Demonstrating a scalable solution to plastic pollution entering the Pacific Ocean from inland waterways

At a Glance

  • 124

    Tons Trash Collected

Location
Los Angeles County, California
Offices
Client
  • Los Angeles County Public Works
Partners
  • The Ocean Cleanup
Award
Industrial Environmental Association, Environmental Excellence Award, 2023

Ballona Creek Interceptor 007™ Pilot Project

Trash making its way into oceans from creeks and rivers is a problem worldwide, and Ballona Creek in Los Angeles County is no exception. During storm events, the creek receives a flood of trash and debris from watershed storm drain systems before emptying into the bay. 

Los Angeles County Public Works (Public Works) engaged The Ocean Cleanup—a nonprofit environmental engineering organization working to keep plastic out of the oceans—to deploy one of its Interceptors to prevent trash from the creek entering Santa Monica Bay. At The Ocean Cleanup’s request, Public Works reached out to us to provide project management and permitting services for Interceptor 007™—the first of its kind in North America.

Our team provided environmental services support for this solar-powered, barge-like, automated trash collection system to be deployed in Ballona Creek. With deep experience in environmental permitting, our team secured the necessary local, state, and federal permits for this pilot project. We worked with the project team and invested parties to assess whether the creek met the project site selection criteria. We also supported public engagement efforts, such as preparing educational signage in response to public curiosity. Our established relationship with the County, combined with our adaptability to incorporate new technology to provide upfront teaching and community engagement, helped convey the message that the project had positive impacts on the environment with limited negative impacts.   

With Interceptor 007™ deployed in the Ballona Creek and the community on board, Public Works has a tool to prevent trash and debris from flowing into Santa Monica Bay.

At a Glance

  • 124

    Tons Trash Collected

Location
Los Angeles County, California
Offices
Client
  • Los Angeles County Public Works
Partners
  • The Ocean Cleanup
Award
Industrial Environmental Association, Environmental Excellence Award, 2023

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