Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, July 05, 2022
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER AN UPDATE ON THE DOMINGUEZ CHANNEL (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
This item transmits and informational update to the City Council and the Carson community on the status of the Dominguez Channel odor incident.
Since January, staff has been working with the Army Corps of Engineers, LA Office, as well as Los Angeles County Public Works on evaluating grant funding opportunities regarding the Dominguez Channel improvements in the City of Carson. In partnership with LA County Department of Public Works (“LACDPW”), the City worked on language and scope for a Water Resources Development Act (“WRDA”) grant with the Army Corps of Engineers that can fund up to $30M. On March 31, 2022, LACDPW submitted a Letter of Intent to the LA Office of the Army Corps of Engineers requesting funds from the Corps’ Section 1135 which funds aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. This letter was reviewed by Carson and approved prior to being submitted. Funding from this program is up to $10M and is a local (Los Angeles Corps District) decision that does not have to go through committees in Washington, D.C.
The City of Carson and LACDPW continue to work together on technical issues and grant funding. Currently, a core group meets to consider the gaps in knowledge and studies that would assist in developing a feasibility study for the Dominguez Channel. This study would help to inform the alternatives and potential decision for the future. If received, the Army Corps funds should assist in various studies for the Channel.
A strategy for community engagement and outreach was presented by City and LACDPW staff to the City Council on June 21, 2022 and the presentation is attached as Exhibit 1. The goal is to encourage input from Carson residents, businesses, and leaders. At the meeting, the City Council requested that a Resolution and policy that advocates for maximizing the benefits to the residents of Carson was made and this will be presented to the Council later in July.
The City will continue to advocate for the interests of Carson residents with respect to the restoration of the Channel. While the Channel is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and maintained by the LACDPW, the City will continue to work with its government partners and elected officials to help ensure the crisis associated with the Channel does not occur again.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
RECEIVE AND FILE.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate and that is consistent with applicable laws.
IV. BACKGROUND
In October 2021 there was an odor incident in the Dominguez Channel caused by anaerobic conditions in the water. LACDPW addressed the odor by using an odor neutralizer and aeration bubblers. Ultimately, the rainy season helped but introducing oxygen-rich water into the channel and helping to increase the flow of the channel, which helped speed the recovery.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There are no direct fiscal impacts associated with this staff report as it is intended for information only. The City will continue to advocate for state and federal funding in collaboration with multiple agencies that could contribute to the long-term restoration and improvement of the Channel for the benefit of Carson residents.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Dominguez Channel Communications Strategy (pgs 3-15)
Prepared by: Eliza Jane Whitman, PE, LEED AP, ENV SP, Director of Public Works