L.A. Regional Water Board, USACE Reach Settlement

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have reached a settlement agreement over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act related to two dredge and fill operations conducted by USACE in the Los Angeles River and its tributaries.

The alleged violations took place between 2011 and 2012.

As part of the settlement, the Los Angeles Water Board and USACE entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that lays out regulatory processes, guidelines and best management practices for future work in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LACDA), which is managed by USACE.

Under the MOU, USACE agrees to notify the Los Angeles Water Board by Oct. 31 of each federal fiscal year with a list of the planned LACDA projects and the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and rehabilitation activities for that year.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers that protects the water quality and environment of the Los Angeles River and its tributaries,” said Irma Muñoz, chair of the Los Angeles Water Board.

“With this agreement we look forward to an open and communicative process, and to work with the Army Corps on projects in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area that protect the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

USACE operates six flood risk management facilities, and approximately 34 miles of flood control channels and levees within L.A. County.