While MacArthur Lake and Park may not be ready for its closeup as a staycation destination this summer, the City of Los Angeles is working on a project, which will enhance the park’s aesthetics and add to its existing amenities, making it a destination for Angelenos for decades to come. The MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project is currently in the environmental impact report process and the draft environmental impact report (or EIR) for the project is now available for public review and comment. If you would like to review the EIR, it may be found here.

The proposed project, led by LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the Bureau of Engineering, would implement a regional multi-benefit stormwater project in MacArthur Park as part of the region’s efforts under Los Angeles County’s Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP) to meet water quality total maximum daily load (TMDL) limits for the Ballona Creek watershed and LA’s current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 Stormwater Permit. The proposed project would divert and treat portions of wet weather stormwater flows as well as dry weather flows from the 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 stored in the lake would subsequently be discharged to the sanitary sewer.

The project’s above-ground elements would consist of a new water feature near the southwest corner of the park and some 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. 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 on Lake Street, Grand View Street, and 7th Street. 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 a water feature and providing educational opportunities, such as signage and information boards about stormwater management.

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The draft EIR will be circulated for a 45-day review period beginning on May 23, 2024, and ending on July 8, 2024. The document is available for review at the following locations:

  • ONLINE at www.lacitysan.org/macarthurceqa or visit this link: MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project webpage
     
  • MacArthur Park Community Center, 2230 W. 6th St., LA, CA 90057
     
  • Felipe De Neve Branch Library, 2820 W. 6th St., LA, CA 90057
     
  • LASAN-Receptionist Desk, 1149 S. Broadway, 9th Floor, LA, CA 90015

For your comments to be considered in the EIR process, please send your written comments on the Draft EIR to LASAN by one of the following delivery methods. 

Email: San.Safecleanwater@lacity.org

Mail: LA Sanitation & Environment, Safe Clean Water Implementation Division, Attention: Carmen Andrade, 1149 S. Broadway, 10th Floor MS: 1149/756, LA, CA 90015

In your comments, please include your name, email address, telephone number, address, and the subject line “RE: MacArthur Lake Stormwater Capture Project Draft EIR Comments.” LASAN requests that written comments be provided at the earliest possible date, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024.

If you have any questions, please send an email to san.safecleanwater@lacity.org.