordinance-related meetings.
If you would like to receive regular email updates, please send us your email address.
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Give Us Your Input — Get a FREE Tote Bag!
The City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program strives to provide the best customer service possible! And you can help us achieve that by taking a quick survey.
For a limited time, those who fill out the survey will receive a FREE Stormwater organic cotton tote bag!
Want to get started?
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Community Meetings Scheduled for LA Prop O
A series of general public meetings are scheduled regarding the City of Los Angeles' Proposition O projects. Four meetings will be held in the month of July at various locations throughout the city. The dates and locations are as follows:
July 10th - 11th, noon to 6:00 PM; Lotus Festival – Info Booth re: Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation, Echo Park Lake
July 15th, 6:00 PM; Temescal Cyn Stormwater BMP Local Coastal Devt Permit Hearing and Project Update; Pacific Palisades Library, 861 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades
July 28th. 2:00 PM; Echo Park Lake Rehab DEIR Team Meeting, Public Works Building, 1149 S. Broadway, L.A. Room 6004
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5,000 Kids Celebrate Ocean Day 2010!
PLAYA DEL REY, CA — Confirming their commitment to protecting marine life, 5,000 area students and their teachers participated at the Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup and formed an aerial artwork in celebration of Kids Ocean Day. The event was hosted by the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education, the California Coastal Commission, the City of Los Angeles, Keep Los Angeles Beautiful, and Whole Foods Market.
Students picked up trash along Dockweiler Beach and capped the day by forming a human mosaic that depicted the ocean spelling out “Sustain Life.” [more]
Aerial art photo
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Stormwater Residential BMPs Hit L.A. Area Stores
On an ongoing basis, the City of Los Angeles coordinates with more than 200 retailers throughout the Southland to get pollution prevention messages in stores.
Bilingual shelf-talkers, posters and tip cards encourage customers to dispose of their unwanted household hazardous materials properly by taking them to one of six City-sponsored SAFE centers.
To see the other creative, click here.
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New Online Analysis Tool for BMPs Launched
The City of Los Angeles' Stormwater Program, in a joint venture with Heal the Bay, Geosyntec and Los Angeles County, has recently launched SBPAT, a tool that facilitates the prioritization and selection of BMP project opportunities and technologies in urbanized watersheds. This new portal, once fully implemented, will be able to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of BMP projects throughout the watersheds of Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles River Aerial Photos
The Watershed Protection Division is publishing aerial photos taken of the Los Angeles River from its point of origin in the West Hills area to the City limits where the river passes through the City of Vernon. Come and take a "trip."
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An Invitation to Participate; A Public Meeting on L.A. River Revitalization
The City of Los Angeles is inviting all interested parties to a general public meeting to share ideas and exhibit your work on River-related projects. This meeting will take place Thursday June 24, 2010 at the Los Angeles River Center, 570 W. Avenue 26 Los Angeles, CA 90065 [click for map] in two sessions:
- Session 1: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Session 2: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Please RSVP with your exhibition or other contribution (as well as space requirements) before Monday June 7, 2010 by contacting Meghan Whalen at (213) 485-4560. We hope to see you there!
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Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance Set into Motion
The City of LA's Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance is moving forward and the Bureau of Sanitation wants to make sure its landmark LID guidelines will best serve our community. In a unique and transparent effort, the LA Stormwater Program will be coordinating the efforts of public officials, stakeholders, private industry and the general citizenry in the development of a LID Handbook.
Please plan on attending the LID Handbook launch meeting on Thursday May 20th from 1 - 3 pm at the Los Angeles River Center, 570 W. Avenue 26 Los Angeles, CA 90065 [click for map]
If you'd like to receive regular updates regarding the LID ordinance and handbook, please let us know.
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Jan Perry (CD9) Receives Prestigious NACWA Enviromental Achievement Award
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) was selected Councilmember Jan Perry to receive their 2010 National environmental Achievement Award for her efforts in "advancing a healthy, sustainable environment."
This award comes as a result of her successful championing of the South Los Angeles Wetland Park now under construction at the corner of 54th Street and Avalon Boulevard. The site is a former rail yard onced owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and was purchased by the City of Los Angeles in 2009 with Prop O funds. The award ceremony will take place in Washington DC on April 19th, 2010. [more]
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City Attorney Christopher Westhoff Honored for City Career
Assistant City Attorney and General Counsel to the Board of Public Works Chris Westhoff was recognized for his long and successful career during a retirement presentation at the February 26 Board of Public Works meeting.
Before family, friends and colleagues, Westhoff was lauded for his dedication, hard work and many accomplishments. Westhoff spent 32 years with the City, 27 as the BPW General Counsel. In addition to current Bureau executives, former Public Works executives also attended as well as representatives from the environmental community.
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L.A. Stormwater Program Releases Design Guidelines Standards for Rainwater Harvesting
The City of Los Angeles' Stormwater Program recently released the 1st Edition of its Green Streets & Green Alleys Design Guidelines. The document can be downloaded here.
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Presentation Scheduled for Proposed L.A. River RIO District in Highland Park
A team of CalPoly Pomona graduate students has created an amazing design plan for the implementation of a RIO District in Highland Park along the Arroyo Seco following the proposed City of Los Angeles RIO (River Improvement Overlay) Ordinance. A public presentation is scheduled as the special program at the Highland Park Historic Trust’s (HPHT) monthly meeting.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ramona Hall, 4580 No. Figueroa Street, Highland Park, 90042
Time: 7:00 PM Presentation
The presentation runs about an hour in a power point format. This event is FREE. The HPHT meeting begins at 6:30pm and the presentation starts at 7 pm. For more information, visit The Los Angeles River web site:
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Heavy Rains in the Southland
Residents are strongly advised to follow instructions on handling the heavy rainfall currently affecting the Los Angeles County Region. For more information click here.
- Stay away from flood control channels and areas subject to sudden flooding.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Water conducts electricity.
- Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. Even shallow water can sweep you off your feet.
- Do not drive through flooded streets and avoid needless trips.
- Conserve water to reduce the impact of increased flow into the City's sewage system.
- Report flooded streets and clogged catch basins by calling (800) 974-9794.
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Final Proposed Draft LID Ordinance
The Bureau of Sanitation would thank you for the excellent feedback and comments regarding the proposed Low Impact Development Ordinance. We greatly appreciate the time and effort everyone has put into reviewing the draft ordinance and providing valuable insight to develop a workable and flexible ordinance.
The Board of Public Works will consider this LID Ordinance at 9:30 a.m. on January 15, 2010; City of Los Angeles, City Hall, 200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Room 350. An agenda for the meeting may be viewed here.
The proposed Low Impact Development Ordinance and related documents are available below:
The final proposed Draft LID Ordinance will be presented to the Board of Public Works for consideration of approval on Friday, January 15, 2010.
Related Downloads
LID Ordinance Community Meeting Dec 1, 2009: download here
Guidelines for Stormwater Infiltration: download here
Updates on the status of the LID Ordinance adoption process will be posted as it moves through the City's approval process. For ongoing updates about the LID Ordinance, please visit our blog at www.lastormwater.org/teameffort or join our Stormwater Facebook Fan Page. And, of course, you can always send us your comments and concerns at lastormwater@lacity.org.
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City of L.A. Surpassed Current Trash TMDL Milestone of 50% Reduction
The City of Los Angeles has achieved over 60 percent trash reduction in the Los Angeles River (60%) and Ballona Creek (65%) surpassing the Trash Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) current compliance milestone of 50 percent reduction. More than 32,000 new catch screens and inserts are already installed across the City and are already diverting over 2,300 tons of trash from reaching and polluting Los Angeles’ waterways and beaches.
The City has already invested nearly $50 million towards retrofitting catch basins with structural devices to prevent trash from reaching our receiving waters. Approximately $30 million is planned for additional investment bringing the total investment in compliance with the Trash TMDL to nearly $80 million. Proposition “O,” which was unanimously approved by L.A. voters, has paid for these improvements.
We are projected to achieve full compliance with the Trash TMDL requirements three years ahead of the mandated deadline of 2016 established by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.
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Los Angeles River Metals TMDL
A draft implementation plan (with appendices) for the LA River Metals TMDL is available here.
This plan is subject to Mayor's Office and City Council approval. A final implementation plan will be submitted to the Regional Board by January 11, 2010.
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Machado Lake Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Wilmington Drain Multi-Use Project
Good News!
A recommended design has been developed for the Machado Lake - Wilmington Drain Prop O Project.
Download the PDF newsletter here (412kb)
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Sign Up to Receive Your Free Rain Barrel
You may qualify for a FREE Rainwater Harvesting installation where you can save money on your water expenses and join your community in preserving the environment. The installation and equipment costs for this project are worth up to $250, but they will be provided at NO COST to you for this pilot program.
For more information, including sign-up options, visit LArainwaterharvesting.org
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Guide for Developers and Designers
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Cabrillo Beach Sand Replacement Project
The Second Phase of the Cabrillo Beach Sand Replacement Project is now under way! The replacment of the sand is part of an ongoing effort between the Port of LA and the Bureau of Sanitation (Watershed Protection Division) to improve water quality at Cabrillo Beach and will assist the City in meeting the Los Angeles Harbor (Cabrillo Beach) Bacteria TMDL [more]
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LA Stormwater "Team Effort" Ad Campaign Launched
We're hitting the streets! A spring time Team Effort advertising campaign will share the Stormwater Program's vision of a socially-responsible Los Angeles. Bus shelter ads featuring staff from the City's Environmental Monitoring and Watershed Protection divisions aims to inspire residents to become part of the solution and play a role in keeping their neighborhoods clean [more]
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TMDL Implementation Plan Stakeholder Workshop held on March 25th
The Watershed Protection Division hosted a Los Angeles River Metals TMDL Implementation Plan Stakeholder workshop on March 25th at the River Center. This was the first of 3 workshops designed to inform stakeholders and collect information from stakeholders concerning the metals implementation plan for the Los Angeles River watershed within the City of Los Angeles that is due to be submitted to the Regional Water Quality Control Board by the January 11, 2010 TMDL deadline. This workshop discussed the characteristics of the watershed and the implementation plan development process. The next workshop, scheduled for June 2009, will discuss potential green strategies to meet TMDL compliance milestones. A copy of the 1st workshop presentation can be viewed here.
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Spay or Neuter Your Pet: It's the Law. Enforcement began October 1st
For more information click here.
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Joint City Task Force to Target Illegal Dumpers in South L.A.
A joint effort by the LAPD, the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services will be on hunt for perpetrators of Illegal dumping in the South Los Angeles. The task force has identified 50 "chronic" illegal dumping locations scattered amid 224 miles of alleys — all in South Los Angeles area. Illegal dumping is a misdemeanor that can result in a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
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Los Angeles River "The Future is Now" Poster
The Stormwater Program Graphics Support has available an outreach poster depicting the possible beneficial uses of a restored Los Angeles River. To receive a copy of this 18''x24'' full-color poster, please call (800) 974-9794 and press ''Option 3'', or send an email to Stormwater Public Education
[more]
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Board of Public Works Announces Citywide Open Houses to Promote Recycling and City Services
The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation is hosting its 6th annual open house events offered free to the public. Each of the city’s six sanitation yards, in Sun Valley, Northridge, Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park, South Los Angeles, San Pedro and West Los Angeles, will promote recycling fun while providing hands-on educational experiences and informational material on city programs.
For more information, dates and locations, download the [150 kb] press release.
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Recalled Toys Do Not Belong in Trash
The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation reminds residents that products such as toys that have been recalled for containing lead-based paint and other hazardous and/or toxic material SHOULD NOT be discarded in the regular trash. Discarding items containing lead-based paint and other hazardous material into the environment, through the regular trash, can bring the material full circle and right back into our homes.
We invite residents to properly dispose of their hazardous materials at our S.A.F.E. Centers located throughout the City [more]
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City of Los Angeles' "High Trash Generation" Areas
This interactive map of the city of Los Angeles shows areas where street trash — whether blown from curbside containers or carelessly discarded — is in heaviest concentration. This map does not include the Los Angeles County area outside of the City's boundaries.
The City's Stormwater Program has aggressively targeted these areas to stem the flow of trash that reaches our waterways by installing pollution control devices such as Low Flow Diversions, catch basin screen covers and inserts, netting systems, and other mitigation measures.
Please ensure that waste is properly disposed of and recycle everything you can! For items considered too toxic for your trash, the City of Los Angeles has several convenient locations for the safe disposal of paint, thinners, electronics, bulky items and other household hazardous materials.
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New Director Takes the Helm at the City's Bureau of Sanitation
Enrique C. Zaldivar has been selected as the new Director of the City of Los Angeles' Bureau of Sanitation, replacing Rita Robinson, who Mayor Villaraigosa re-appointed to serve as a Chief of the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Zaldivar has extensive experience in the City's wastewater, solid resources and recycling programs and was serving as Assistant Director up until his selection to head the Bureau.
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L.A. Stormwater Program's "Tackling Trash" Selected as Municipal Excellence Award Finalist
The City of Los Angeles has been selected as one of 35 finalists for the National League of Cities (NLC) 2007 Awards for Municipal Excellence. The City's Tackling Trash program has been selected "because of its innovative strategy to curbing litter by attacking the trash problem through a multi-pronged approach." [more] [City Press Release pdf]
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City of Los Angeles Launches Plastic Bag Recycling Campaign
The City of Los Angeles was one step closer to becoming a "green city" with the launch of a the Plastic Bags Recycling web site. Plastic bags are one of the most common items found in our storm drain system, and a major source of debris that litters our beaches — and now, you can help get them out of the waste stream..
By returning your plastic bags to over 20 stores and markets conveniently located throughout Los Angeles, you can help improve our environment and make our streets cleaner [more]
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Elysian Valley “Green Street” Dedication
One of several projects aimed at revitalizing the Los Angeles River, the Oros Green Street Project marks "...the first time a neighborhood sub-watershed will contribute no pollutants to the Los Angeles River” said Board of Public Works President Cynthia M. Ruiz (shown at left). City Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Ed Reyes were also on hand to dedicate the project [more]
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LA City Planning Dept to Hold Workshops on LA River Improvement Overlay District
Save the date for the upcoming public workshops sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning to discuss the proposed LA River Improvement Overlay (RIO) District [more]
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Bureau of Sanitation Employee Johnny Pool Featured on Larry King LIVE!
Wastewater Collection Systems Division employee Johnny Pool guests on the popular CNN cable news network show to explain his "dirty job" in helping keep our oceans clean. Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, was on hand to introduce Johnny to host Larry King [more]
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MEDIA ALERT: L.A. River Press Conference Thursday February 22 10:30 AM
Join Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. Councilmembers Reyes, LaBonge, Greuel, and Huizar along with L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina at Egret Park on Riverside Drive between the 5 Freeway and Barclay Street. Plans to green a 32-mile stretch of the Los Angeles River, as proposed in the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan draft, will be unveiled.
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New Westside Water Quality Improvement Project
The City of Los Angeles recently joined the City of Santa Monica, the County of Los Angeles and the State of California to dedicate the Westside Water Quality Improvement Project at Mar Vista Park in Council District 11. The project is a facility designed to treat urban runoff from the east side of the City of Santa Monica and parts of West L.A. [more]
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New S.A.F.E. Center Opens in Northeastern Los Angeles/Atwater Area
Now, residents in Los Angeles' northeastern area will have a safe, convenient method for disposing household chemicals and other toxic materials [more]
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The Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" to Feature the City's Bureau of Sanitation
A film crew from the hit cable series Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe recently went along with a Bureau of Sanitation crew to clean out one of Los Angeles' filthiest catch basins [more]
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"All the Way to the Ocean" — a Children's Storybook on Storm Drain Pollution is Released
Featuring richly-illustrated pages throughout, this recently published book by author Joel Harper tells the story about two friends discovering of the harmful effects of ocean pollution. This story deals specifically with storm drain run-off that travels directly into our natural bodies of water [more]
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Stormwater Program Inspectors Featured in National Magazine
The Watershed Protection Division's Enforcement & Inspection Unit were highlighted in the trade publication, Stormwater Magazine, which chronicled their duties in a typical day [more]
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City Officials Announce Los Angeles River Revitalization Plans
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined other City officials announcing proposed plans for the revitalization of the Los Angeles River. [more]
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Stormwater Program Participation at the Plastics Debris Conference
Program staff were on hand at the Plastics Debris Conference held September 12th in Redondo Beach [more]
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Los Angeles River Campaign Launch
City officials, 20 community LA River organizations, and friends publicly acknowledged the forgotten landmark — and launch a public education campaign on the Los Angeles River [more]
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Integrated Regional Watershed Management Plans (IRWMPs)
IRWMP drafts were prepared pursuant to Proposition 50, Chapter 8: Ballona Creek, Dominguez Channel, Los Angeles River, and Santa Monica Bay watersheds [more]
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Stormwater Used Oil Recycling Education Program Wins Latino Marketing Award
The Used Oil Recycling Education Program was awarded "Best Community Relations Campaign" by the Latino Marketing Awards for "the best and brightest in advertising, marketing, and public relations campaigns that target Latinos" for its Highland Park Community Mural Project [more]
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Development BMP Handbook: Part A; Construction Activities- 3rd Edition
The latest revision of the Construction Activities Handbook that provides general guidance for selecting and implementing BMPs to prevent the discharge of pollutants from construction sites to receiving bodies of water [more]
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L.A. City Council initiates smoking ban on L.A. beaches
The Los Angeles City Council voted to prohibit smoking in City parks consisting of beaches and to prohibit the disposal of tobacco products except in approved containers in City parks consisting of beaches [more]
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Dispose Your Chemicals, Leftover Paint, and Used Motor Oil the Right Way!
S.A.F.E. Collection Centers are now ready to accept City of Los Angeles resident's household "Special Materials." Find out where the one nearest you is located!
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