Clearing County Flood Channels
I must take issue with “Dispute Delays Clearing of Channels” (Oct. 22), which suggested that disagreements among county supervisors have delayed implementation of plans to clear Los Angeles County’s flood control channels.
The county cannot clear the channels without permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. On Oct. 21, corps officials appeared before the board and assured us that the necessary permits would be granted as soon as Oct. 24. Nothing the board members said or did will delay the start of channel-clearing activities once the permits are received. The only “delay” was caused by the fact that two supervisors were absent, preventing the board from taking emergency action to contract out the work.
The discussion we had concerned the extent of “mitigation” that state and federal authorities will demand in return for authorizing Los Angeles County to clear the channels. As the Army corps explained, non-native species can be cleared without penalty, but riparian (riverside) habitats that support plant and animal life must be replaced. To comply, the county can buy riverside property elsewhere and restore it (the most expensive option); restore rivers it already owns (cheaper); or selectively clear the channels at issue--for example, by trimming the plants but leaving the roots--so that the flood waters can run through and the habitat can naturally regenerate. The county can choose the appropriate option for each channel, thus controlling its costs while effectively preparing for the storm season. This is the “channel by channel” analysis I requested--one which need not delay the process at all.
ZEV YAROSLAVSKY
Supervisor, Third District
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Re “L.A. Region Faces Major Flood Risk, U.S. Warns,” Oct. 25:
As a homeowner in the “inundation area” for the potential 100-year flood, I am plotting a dual course of action. I plan to protect my property. I also plan to unmask those faceless environmentalists and state bureaucracies that are putting my home at risk with inane foot-dragging regarding the preparation of the flood channels.
In this litigation-based society, damage to my home will add to court congestion after the winter’s rain has given way to spring.
JOHN JULIS
Bellflower
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