Summary of Public Scoping Meeting
Wilmington Drain Multi-Use & Machado Lake Ecosystem Rehabilitation Project
September 17, 2009
Speaker 1: Pat Rome
Pat expressed concerns about the parking lot that is proposed for the Wilmington Drain Multi-Use component. She stated that is the Wilmington Drain component is supposed to be for passive and low-intensity uses, that no parking lot should be provided. Bicycle racks are OK. She said that the parking lot would result in more of the problems that the community is trying to address. She also stated that there is ample parking at the park across the street. City staff responded that parking may be a requirement for creation of the creation of a park.
Speaker 2: Grant Reed
Grant asked that the Wilmington Drain be referred to as the Wilmington Channel. City staff responded that many of the funding applications refer to the component as the Wilmington Drain, and that to avoid confusion, project documents will continue to refer to the Wilmington Drain, but that once completed, the project can be officially changed.
Speaker 3: Joeann Valle
Joeann stated that she received a call from a neighbor that there were people surveying the drain, and that when they asked them what they were doing, they stated that they were surveying for a dog park. They are concerned about this because they don’t want a dog park there. City staff clarified that a dog park is not a part of the project.
Speaker 4: Jason Schmidt
Jason would like sediments to be reused onsite to minimize transportation and related impacts by hauling the sediments to other sites.
Speaker 5: Terry Weber
Terry asked what flood level the project would be designed for (concerned about the potential for flooding of PCH). City staff replied that the project is being designed for a 50-year event, which is required by Los Angeles County (Flood Control District).
Speaker 6: Deana Vitela-Hiyashi
Deana asked is the City is considering in-situ treatment of sediments via bio-remediation to remove organics. She stated that bioremediation is effective and has been used at other locations. City staff replied that they are considering such technologies but that sediment will have to be removed regardless to increase the Lake’s depth.
Speaker 7: Greg Donnan
Greg asked if campground improvements are going to be made as part of the Prop O project. City staff replied that the Department of Rec and Parks (DRP) has identified Quimby funds and are developing options for using the funds (potential campground improvements are not completely defined yet). The NOP includes potential improvements to the campground in case DRP can find funding for such improvements.
Greg asked if path improvements would be made to extend the path completely around the Lake, as there are impassable areas. He would like the path opened around the perimeter, which would facilitate Lake maintenance. City staff replied that they are working with DRP regarding the path.
Greg also expressed concerns about the Los Angeles County Flood Control District’s 3 tunnels, which are accessible to the public and are subject to graffiti. City staff responded that Prop O includes improvements to the outfalls from a structural perspective, but they fall within the County’s jurisdiction and responsibility.
Speaker 8: Grant Reed
Grant asked where the 3 tunnels outlet to, and City staff replied that they connect with the West Channel (West Basin).
Speaker 9: Greg Donnan
Greg commented that the 3 outfall tunnels travel under the Conoco Phillips refinery and potentially poses a public safety issue. The tunnels are in horrible condition and are used by people for illegal activities. Greg also commented that the Prop O would help the situation by clearing some of the vegetation and improving lines of sight to the tunnels.
Speaker 10: Sandra Carreon
Sandra asked if new road improvements (to McCoy Avenue) would be made as part of the project near the Wilmington Drain. City staff responded that Prop O funds have strict use requirements and the road improvements are not included as part of the project.
Speaker 11: Grant Reed
Grant asked which agencies would have to issue permits for the project, and who would develop mitigation measures.
City staff replied that permits would required from numerous agencies, such as the Department of Fish and Game, US Army Corps of Engineers, Caltrans, Air Quality Management District, and Regional Water Quality Control Board. In addition, numerous City departments would issue permits or approvals, such as the Department of Building and Safety, and the Department of Transportation. The City is coordinating with these agencies to facilitate the permitting process.
Speaker 12: Deana Vitela-Hiyashi
Deana asked how a group can comment or provide information to the City regarding alternative options for the project. City staff replied that she can contact Maria Martin at the address on the forms, or provide the information via fax or email.
Speaker 13: Greg Donnan
Greg mentioned that the Bixby Slough project was a successful project, and requested that City staff attend a Park Advisory Board meeting and a Harbor City Neighborhood Council meeting to discuss the proposed Project. Greg stated that these organizations are familiar with the issues at the Park, such as campground issues, and would like to convey those to the City.