August 2, 2010

Federal Officials Join Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa to Strengthen Environmental, Public Health Protection for Los Angeles River

Conference of Mayors Vice President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson recently announced that the EPA has deemed the Los Angeles River as navigable, which will ensure more effective protection under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The announcement strengthens future environmental protection for the entire 51-mile river and for small streams and wetlands throughout the Los Angeles River Basin.

“The EPA’s announcement elevates the [Los Angeles] River’s status to a natural resource that deserves the same protection as other rivers under the Clean Water Act,” Villaraigosa said. “Today, we begin writing a new chapter about the Los Angeles River’s role in our city. If we all work together, in a few decades, we can build around the [Los Angeles] River an emerald necklace of parks, walkways, and bike paths and thriving communities that will protect wildlife and promote economic growth.”

The new “navigable” designation clarifies the legal status of the Los Angeles River under the CWA and strengthens protection for the tributary streams and wetlands that make up the Los Angeles River watershed. EPA’s decision enhances the ability of the EPA, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state, city, and other local jurisdictions to fight pollution and protect the health and safety of those who use these waters. In particular, it will help federal, state and local agencies stop the future destruction of natural streams, wetlands, and other waters remaining in the Los Angeles basin that are important for water quality, wildlife, recreation, and public health, and to reduce harm to the watershed from polluted stormwater runoff.

“This designation assures the community that their local waters are protected by the nation’s water laws,” said Jackson, the EPA Administrator. She continued, “A clean, vibrant [Los Angeles] River system can help revitalize struggling communities, promoting growth and jobs for residents of Los Angeles. We want the [Los Angeles] River to demonstrate how urban waterways across the country can serve as assets in building stronger neighborhoods, attracting new businesses and creating new jobs.”

Part of the watershed’s Congressional delegation was also on hand for the announcement. “I am pleased that the EPA has acted to protect the Los Angeles River,” said Representative Henry A. Waxman, who represents California’s 30th Congressional District. “I have long fought for the river to be protected, and this action today will ensure that the river and the entire Los Angeles River Basin will retain their Clean Water Act protections. I hope this step will put our efforts to revitalize this important waterway back on track.”

The Los Angeles River begins at the confluence of Arroyo Calabasas and Bell Creek in the San Fernando Valley and flows to the Pacific Ocean at the San Pedro Bay. Much of the river is accessible through interstate highways, surface streets, and parks and is home to a 49-mile formal and informal bicycle trail. The public regularly uses the river for recreational boating, fishing, educational activities, bird watching, artistic festivals, and other community activities.

The Clean Water Act protects the nation’s rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes and other waters from pollution and other activities that destroy and degrade these vital natural resources. EPA is responsible for identifying waters protected under the Act and works with its federal, state, and local partners to protect public health and the environment. Assuring the ecological integrity of the nation’s waters also enhances economic opportunities dependent on abundant, clean, and healthy aquatic resources.

For more information on waters protected under the Clean Water Act, visit the EPA’s website at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/CWAwaters.html#definition