DWP Is Told to Stop Bulldozing at Reservoir

Responding to complaints about bulldozers grading some 4,000 square feet of vegetation on the north end of Chatsworth Reservoir, Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson ordered a halt to the work, which was conducted by the Department of Water and Power.

Bernson called for the DWP to correct the damage done over the last two weeks, as crews sought to improve drainage in the area.

Chatsworth Reservoir, an empty reservoir filled with grass, wetlands and oak trees, has been designated a wildlife refuge by the City Council. Bernson filed a emergency motion at Wednesday’s council meeting.

A DWP spokesman said the work was done because septic tanks on neighboring properties were backing up. The department was trying to do a favor for neighboring homeowners, he said.

Instead, many neighbors called to complain about the work, which they feared would degrade an area frequented by birds and wildlife.

One neighbor, Darlene Shafer, said she was happy that DWP was trying to help but was concerned that little thought seemed to have been given to protecting nature in the reservoir.

“I would love to have my property drained better,” she said. “But I don’t want it to be at the expense of a significant area of the reservoir.”

DWP officials appeared before the council Wednesday to respond to Bernson’s motion and said they would report back on the extent of damage done and restoration activities. They said they would try to communicate better with neighbors next time they plan to bulldoze in the reservoir.