Swimming near site not advised during work activities
By Staff Writer
Summer feels just around the corner, which in Santa Monica means time to go to the beach, but for the next month, beachgoers at one of Santa Monica’s most popular beaches may want to check with a lifeguard before entering the ocean.
As part of its annual beach grooming activities, Los Angeles County Public Works will begin backfilling the Pico-Kenter outfall and residual stormwater pond area beginning next week, May 6, 2019. In preparation for the work, some equipment may be staged near the work site. Expect work through June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Pico-Kenter storm drain is located right in front of Hotel Casa del Mar, near where Pico Boulevard reaches the ocean.
It is advised not to swim near the site where ponded stormwater will be released, according to the City of Santa Monica.
The work involves creating a barrier by filling in Pico-Kenter to remove any stagnant or ponded water at the site. The barrier also diverts any dry urban runoff to the sanitary sewer system for treatment.
“This work helps ensure better ocean water quality around the Pico-Kenter site after the work is complete,” the City said in a statement.
The ocean around the Pico-Kenter storm drain consistently has some of the most polluted water in Santa Monica Bay following rainfall, according to the Surfrider Foundation, with high levels of harmful bacteria present.
