Helena Joyce
The Los Angeles River, a 51-mile-long waterway that flows through 11 cities, has a long history of pollution. In the early 20th century, industrial dumping and untreated sewage polluted the river to such an extent that the city had to look elsewhere for its water supply. While the LA River still faces significant pollution issues, primarily from stormwater runoff and industrial sources, efforts are being made to restore and improve the river's health. The LA River Master Plan, approved by county officials, aims to address these issues and enhance the surrounding communities over the next 25 years. However, the plan has also faced criticism from environmentalists concerned about certain elements, such as the continued use of concrete, which does not address climate change concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 51 miles |
| Percentage of the river that is concrete | 95% |
| Number of pollutants exceeding federal guidelines | 21 |
| Pollutants | Ammonia, bacteria, cadmium, copper, nitrate, nitrite, lead, selenium, trash, zinc, coliform, scum, algae, oil, chlorpyrifos, pesticides, volatile organics, plastic debris, sewage, industrial waste, toxic chemicals in herbicides, lawn fertilizers, grease, engine oil, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds |
| Bacteria levels | Up to 20,000 per 100 milliliters |
| Number of localities with jurisdiction over the river | 17 |
| Percentage of LA that is paved | 60% |
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What You'll Learn
The LA River is 95% concrete
The Los Angeles River, or LA River, is a 51-mile-long waterway that runs through LA County. It has a history of pollution and flooding, which has resulted in its current state, where it is 95% concrete.
The LA River has long been abused by its urban setting, tainted with industrial runoff and untreated sewage. In the early 20th century, the river became so polluted that LA began sourcing water elsewhere. In 1938, a devastating flood killed 96 people and destroyed over 1000 homes. In the aftermath, the US Army Corps of Engineers began a project to encase the river's bed and banks in concrete to control flooding. This concrete channel, stretching from Elysian Park to Long Beach, killed off much of the wildlife, including frogs, fish, and birds. Steelhead trout, once plentiful, stopped spawning, and are now nearly extinct.
The river's concrete embankments have remained, and it continues to be a site of pollution. There are over 21 identified pollutants in the river that exceed federal guidelines, with stormwater runoff being a major contributor. As 60% of LA is paved, rainfall runs off into the river, carrying pollutants like toxic chemicals, herbicides, lawn fertilizers, grease, and engine oil. The LA River Master Plan, approved by LA County officials, aims to improve the river's profile over the next 25 years. However, the plan includes adding more concrete, which environmentalists argue does not address climate change and will impact marginalized communities.
Despite the challenges, there is a growing movement to restore the river. A $1 billion plan to restore 11 miles north of Downtown LA is seeking federal approval, and famed architect Frank Gehry is working on a comprehensive plan for the river's future. The LA River's odd mix of concrete and nature has even attracted the film industry, featuring in movies like "Terminator 2" and "Grease." As LA prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, there is increased momentum to revitalize the river and create a greener, more environmentally just city.
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Industrial pollution and over-development
The Los Angeles River, or LA River, is a 51-mile-long waterway that runs through 11 cities in LA County. The river has a long history of pollution, with industrial dumping and untreated sewage causing significant issues as early as the 1900s. Today, the river remains heavily polluted, with water samples revealing bacteria levels that sometimes spike to more than 20,000 per 100 milliliters, far exceeding the federal Clean Water Act limit of 235 per 100 milliliters.
The LA River is subject to five Total Daily Maximum Loads (TMDLs) regulations that set limits on the amount of 13 pollutants, including ammonia, bacteria, cadmium, copper, nitrate, nitrite, lead, selenium, trash, and zinc. However, compliance with these regulations has been challenging due to the large number of localities (over 17) with jurisdiction over the river and a lack of coordination among stakeholders. As a result, the river continues to be impacted by industrial pollution, with pollutants such as metals, oil, grease, and toxic chemicals finding their way into the water.
Stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to the pollution of the LA River. As 60% of LA is paved, most rainfall runs off into the river instead of being absorbed into the ground. This runoff carries pollutants such as toxic chemicals from herbicides and lawn fertilizers, grease, and engine oil, leading to degraded water quality and negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. Plastic debris from packaging also accumulates in the river during rainfall, further adding to the pollution.
The effects of industrial pollution and over-development on the LA River are evident in the decline of wildlife in the area. The concrete embankments built to control flood surges have killed off much of the wildlife, including frogs, fish, and birds. The Steelhead trout, once plentiful in the river, have stopped spawning, and the species is now on the verge of extinction. The river's water quality and ecosystem continue to be at risk, and despite efforts for improvement, meaningful progress has been slow.
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Stormwater pollution
The majority of pollutants in the Los Angeles River can be attributed to stormwater runoff. As 60% of Los Angeles is paved, most rainfall runs off into the river without being absorbed, carrying with it harmful pollutants like toxic chemicals from herbicides, lawn fertilizers, grease, and engine oil. This has led to high bacteria levels in the river, exceeding federal guidelines and posing risks to human health.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services recognizes the health dangers associated with stormwater pollution and has issued a rain advisory, recommending that beachgoers avoid contact with ocean water near storm drains for three days after rainfall. Heal the Bay's report card on the health of Los Angeles County's beaches gave 56% of monitored beaches a failing grade during wet weather due to hazardous conditions for swimmers.
Efforts to address stormwater pollution in Los Angeles have faced challenges. A report by Heal the Bay in 2019 highlighted the lack of progress in reducing stormwater pollution, with most localities falling short of the 2021 Clean Water Act deadline for improved stormwater pollution standards. Insufficient government cooperation and lax permit regulations have hindered meaningful progress. However, there is potential for improvement through community initiatives and educational programs that promote behavioural changes to reduce stormwater pollution.
Simple actions, such as planting native species, reducing artificial gardening chemicals, proper car maintenance, and local water collection, can significantly improve stormwater pollution levels. Additionally, proper recycling of plastic contaminants and the use of biodegradable materials can help restore the natural environment of the Los Angeles River and its surrounding areas.
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Sewage and industrial dumping
The Los Angeles River has been abused by its urban setting, with industrial runoff and untreated sewage polluting the river since the 1900s. The river has been channelized, and 95% concreted over, to control flooding. However, this has had a detrimental effect on the wildlife in the river, killing off frogs, fish, and birds.
The river is subject to five Total Daily Maximum Loads (TMDLs) that regulate the discharge of 13 pollutants, including ammonia, bacteria, cadmium, copper, nitrate, nitrite, lead, selenium, trash, and zinc. Despite this, there are over 21 identified pollutants in the river that exceed federal guidelines. These include ammonia, coliform, trash, scum, algae, oil, pesticides, and volatile organics.
The majority of pollutants in the river can be attributed to stormwater pollution. As 60% of LA is paved, rainfall runs off into the river, without being absorbed into the ground. This means that harmful pollutants, such as toxic chemicals in herbicides, lawn fertilizers, grease, and engine oil, become concentrated in the river.
Periodic spills of untreated wastewater are common in LA County's flood control channels and storm drains. In 2021, 8.5 million gallons of untreated wastewater were released into the Dominguez Channel. Sewage spills have also been known to occur through manhole covers, with waste flowing down major streets and into storm drain systems.
The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts have been fined for discharge violations, and the county has struggled to meet Clean Water Act standards. The river cleanup has also been criticized for concentrating on predominantly white or whitening neighborhoods, exacerbating gentrification.
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The LA River Master Plan
The LA River has a long history of pollution, with industrial dumping and untreated sewage causing issues as far back as the 1900s. Today, the river remains heavily polluted, with water samples revealing bacteria levels that sometimes spike to more than 20,000 per 100 milliliters, far exceeding the federal Clean Water Act limit of 235 per 100 milliliters.
One of the key challenges is stormwater pollution, which accounts for a significant share of the water in the river. Due to the high amount of paved surfaces in LA, most rainfall runs off into the river without being absorbed, carrying pollutants like toxic chemicals, herbicides, lawn fertilizers, grease, and engine oil. The LA River is subject to Total Daily Maximum Loads (TMDLs), regulatory levels that set the maximum amount of pollutants allowed to be discharged. However, the plan's reliance on adding more concrete has been criticised by environmentalists, who argue that it does not adequately address climate change and could further impact communities already struggling with industrial pollution and climate-related issues.
Despite these concerns, the Master Plan moves forward with the goal of creating an equitable future. It seeks to build on prior planning efforts and reimagine the LA River as a multi-benefit resource, utilising the river's right-of-way, which includes over 2,300 acres of primarily publicly owned land. By addressing issues of pollution and development, the plan aims to restore the river as a source of life for the region's environment, culture, and people.
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Frequently asked questions
Very. The river is 95% concrete and has been tainted by industrial runoff, untreated sewage, and stormwater pollution.
The LA River's main sources of pollution are industrial runoff, untreated sewage, and stormwater runoff. The river has also been damaged by the addition of concrete to control flooding, which has killed much of the wildlife.
There are over 21 identified pollutants in the LA River, including ammonia, various metals, coliform, trash, scum, algae, oil, chlorpyrifos, pesticides, volatile organics, and sewage.
The high levels of pollution in the LA River have had a negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Many species, including frogs, fish, and birds, have been killed off, and the steelhead trout is now on the verge of extinction.
The LA River Master Plan aims to improve the river's profile over the next 25 years by renovating adjacent communities harmed by environmental injustices. However, environmentalists have criticized the plan's continued reliance on concrete and lack of focus on climate change.
