The MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project, which is being led by the City of Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), is implementing a regional multibenefit stormwater project in MacArthur Park as part of the region’s efforts under Los Angeles County’s Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP) to meet state and federal water quality requirements. 

 

Earlier this month, LASAN began the California Environmental Quality Act (or CEQA) process for this project with the release of the Notice of Preparation/Initial Study (NOP/IS) on April 7. As is required, the NOP/IS will be circulated for a 30-day review period, which will end on May 9, 2022. 

 

Proposed MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project Overview

The MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project proposes to divert and treat portions of wet weather stormwater flows as well as dry weather flows from an existing underground storm drain system and discharge it into MacArthur Lake for storage or return it to the storm drain system. Some of the water that is stored in the lake would subsequently be discharged to the sanitary sewer system. The project would reduce the amount of stormwater and dry weather flows, and their associated pollutant loads, that enter Ballona Creek and, ultimately, Santa Monica Bay. Additionally, the proposed project would enhance the park by creating treatment wetlands and providing educational opportunities, such as interpretive signage about stormwater management and park wetlands. 

 

The proposed project would occur within the southwestern area of MacArthur Park and in the public rights-of-way on adjacent streets southwest of the park and in the alley that parallels 7th Street. While much of the project will include below ground elements, above ground features would consist of a new, lined treatment wetlands near the southwest corner of the park with equipment within and/or adjacent to an existing pump house located south of the lake. The underground diversion, capture, and pretreatment structures would be located on Lake Street, south of the park and in an adjacent alley. An additional underground stormwater treatment unit would be located along the southern edge of the park. Underground pipelines would be located in the park and in Lake Street, Grand View Street, 7th Street, and in a small portion of the alley that parallels 7th Street. 

 

Public Review of Project’s Notice of Preparation/Initial Study

The project’s Notice of Preparation/Initial Study (NOP/IS) will be circulated for a 30-day review period beginning on April 7, 2022 and ending on May 9, 2022. The document is available for review at the following locations: 

 

LASAN’s MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project Webpage 

MacArthur Park Community Center: 2230 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Felipe De Neve Branch Library: 2820 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057

LASAN Main Office–Receptionist Desk: 1149 S. Broadway, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015 

 

Written comments on the scope and content of environmental issues to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday, May 9, 2022. Comments may be submitted by email to san.safecleanwater@lacity.org, or by US mail to the following address: LA Sanitation & Environment – Safe Clean Water Implementation Division, Attention: Alfredo Magallanes, 1149 S. Broadway, 10th Floor MS: 1149/756, Los Angeles, CA 90015 

 

Two Virtual Public Scoping Meetings

Two virtual public scoping meetings will be held to obtain input on the scope of the contents of the MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project EIR and present information on the proposed project. One virtual meeting will be held in English and one will be held in Spanish. English-language meeting: Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Spanish-language meeting: Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. More information regarding the meetings will be posted on LASAN’s website in the coming days.

 

Residents with questions about the MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project are encouraged to e-mail LASAN at san.safecleanwater@lacity.org. Please place “MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project” in the subject line.