East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project (Project) is a regional, multi-benefit project that integrates both below-ground and above-ground green infrastructure to fulfill its primary purpose of treating urban and stormwater runoff to enhance County infrastructure and sustainability. The Project includes a total of four independent stormwater systems below-ground, three of which treat runoff through a pre-treatment system and infiltrate the treated water into the groundwater basin through a total of 103 infiltration wells. A fourth system incorporates the use of biochar modules to treat runoff prior to infiltration. Above ground, the Project incorporated the planting of over 300 new trees and drought-tolerant landscaping, along with a walking path, picnic tables, benches, exercise equipment, and educational signage to provide passive recreation to the neighboring residents.  The medians now serve as an example of sustainability for open spaces throughout Southern California. The Project demonstrates that the latest technology in stormwater treatment systems has advanced and become sustainable, allowing for the treatment of urban watersheds to become localized and feasible while also providing multi-benefits for the community.