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Demonstrating a scalable solution to plastic pollution entering the Pacific Ocean from inland waterways

At a Glance

  • 124

    Tons Trash Collected

Location
Los Angeles County, California
Offices
Client
  • Los Angeles County Public Works
Partners
  • The Ocean Cleanup
Award
Industrial Environmental Association, Environmental Excellence Award, 2023

Ballona Creek Interceptor 007 Pilot Project

Trash making its way into oceans from creeks and rivers is a problem worldwide, and Ballona Creek in Los Angeles County is no exception. During storm events, the creek receives a flood of trash and debris from watershed storm drain systems before emptying into the bay.?

Los Angeles County Public Works (Public Works) engaged The Ocean Cleanup¡ªa nonprofit environmental engineering organization working to keep plastic out of the oceans¡ªto deploy one of its Interceptors to prevent trash from the creek entering Santa Monica Bay. At The Ocean Cleanup¡¯s request, Public Works reached out to us to provide project management and permitting services for Interceptor 007¡ªthe first of its kind in North America.

Our team provided environmental services support for this solar-powered, barge-like, automated trash collection system to be deployed in Ballona Creek. With deep experience in environmental permitting, our team secured the necessary local, state, and federal permits for this pilot project. We worked with the project team and invested parties to assess whether the creek met the project site selection criteria. We also supported public engagement efforts, such as preparing educational signage in response to public curiosity. Our established relationship with the County, combined with our adaptability to incorporate new technology to provide upfront teaching and community engagement, helped convey the message that the project had positive impacts on the environment with limited negative impacts. ??

With Interceptor 007 deployed in the Ballona Creek and the community on board, Public Works has a tool to prevent trash and debris from flowing into Santa Monica Bay.

At a Glance

  • 124

    Tons Trash Collected

Location
Los Angeles County, California
Offices
Client
  • Los Angeles County Public Works
Partners
  • The Ocean Cleanup
Award
Industrial Environmental Association, Environmental Excellence Award, 2023

Meet Our Team

Jon Abelson, Wet Weather Sector Leader, Pacific Region

I enjoy building high performing teams to deliver complex water projects that make a lasting impact to the world¡¯s rivers, oceans, and land.

Mike Antos, Principal, Integrated Water Management Specialist

Our shared humanity needs to be present in every room¡ªwe¡¯re social creatures, and interaction amongst us is the best way to spend time.
Mike Antos Principal, Integrated Water Management Specialist Read More

Jared Varonin, Senior Principal, Business Center Practice Leader

It¡¯s fulfilling to help our clients achieve their goals while minimizing or eliminating the impacts to surrounding natural resources.
Jared Varonin Senior Principal, Business Center Practice Leader Read More

Michael Weber, Principal Scientist, Environmental Services

Meeting difficult challenges is what I do¡ªfrom streamlining approvals for complex projects to protecting communities during emergencies.

Ed Othmer, Vice President, Sector Leader, Stormwater and Wet Weather Flow

The wet weather sector is in a constant state of evolution, migrating towards more sustainable solutions.
Ed Othmer Vice President, Sector Leader, Stormwater and Wet Weather Flow Read More

Jon Abelson

Wet Weather Sector Leader, Pacific Region

Mike Antos

Principal, Integrated Water Management Specialist

Jared Varonin

Senior Principal, Business Center Practice Leader

Michael Weber

Principal Scientist, Environmental Services

Ed Othmer

Vice President, Sector Leader, Stormwater and Wet Weather Flow

We¡¯re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You¡¯re exactly what¡¯s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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