L.A. River Rebuff Confirmed

Posted by: Nate Berg

5 June 2008 - 2:00pm

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made final a decision that says much of the Los Angeles River is not navigable, and is therefore not a river. It will retain some Clean Water Act protection, but developing on its watershed may become easier.

"The ruling sparked sharp criticism from some other regulators and conservationists who warned that it will weaken federal Clean Water Act rules protecting the river's sprawling 834-acre watershed."

"They believe the ripple effect of the decision will make is easier to develop large areas of the Santa Susana, Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains because landowners will not be required to obtain certain federal permits. Some federal and state officials fear that the decision also may undermine rules against discharging wastewater and storm water into the river's tributaries."

"Corps officials said that they will continue enforcing the Clean Water Act as usual along the river."

Full Story: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirms non-navigable status for most of L.A. River

Source: The Los Angeles Times, June 5, 2008