Construction of a project has begun Reintroducing the LA River Wetlands in the Bowtie Parcel in Glassell Parkreported The Eastsider.
The wetland demonstration project, which will be located on the northernmost 3.4 acres of Taylor Yard, requires the remediation of the former rail yard's soil, which will then be converted into green space to provide new access to the LA River.
Representation of the wetland at BowtieCA State Parks
According to an initial study from 2023, the project elements include:
- A constructed wetland to treat all runoff less than 5 cubic feet per second. The wetland would be used for treatment and storage to maintain habitat and is sized to accommodate and retain 129,800 cubic feet of surface water and contain an additional 20,000 cubic feet of water storage in the pore space between rocks in the wetland;
- Excavation and off-site disposal to remove hazardous substances from railway operations described in the removal work plan;
- Diversion of an existing 11-foot by 11-foot storm drain drain owned by Los Angeles County;
- A pumping station to bring dry weather and storm water to the treatment system;
- A stormwater treatment system consisting of hydrodynamic separators and a filter to remove solids and other components of concern from diverted dry weather streams and stormwater. A hydrodynamic separator uses water velocity and vortex separation to remove dirt and large sediments from incoming rainwater. The filter uses media to separate smaller sediments from the water. Combining these two treatment technologies limits the amount of dirt and sediment entering the wetland and improves water quality.
- A drain pipe and spillway structure to control water inflow and outflow into the wetland and to control water levels;
- Rainwater and stormwater runoff would be gravity diverted from Los Angeles County's existing stormwater drain to an underground treatment system and pump station. The pumping station would pump the water into the wetland. The water would flow through the wetland for further treatment and be gravity discharged into storm drains and ultimately the Los Angeles River. Some of the water is used to irrigate native vegetation and support fauna. The remainder is discharged into the Los Angeles River with much higher water quality; And
- Habitat improvement, which includes the planting of native plants and other habitat features and improvement measures in the project's upland, riparian and wetland areas.
According to The Eastsider, the wetland is scheduled to be partially opened to the public in 2026 and then fully opened in 2026.
Representation of the wetland at BowtieCA State Parks
Plans show that Stantec And SALT landscape architecture are working on the project together with the nature conservation authority.
Taylor Yard, formerly a rail yard for the Southern Pacific Railroad, has been gradually transformed over the past few decades with public open space, housing and other uses. Donations are currently being collected to convert the remaining vacant lots into green spacesto create a 100-acre LA River Park.
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