Maintenance condition of BMPs assessed across L.A. region to improve O&M

SCCWRP has completed a visual assessment of the condition of 52 biofiltration systems and other stormwater BMPs (best management practices) across the Los Angeles region using a standardized, rapid method – an effort that will help inform the design of BMPs that are more feasible to maintain.

The summer-long assessment work, completed in August, inspected publicly accessible BMPs for visible operations and maintenance (O&M) issues, such as erosion, clogging, trash and waste accumulation, and overgrown vegetation.

Nearly all of the surveyed BMPs were found to be in need of some level of O&M service – a finding that highlights the need for improved understanding of the types and frequency of O&M service needed to maintain BMPs.

The study’s findings will be discussed during a January 12-13, 2026 workshop co-hosted by SCCWRP and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works that will work to identify specific BMP design characteristics that would enable managers to implement more effective O&M practices. The workshop is invite-only, but the findings will be published.