Local News in Brief : Pico-Kenter Storm Drain Extension OKd
Santa Monica and Los Angeles have agreed to build an underground pipe to channel contaminated rainwater from one of the area’s most notorious storm drains deep into the ocean.
The pipe, which will run 600 feet into Santa Monica Bay, will be an extension of the Pico-Kenter storm drain, which empties onto the beach at the western end of Pico Boulevard.
Pico-Kenter has long been considered one of the worst sources of pollution among the 64 storm drains that empty into the bay. Pollution from the drain has forced officials to close Santa Monica Beach on several occasions.
The pipe will also have an alarm system to detect illegally dumped petroleum and other oil-based toxins.
The pipe and alarm system will cost approximately $580,000. Under an agreement approved Tuesday night by the Santa Monica City Council, the cost of the project will be split evenly among Santa Monica, the city of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.
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