Joint Arroyo Seco Project to Involve Pasadena and South Pasadena

Pasadena and South Pasadena will be part of a “mutually beneficial project constructing man-made wetlands and related infrastructure diverting dry weather flows from San Rafael Creek at its confluence with the Arroyo Seco to be passively treated stored and reused,” according to a staff report contained in the agenda package of the City Council’s Finance Committee.

The $3.5 million in needed funding for the plan would come from Proposition 68 Urban County Grant Program. 

The proposed project would bring Pasadena into compliance with the state and federal mandates under the city’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which requires the city to take steps in reducing pollution in stormwater runoff. The project will also provide South Pasadena with a steady source of water for irrigation uses.

The city is mandated to divert the dry weather flow from the Arroyo Seco by Sept. 2023 under the Upper Los Angeles River Enhanced Watershed Management Plan — Bacteria Load Reduction strategy. According to that plan, the dry weather flow contributes to E Coli bacteria in the Arroyo Seco and ultimately the L.A. River.

Other benefits of diverting the flow would include enhanced habitat and biodiversity in the Arroyo Seco, storage and reuse of water in South Pasadena, and educational opportunities covering watersheds, water quality, water conservation, habitat, and biodiversity. 

“Under the terms of the MOU, the city of Pasadena will serve as the lead agency of the project. As such, city staff will coordinate with the granting agency and manage the design and construction of the project,” the report reads.  

The Finance Committee meets at 2 p.m. To view the meeting, visit http://pasadena.granicus.com/mediaplayer.php?camera_id=2&publish_id=9