Storm Watch 2005: Cleaning the L.A. River with a wash-backwash cycle type of scheme

The majestic L.A. River was running fast earlier today. The water was a few feet above normal, with some whitecaps caused by the wind and various obstructions. However, the water level was falling since the latest storm appears to have abated.

Whilst a-biking riverside, I thought of at least two things:

1. Wouldn't it be nice if no one else has thought of the slogan "Musty TV" as a play on "must-see TV"? It appears I was wrong.

2. Continuously confronted by various large clumps of garbage on the river side and stuck in the branches of the trees in the middle of the river, I pondered ways to clean up the mess. A large wire net could be suspended between two trucks on opposite sides of the river. The trucks would slowly drive up-river, and the net would shake the garbage loose and leave it to flow downstream. Alternatively, arrows with attached wires could be shot at the trees. The wire would be pulled back and forth to shake out the garbage, and then the arrow could be pulled free.

However, the best idea would be to install large cement locks at various spots on the river. During a storm, the locks would be closed, forcing the river water to flow back upstream. Then, the locks would be opened to let the water flow back to sea. Repeated enough times, this might create a wash-backwash type of cycle somewhat similar to that in agitator-driven washing machines.

Los_Angeles · Wed, 02/23/2005 - 17:13 · · Importance: 1