Conversion of Flood Basin Is Proposed
Heal the Bay, a Santa Monica-based environmental group, is proposing conversion of the Oxford Flood Control Basin in Marina del Rey into a wetland that could act as a filter to water runoff from storm drains before it flows into the ocean.
County officials say they like the idea but are skeptical that it can work and are concerned that it could affect the basin’s primary function as a catch basin.
Mark Gold, a Heal the Bay scientist, said studies have shown that wetlands can remove up to 90% of some chemicals, suspended solids and coliforms.
The Oxford was the unofficial home to hundreds of discarded rabbits, ducks and chickens for 10 years until county officials in January ordered the animals removed because of noise and odor complaints from nearby residents. County officials also feared that burrowing animals would undermine the stability of the basin.
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