An Alternative Plan for Silver Lake Reservoirs Pipeline Project?
Silver Lake Reservoir was drained in 2008 for several months. This view could last for about 18 months.
SLRC’s president Craig Collins blogs on the Echo Park-Silver Lake Patch about the DWP’s consideration of an alternative to tunneling for the pipeline bypass under West Silver Lake Drive, instead draining Silver Lake Reservoir for about 18 months so it could be installed in the bottom.
He says that the Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy is evaluating alternatives that may minimize the extent of lake draining, what mitigation would be appropriate, and what will best serve the interests and needs of our community. Money quote:
“The Reservoirs must be maintained in some form. They were built one hundred years ago, and William Mulholland understood that they are a part of the public trust. They will need a future that sustains and respects that vision and the community that has long treasured our unique heritage.”
Here’s a link to the full article that outlines his views on this new development:
One Person has left comments on this post
If the reservoir were to be drained in order to run the pipeline underneath it, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to get a full commitment from DWP and the City, that the reservoir will be re-filled when the pipeline is done. In fact, this should be one of the first points to discuss and get a commitment on, so that this relatively simple issue is off the table.
I believe most residents of Silver Lake would be opposed to anything BUT the lake being refilled… not refilling it would be ludicrous. I can’t imagine the DWP and/or the City going against an entirely community’s wishes. (Or, presumably, even against Councilman LaBonge’s wishes.)