Stormwater As A Resource

A controversial development uses a freshwater wetlands system to treat stormwater and urban runoff from a 1,000-acre watershed in southern California.

1 minute read

March 3, 2004, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Playa Vista's freshwater wetlands system demonstrates how important goals can be achieved through viewing stormwater as a resource. In addition to improving water quality and flood control, the freshwater marsh is providing a vast representation of plant life that is already attracting an impressive diversity of insects, birds, and wildlife. More than 3,000 native trees and 10,000 native shrubs and grasses were planted in the freshwater marsh. Many other native species are "volunteering" on their own. The riparian corridor, banked by a willow woodland, will provide added natural habitat.An example of sustainable design, the Playa Vista freshwater wetlands system has provided the project and the community with an important amenity; hundreds of people per day visit the marsh, and there is a premium on Playa Vista properties that overlook the wetlands."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

FULL STORY: A Marsh For All Reasons

Tuesday, March 2, 2004 in Stormwater

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