Eligibility

All projects must meet the following eligibility requirements. The project must demonstrably reduce loads of pollutants to impaired waters. The project shall not negatively affect flood protection. The project shall not lead to a net loss of habitat or hardening of creeks or rivers. The project shall not exacerbate any existing environmental problems in the vicinity or downstream of the project. Only those projects meeting these requirements will be evaluated against the following criteria.

Criteria

The primary purpose of projects selected is to improve water quality by reducing pollutant loads to the impaired waters of Los Angeles. In addition, whenever feasible projects are to be designed to satisfy multiple objectives and purposes including increasing water supply, improving flood management, creating or enhancing open space, habitat, and recreation benefits. Projects should also consider source control measures, leverage funds, promote collaboration with other agencies and utilize a strategic adaptive management approach.

The types of projects designed to protect public health, improve water quality, conserve water, and reduce flooding may include: storm water cleanup, control, and diversion; water quality, pollution, and bacteria control; trash capture; urban lakes and bay improvements; habitat/wetlands restoration and development; storm water retention facilities/parks/greenbelts; and water conservation/reuse facilities.

The primary criteria are divided into three categories, with the following weighting:

1. Water Quality Improvements at 40%,

2. Achieves Multiple Objectives at 30%, and

3. Project Feasibility/Readiness/Financial at 30% of the overall scoring.

Within each criterion there are several sub-criteria that will help to determine the overall ranking of each proposed project. The following table indicates the criteria and subcriteria and the associated evaluation scale:

Download Project Criteria in PDF

Water Quality Improvements:

Pollution Problem Identified by Adopted TMDL: Indicate if there is a TMDL that is adopted for the area in which the project is proposed. What problem will the project address and how will it achieve or contribute to a solution?

Meets Wet Weather Water Quality Regulations: Describe the extent to which the project assists in meeting wet weather water quality standards

Meets Dry Weather Water Quality Regulations: Describe the extent to which the project assists in meeting dry weather water quality standards

Reduces Pollutant Loads: Describe the extent to which the project reduces pollutant loading and list the types of pollutants reduced.

Multiple-Objectives:

Enhances Drinking Water Source: Describe the extent to which the project provides for drinking water benefits.

Provides Potential for Beneficial Reuse: Describe the extent to which the project includes elements that will provide beneficial use of stormwater runoff.

Enhances Environment: Indicate if and how the project includes elements that provide for an environmental benefit (such as habitat restoration, aesthetic enhancements, etc.).

Provides Open Space/Recreational Areas: Indicate if and how the project includes any element that provide open space or recreational areas. Will the new or enhanced open space or recreational area be located within a poor or underserved area of the City.

Reduces Flooding: Indicate if and how the project assists in reducing flooding in the immediate area.

Consistent with the Integrated Regional Watershed Mgmt. Plan, the Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan and the Watershed/Water Management Plan: Is the project a stand alone feature that may have minimal impact on achieving regional water quality standards but demonstrates a larger approach or is consistent with a regional strategy to meeting water quality standards?