Comment Log Display

To whom it may concern,

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (Public Works)
thanks you for the opportunity to review the 2030 Target Scoping
Plan Discussion Draft (Discussion Draft).

Public Works operates and maintains numerous water conservation
facilities within the Los Angeles region including dams, spreading
grounds, and open channels.  These facilities capture, store, and
convey stormwater to support our local water supply.  Public Works
understands the importance of locally-derived water resources and
has been conserving local stormwater for nearly a century.  On
average, Public Works recharges 200,000 acre-feet of stormwater
each year, which is enough to meet the annual water needs of
approximately 1.6 million residents.  Public Works is leading the
way to increase regional stormwater capture and create a more
sustainable future by promoting  this low energy-intensive source
of water.

We are concerned that the Discussion Draft does not currently
identify low-carbon stormwater as a potential piece of the solution
for the State to meet its GHG reduction goals.  In Section II.F
(Water), the discussion leaves out any mention of stormwater as a
valuable and local water resource.  We are recommending that the
Discussion Draft clarify that the future is dependent on low-carbon
water systems that are less energy intensive and utilize local
water supplies.  For example, an increase of stormwater capture
projects – which primarily use gravity to convey flows – could
result in an increased net reduction of water-related GHG
emissions.  We are requesting that the Discussion Draft and future
versions of the Scoping Plan include and consider local stormwater
capture as a critical part of California’s water supply portfolio.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our comments with you in more
detail.  If you have any other questions or require additional
information, please contact Mr. Lee Alexanderson at (626) 458-4370
or lalexanderson@dpw.lacounty.gov.