Quote:
Originally Posted by jmecklenborg
People need to remember that the reason why the LA River and similar creeks/rivers are channelized in concrete is to enable storm water to flow as quickly as possible. If the concrete were removed and the natural banks restored, it's likely that the railroad tracks that follow both sides of the river would have been washed away and thousands of commercial buildings would have been flooded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf5_suAUKx4 |
A problem easily resolved by moving the railway tracks (or elevating them on a viaduct) and removing development from the 25-year regulatory floodplain.
Managing stormwater via concrete precludes recharging aquifers and wetlands, it exacerbates the urban heat island effect, and eliminates habitat for most fish and amphibians.
Its just not the right move, never was.
There may be some spots where there is extensive development that is impractical or undesirable to relocate, but even then, there are are better alternatives, including creating a wet meadow upstream where excess water can be diverted.
LA has no shortage of environmentally regrettable golf courses which could be repurposed.