El Nino-He's Back...

In July, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists announced the return of El Niño, a climate phenomenon with significant influence on global weather. Occurring, on average, once every two to seven years and typically lasting 12 months, El Niño is the warming of central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean waters. Generally, an El Niño event will produce increased rainfall across the east-central and eastern Pacific and drier than normal conditions over northern Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The phenomenon was first recognized by South American fishermen who noticed unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters occurring near the beginning of the year. Because it typically happened around Christmas time, it was given the Spanish name El Niño meaning "the Little One."

Here in Southern California, El Niño’s creepy characteristics have typically included multiple menacing winter storms with the potential to cause severe flooding and mudslides. Additionally, the threat of major ocean pollution here in Los Angeles is very real in an El Niño year. "Even on the driest day here in LA, 10 million gallons of urban runoff flows through our rivers, creeks and lakes," states Enrique C. Zaldivar, director of the Bureau of Sanitation. "During one heavy rainstorm the quantity of stormwater runoff flow can increase to one billion gallons," continued Zaldivar. This rainwater unintentionally picks up lecherous litter, dastardly dog droppings and chilling car chemicals, creating a toxic witch's brew that flows untreated to our local bays where it threatens human and environmental health.

During a drought, rain is undoubtedly a welcome occurrence. The key is to ensure that we are treating that rain as a resource instead of a liability. Here are a few simple measures that we can adopt to minimize El Niño’s impact:

• Organize a clean up in your own community. Remember that all storm drains lead straight to the ocean so picking up litter in your own neighborhood will create a cleaner ocean. For a listing of community clean-ups, visit LAStormwater.org/teameffort

• Make sure all drains and gutters on your property are debris free and functioning properly. Check the storm drain at the end of your street. If it’s clogged, report it to the City’s Stormwater Hotline at (800) 974-9794.

• Make sure your yard does not have large bare areas that could create mudflows during a storm. Autumn is a good time to put down mulch and establish native plants.

• Make the necessary preparations to collect your rainwater or install your own rainwater capture system.

Yes, El Niño is back, but by adopting a few good housekeeping practices this winter we can work as a team to keep El Niño from becoming the monster that knocks down LA’s door.

Call for Comments on LID Ordinance

The City of LA wants to thank everyone who participated in the Low Impact Development (LID) workshops earlier this month.

A total of 66 program stakeholders attended the workshops, including representatives from a variety of organizations (business/development community, environmental community, neighboring cities and Los Angeles neighborhood councils).

The draft of the LID ordinance is now ready for your review and comments. Please email your comments directly to LAstormwater@lacity.org.

Low Impact Development (LID) is a relatively new approach to managing stormwater and urban runoff while mitigating the negative impacts of development and urbanization. The City has been in the process of developing this ordinance and accompanying Low-Impact Development (LID) manual to provide guidance for Low-Impact Development Standards.

The Stormwater Program is seeking public comments to be received no later than end of day November 6th. The LID ordinance will be presented to the Board of Public Works on November 13th.

Stormwater Reuse Bill Passes in California

A new California bill seeks to expand the role of stormwater management to incorporate strategies that will use it as a resource. The Stormwater Resource Planning Act, SB 790, allows municipalities to tap funds from two of the state’s existing bond funds and use the money for projects that reduce or reuse stormwater, recharge the groundwater supply, create green spaces and enhance wildlife habitats.

With California facing both a budget crisis and a water crisis – the state is currently enduring a third year of drought – the competition will likely be fierce among the many government agencies that manage the state’s stormwater.

LA will of course be one of the cities vying for the extra help. According to Wing Tam, assistant division manager of our Watershed Protection Division (WPD), the money will fund an expansion of the rainwater harvesting projects and green infrastructure, including large cisterns, stream restoration, biofiltration and downspout disconnections.

For more information and stories on this bill, check out L.A. Times's Greenspace Blog.

Rain Barrel Expert Needed ASAP!

The City of Los Angeles is seeking a rain barrel installation expert willing to participate as an instructor in a City of Los Angeles “How To” video.* The video will serve as a tool for residents who are looking to install a rain barrel at their property. The video will be available online as well as in DVD (by request).

Participation will include an announcement of your name and business in the introduction of the video. Please allow a full day (8 hours) of availability for production.

If interested, please send an email no later than Thursday, 10/22/09 to Codi Harris at charris@sga-inc.net with the following information:
• How many years have you been installing rain barrels?

• About how many rain barrels have you installed?

The following questions are applicable, only if you own or are affiliated with a business that installs rain barrels:

• What is the business name, address, website?
• Does the business service clients in the greater Los Angeles area?

Public Invited to Prop O COAC Meeting (10/21)

On Wednesday, October 21, the Citizens Oversight Advisory Committee (COAC) will be hosting a Prop O general meeting where they will be discussing Prop O funded projects such as Echo Park Lake’s rehab and the Westchester Stormwater best management practices project.

The public is welcome to attend this open forum meeting and will be given a slot on the agenda to allow for time to share their thoughts and concerns about Prop O related projects (see agenda items listed below).

The meeting will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the following location:

City Hall East, 15^th Floor

200 North Main Street, Room 1500

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Agenda:

1. Approval of the Minutes for September 29, 2009 special meeting

2. City Administrative Officer (CAO)/Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA)/Citizens Oversight Advisory Committee (COAC) representative update on Proposition O (Prop O) issues and Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC) meetings

3. Discussion and Possible Action: Westchester Stormwater BMP project

4. Discussion and Possible Action: Peck Park Canyon Enhancement project Front-funding for Prop 50 grant o Cultural Affairs 1% Arts Fee requirement

5. Discussion and Possible Action: Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation project design update

6. Discussion and Possible Action: Bureaus of Sanitation and Engineering Update on TMDL compliance and project schedules

7. Discussion: Bureau of Engineering Monthly Reports – September 2009

8. Discussion and Possible Action: Biennial Report to City Council

9. Discussion: Low Impact Development Ordinance

10. Discussion and Possible Action: Future agenda items

11. General Public Comment

It's Raining, It's Pouring...The Barrels Are Working!

Today's rain has put those newly installed Rainwater Harvesting barrels to work! All of you who have already received your barrels know that they fill up quickly. One good thing to note is that the barrels come equipped with spouts to allow for additional barrels to be hooked up and collect overflow. Also, we've read blog posts about people filling up buckets (during lulls in the rain) to water plants and also hooking up hoses to help divert some of the water to permeable surfaces.

Read some Mar Vista bloggers who are talking about their experience:

http://marvistagreengardenshowcase.blogspot.com/2009/10/our-barrels-runneth-over.html
http://marvistamom.com/2009/10/13/this-just-in-rain-barrels-do-collect-rain/

(Photo from Sherri Akers' barrel)

Rainwater Harvesting to Stop Accepting Applications

Tomorrow is the last day (for residents) to submit an application for the Rainwater Harvesting program. If you have not yet submitted your application, please make sure to do so ASAP at www.larainwaterharvesting.org Please note that businesses are still encouraged to apply after tomorrow's deadline.

LA WATERSHED PROTECTION DIVISION MANAGER NAMED OUTSTANDING CIVIL ENGINEER

The American Society of Civil Engineers, Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch (ASCE MLAB) named Dr. Shahram Kharaghani, manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation Watershed Protection Division, as 2009 Outstanding Civil Engineer in Government. The honor is given to public servants who promote and implement innovative concepts, research and materials to help advance the field of civil engineering.

As manager of the City’s stormwater pollution abatement programs and flood control infrastructure, Shahram ensures the City’s compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). He is also responsible for the implementation of five stormwater model programs in the areas of Illicit Connection/Discharge, Public Agency, Construction, Planning and Engineering.

Shahram is also credited for the successful passage of Proposition O, the $500-million clean water bond that funds more than 25 stormwater projects that improve water quality in the City of Los Angeles. A stormwater expert with more than 25 years of experience in various aspects of engineering, Shahram is a registered professional civil engineer in the State of California and board-certified environmental engineer.

Shahram will receive the award at the organization’s awards banquet on October 8 at the Tom Bradley Tower in downtown City Hall.

For more information about Shahram and the Watershed Protection Division, visit http://www.lastormwater.org/.

Also be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to get news from Shahram and our Stormwater Program team.

2009 Stormwater Mitigation Handbook for LA Builders and Developers

The City of Los Angeles recently produced a new Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) handbook entitled How to Build Protection for Mother Nature Into Your Project for local designers and developers. To view or download the handbook, click here.

Depending on the type of project, either a Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) or a Site Specific Mitigation Plan is required to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of rainfall runoff that leaves the site. Developers are encouraged to coordinate with the City’s SUSMP Public Counter staff during the design phase of their projects to ensure compliance with these regulations. The handbook also provides information on stormwater mitigation features such as vegetated filter strips, porous pavement, flow-through planters, parking lot tree wells, infiltration swales, and rooftop water capture systems.

SUSMP or Site-Specific Mitigation Plans are required as part of a project plan submittal package. Project applicants should contact the City of Los Angeles’ SUSMP Public Counter before submitting a building permit application to the City’s Department of Building and Safety. The City’s SUSMP Public Counter is located at 201 North Figueroa Street, 3rd Floor, Station 18, Los Angeles. CA. SUSMP staff can be reached by calling (213) 482-7066.

Additional information about the City’s Stormwater Program can be found at http://www.lastormwater.org/.

Two Important Stormwater Update Meetings Next Week

1) PROPOSITION “O” GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS CITIZENS OVERSIGHT ADVISORYCOMMITTEE (COAC)
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
1 p.m.
ECHO PARK RECREATION CENTER
1632 Bellevue Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Contact: Mark Tullai - (213) 473-7567

http://ens.lacity.org/cao/propocitizencom/caopropocitizencom235662658_092=20

2) TEMESCAL CANYON STORMWATER PROJECT UPDATE

Thursday, October 1, 2009

6 p.m. - 8p.m.

PALISADE BRANCH LIBRARY

861 Alma Real

Los Angeles, CA 90272

Contact: Maria Martin -(213) 485-5753

http://ens.lacity.org/techdocs/emg/Environmental_Review_Documents.htm

Coastal Cleanup Day This Saturday at Locations Throughout LA County

Be a part of the largest volunteer day on the planet on Coastal Cleanup Day!

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 9 am - 12 noon
Who: You + 12,000 other volunteers!
Where: Over 60 locations in L.A. County
Supplies: All cleanup supplies are provided – bags, gloves, data card, pencil, etc.
How to volunteer: Just show up! Learn more

*For other California locations, please visit the California Coastal Commission website at http://www.coastal.ca.gov/

Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD) began in 1985 and has grown into a huge annual event. Every state with a coastline participates, including the Great Lakes states, and even some inland states clean river and lake shores. The one-day cleanup is international—at last count, over 60 nations participated—and may be the largest volunteer day on the planet. Heal the Bay and the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors are the Los Angeles County coordinators for the state of California's Coastal Cleanup Day. We bring out over 10,000 volunteers to cleanup sites each year in L.A. County to over 60 sites along Santa Monica Bay and along inland creeks and waterways.

Coastal Cleanup Day involves individuals, schools, community and company volunteer groups. Volunteers in Los Angeles County typically collect tens of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables during a three-hour period. By filling out the trash "data cards" during the cleanup, volunteers are helping to identify and stop polluters in the future. Most people clean at the beach and on foot, but there are also special cleanups for inland creeks, boaters, kayakers, and divers. By far the most common item picked up are cigarette butts. Some of the more unusual items found in recent years were a chandelier, a briefcase full of graham crackers, and a bridal gown.

For all other information, visit www.healthebay.org/ccd

Low Flow Diversion Projects Throughout LA Get Upgrades and Good Grades

Starting in October, five low-flow diversion (LFD) structures located along Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades will be simultaneously upgraded. Approximately $30 million from Prop O funds will be spent for the upgrades, which will allow the structures to operate year-round during dry weather, as well as for the installment of a new sewer line.



The five LFDs include:

Santa Monica Canyon

Palisades Park at Potrero Canyon

Temescal Canyon

Bay Club Drive

Marquez Avenue


During the dry season (April to October), water run-off funnels into these structures before traveling to the Hyperion Water Treatment Plant near El Segundo, where it is cleaned and released into the ocean.



To date, the five LFDs have been successful in helping three Will Rogers beaches earn high marks from Heal the Bay during the dry season this past year.


For more information on Low Flow Diversion and what the City is doing, click here.

September 17th: Scoping Meeting for Machado Lake

The Machado Lake Ecosystem Rehabilitation project needs the support of the community to meet the goals of clean water, wildlife improvements, and healthy parks for Los Angeles.

Please come join us and participate in a scoping meeting:

Thursday, September 17
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Kaiser Permanente Hospital Conference Room and Education Center
Located on Normandie Avenue between PCH and Permanente Way
Conference Rooms A1 and A2
Harbor City, CA 90710

The Machado Lake ecosystem, which includes Wilmington Drain, has been negatively impacted by trash, proliferation of invasive plant species, eutrophication, and sediment and nutrient accumulation, which has resulted in degraded water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and hydraulic capacity.

To address these problems, the City is proposing to implement a variety of measures designed to improve water quality; help meet adopted and future Total Maximum Daily Loads criteria; enhance riparian, wetland, and upland habitats; improve hydrologic and hydraulic conditions; and restore existing recreational amenities as well as develop new ones.

Click here to read more information on the Environment Impact Report and for further details of the scoping meeting.

Elmer Ave Construction Tour Held Next Week

The Elmer Avenue Project is part of the Los Angeles Basin I Water Augmentation Study, a long-term research project led by the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council in partnership with eight local, state, and federal agencies to assess the practical potential to improve surface water quality and increase local groundwater supplies through infiltration of urban storm water runoff.

On July 14th, 2009, construction started on the Elmer Avenue Neighborhood Retrofit Demonstration project. The project, located in Sun Valley, is demonstrating multiple alternative storm water Best Management Practices including infiltration trenches, bio-swales, and permeable surfaces, to create a Green Street.

The construction crew has been making great progress and the residents are excited to see this project moving forward. To date installation of catch basins and the southern infiltration trench have been completed.

As a project partner or supporter of the Elmer Avenue Construction project, the Watershed Council and the Water Augmentation Study Technical Advisory Committee would like to invite you to take a tour of the progress next week:

Elmer Avenue Construction Tour
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
10am to 11:30am
Elmer Avenue at Keswick Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352

*Please RSVP by August 31st to edward@lasgrwc.org*

Listen to the Rainwater Harvesting Podcast

The Homegrown Evolution blog, kicked off its very fist podcast with a story about the LA Rainwater Harvesting program! Erik Knutzen interviews Wing Tam (LA Stormwater) about the program in the second half of the podcast. The show is concluded with a reaction to the Rainwater Harvesting program from Joe Linton (LA Creek Freak blog). Listen at http://www.homegrownevolution.com/2009/08/homegrown-evolution-podcast-episode-1.html#comments