From your Gutter to the Ocean
In 1930, in Los Angeles, after two massive floods, planners and residents chose to protect the community from continued loss of
life and property. They built a concrete lined flood control system that would drain
the heavy, unpredictable flows directly to the ocean. In the 1930s, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers began constructing the Los Angeles River and Ballona Creek flood control channels.
Since then, whatever enters the storm drains ends up in the ocean.
Recent studies have identified over 160 chemicals that cause concern. In
sufficient concentrations, several of these chemicals seem to cause illness. Residue from tires scraping the pavement,
leaked or spilled motor oil, pet waste, pesticides, paint, grease, and litter are substances that
contaminate the water that washes off our streets.