Project Description
The Mesmer low flow diversion system (LFD) can divert up to 1 Gallon Per Minute (GPM) of dry weather run-off from Centinela Creek into the Mesmer Pump Station. Dry weather run-off will be pumped into an existing sewer main and be taken to City of Los Angeles’ Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant for treatment and recycling.
The Centinela Creek is a tributary to Ballona Creek draining approximately 9.83 square mile area (6,288 acres) of Culver City, Inglewood, Los Angeles, and the County of Los Angeles unincorporated areas.
During wet weather and conditions with higher-than-normal flows in Centinela Creek, the proposed sluice gate will be closed for diversion allowing these higher flows to continue down the channel to Ballona Creek. The existing Pump Station and force main provides more than adequate capacity to convey the low flow from the channel.
Project Overview
- Divert dry-weather run-off from Centinela Creek Channel
- Gravity flow pipe to new pump station and wet well
- Pump flow through PVC pipe to existing wet well pump station
- Flows go to existing force main and eventually to Hyperion
Photo shows
- Proposed low flow berm
- Existing low flow curb
- Proposed grate inlet
- Proposed pipe
- Pump station
Benefits
Water Supply – Help support demands of recycled water and support the Region’s goal of water resiliency by diverting dry weather urban runoff from the Centinela Creek to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Water Quality – Helps reduce the current bacteria levels and other pollutants in Ballona Creek to meet compliance effort with Ballona Creek Total Maximum Daily Load’s (TMDL's).
Time Schedule Order
The City’s deadline to address dry weather bacteria and metals exceedances in storm drains was January 2016, and was extended by approval of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board through a Time Schedule Order (TSO). The Mesmer Project is one of three projects approved in the TSO to comply with the Ballona Creek Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for dry weather bacteria flows.
The following three regional projects collectively comply with the final water quality based effluent limitations during dry weather as specified by the Ballona Creek bacterial TMDL:
- Low Flow Treatment Facility (LFTF) #1 Project at Ballona Creek
- Low Flow Treatment Facility (LFTF) #2 Project at Sepulveda Channel
- Mesmer Low Flow Diversion Project at Centinela Creek
Culver City is taking the lead in managing both design and construction of the Mesmer Project, while the City of Los Angeles is managing the LFTF #1 and LFTF #2 Projects.
Project Partners
Mesmer LFD is a public partnership with City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles, City of Inglewood, and Culver City. Mesmer LFD is one of three TSO Projects being developed to address Bacteria TMDL in Ballona Creek. The other projects being led by City of LA are LFTF #1 and LFTF #2.