County to Begin Hauling Fire Sediment From Eaton Wash Reservoir in July

Los Angeles County Public Works will begin hauling fire-related sediment out of Eaton Wash Reservoir in late July, with truck operations continuing through Nov. 15, according to the department’s page for the Eaton Wash Dam Post-Fire Emergency Project. The department’s materials list differing start dates — July 27 and July 29 — for the hauling phase.

The work targets soil and debris that has washed into the reservoir since the Eaton Fire burned the watershed above it.

With less vegetation left on the burned hillsides to hold soil in place, storms have continued carrying sediment into the reservoir, according to Public Works. Clearing it out restores the space needed to capture and slow stormwater, reducing flood risk for communities downstream.

Staging and hauling preparations are set to begin this month. Once hauling starts, trucks will run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., though Public Works says that schedule is subject to change.

The sediment will be trucked to two disposal sites: Sheldon Pit in Sun Valley and United Rock Pit 2 in Irwindale. Trucks bound for Sheldon Pit will travel west on the 210 Freeway, west on Foothill Boulevard, south on Osborne Street, east on Glenoaks Boulevard and north on Sheldon Street, with the return trip following the same route in reverse. Trucks headed to United Rock Pit 2 will travel east on the 210 Freeway, south on the 605 Freeway and onto Arrow Highway, also returning by the same route. Organic debris separated from the sediment will go to Scholl Canyon Landfill and Sunshine Canyon Landfill, Public Works said.

Residents near the reservoir and haul routes should expect increased truck traffic, construction equipment operating within the reservoir area, and temporary noise and dust during hauling hours, according to the department.

Public Works said measures to reduce impacts during hauling may include dust control, track-out controls and street sweeping.

Questions about the project can be directed to Public Works Project Manager Precious Crosby at (626) 458-3198.