East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project

Construction broke ground for the East Los Angeles Sustainable Median Stormwater Capture Project in August 2020 and is expected to be complete in late 2021. The project site is located on Olympic Boulevard and Garfield Avenue in East Los Angeles. Through the installation of infiltration wells, a water-efficient irrigation system, construction of pervious walkways, and revegetation using drought tolerant plants and native trees, the Project will effectively divert, capture, and infiltrate approximately 232 acre-feet of stormwater in an average rainfall year from a 3,000-acre tributary area, equivalent to filling approximately 114 Olympic size swimming pools. In addition to below-ground water quality improvements, the Project will enhance the community’s green space by planting over 300 trees and restore the landscape using native, drought tolerant vegetation that can adapt to climate change. The urban greenspace will also provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community by installing benches, walkways, exercise equipment, and picnic tables along various medians.