South L.A. Sewer Project Clears Hurdle

A joint Los Angeles City Council committee approved a massive new sewer project Monday for South Los Angeles neighborhoods that were flooded with sewage and other rain-related problems last year.

The council’s Public Works and Environmental Quality committees proposed that the full council approve the final environmental reports for the project

The council is expected to review the issue Nov. 10.

More than 30 people spoke in favor of the sewer project Monday. About a half-dozen people opposed it, mainly because of concerns over possible property damage during construction.

The joint council committee agreed to a route that, it is believed, will have the least impact on homes and schools.

The project, which will take four to five years to complete, will require tunneling near 227 single-family homes and 14 multiple-family apartments.

The city had come under attack from residents for failing to more quickly address inadequate sewer lines in South Los Angeles. Last year’s rains caused sewage to gush through intersections.

“I think the community has suffered already in terms of spills and odors,” said Ellen Stein, president of the Board of Public Works who spoke to the council members and favored the route with the least impact to city residents.

“I think we really need to look at what we’re asking these people to endure.”