Rep. Linda Sanchez on Monday dedicated a natural system that traps urban runoff in Lakewood.
Sánchez helped find funding for two "bio-retention tree wells that will clean storm water runoff from Paramount Boulevard and surrounding streets."
Wells absorb storm water from street gutters, capturing harmful pollution that would normally flow untreated into drainage systems that empty into the ocean. They capture and remove trash, oil and grease, bacteria, metals and fertilizer.
The project was built with $950,000 in federal funding secured by Sanchez, a Lakewood Democrat. A portion of the project funding was allotted to repave two miles of Paramount Boulevard and to install six new bus stops with solar-lighting.
"I first learned about tree wells a few years ago but there were none in operation in California," she said. "Lakewood today becomes the first small city in Los Angeles County to use this natural technology.
"I am proud that I was able to bring federal funding for local projects like this that make a positive impact on our environment."
