Corridor Agency Prepared for Storms

In her letter to the editor (Jan. 22) Trudy Topik asked why The Times did not report that storm drains were not built at the San Joaquin Hills tollway construction site, causing Laguna Beach to flood. This was not reported because The Times took the time to contact the Transportation Corridor Agencies and find out the facts.

Prior to beginning construction, the corridor contractor prepared a runoff management plan for the project. This plan contained details of options for erosion control problems that might occur during the various construction phases.

The plan that was implemented in Laguna Canyon before the first storm Dec. 24 consisted of three siltation basins located to intercept erosion from the project north of Laguna Canyon Road. With the basins, silt fences were installed to intercept sediment.

Due to a federal injunction which did not allow the corridor contractor to work in Laguna Canyon, the agency had to seek modification to the injunction to install the erosion control measures required.

After the Dec. 24 storm, the corridor agency negotiated permission with the NRDC and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to allow the contractor to enlarge the three siltation basins. This work was in place before the intense Jan. 4 and Jan. 10 rainstorms.

The agency has closely monitored the situation through each storm and quickly cleaned out siltation basins and repaired any damage due to the heavy flows.

A thank-you goes out to The Times for following up on accusations and only printing the facts.

JERRY BENNETT

Chief Engineer

Transportation Corridor Agencies