The Cleaning Power of Landscape Architecture

This post from Pruned looks at a proposal to turn a contaminated reservoir into a "bioremediating ecological machine".

1 minute read

February 25, 2008, 6:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"An Associated Press article published by The New York Times a couple of months ago told us that the Elysian and Silver Lake, 'two reservoirs that supply drinking water' to sections of Los Angeles, were found to contain 'high levels of the carcinogen bromate.' When alerted, the city's Department of Water and Power took them both out of service and announced that beginning early this year, they would drain, clean and refill the reservoirs, a process that could last until the summer."

"Alternatively, they could consider implementing in parts or in whole a design proposal from out of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the California Polytechnic State University in Pomona."

"This proposal - the product of a collaboration in 2005 between Ken McCown, Andy Wilcox and Kevin Hinders, with research and production assistance provided by students - the fenced-off Silver Lake is turned into a public open space hosting once giant bioremediating ecological machine, one that could theoretical render inert the cancer-causing bromate and other pollutants."

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 in Pruned

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

April 9 - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine