Letter: Report reveals threats to park

The diesel trucks are coming! You may have been hearing about the flood-control project in Hahamongna Watershed Park. The draft EIR has just been released.

All four options have admitted significant impact in transportation of sediment, air quality, noise, land use, and with negative impact on biological and cultural resources.

What does this mean for the schools, neighborhood and park visitors? There will be 425 diesel trucks per day, 50 per hour, six days a week (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays), April to December for five years going into Devil’s Gate from Windsor and exiting on Berkshire to the 210 Freeway.

This will cause traffic congestion, noise pollution, particulate pollution, and diesel exhaust pollution that is known to be a source of asthma, lung disease, cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and perhaps autism, dementia and Alzheimer’s.

What does it mean for the elderly, pregnant and very young as well as the hikers, bikers, soccer players, and nature lovers that frequent the Hahamongna Watershed? How does this impact La Cañada High, Hillside Learning Center, Flintridge Prep, St Francis, Tom Sawyer Camp, Rose Bowl Riders and Flintridge Riding Club?

Fortunately there were many informed citizens that attended meetings at Pasadena, Altadena and La Cañada. The consensus was that we could accomplish necessary sediment removal through a plan that took place over decades, didn’t require intense truck activity, wouldn’t destroy the watershed, and wouldn’t cost $70 to 100 million of your tax dollars. Please make your voices heard.

Comment on the EIR, contact the Los Angeles County Supervisors, and stop this before it starts. For more information go to www.savehahamongna.org.

Marnie Gaede
La Cañada Flintridge