On June 21, 2010, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that there is federal interest in continuing the Long Beach Breakwater (East San Pedro Bay) Ecosystem Restoration Study into a feasibility phase.  The justification for this determination was found during a 12-month reconnaissance study and the details can be accessed by clicking Army Corps Reconnaissance Study.

Following the Army Corps determination of federal interest, the Long Beach City Council voted
unanimously to become the local-sponsor for the anticipated four-year, $8.2 million study.  This milestone has been captured and archived on video.

The Army Corps of Engineers will be the lead agency for this study, with Long Beach as the local-sponsor.  The City's responsibility will include funding $4.1 million of study costs over at least a four-year period.  A brief explanation of this part of the process was presented to City Council in the form of a staff report on June 22, 2010.  By clicking Powerpoint presentation you can see an outline of the funding plan presented at that City Council meeting, as well as the Army Corps' project management plan.

The purpose of a feasibility study is to determine whether or not the ecosystem in the East San Pedro Bay can be restored and produce a practical recommendation to do so.  The study will examine whether or not changes to the breakwater could help restore the ecosystem and include in depth examinations of the effects any reconfiguration of the breakwater would have on existing infrastructure.  The City of Long Beach will also be using this opportunity to look at ways to improve recreational water quality and to this end the Los Angeles River has been included as part of the feasibility study.

Planning objectives that will guide this feasibility study provide direction to:

• Restore marine and aquatic habitat of sufficient quality to sustain or enhance marine and aquatic communities, e.g. kelp beds, shallow rocky reef areas and other habitats;
• Restore and preserve the marine and aquatic ecosystems by improving impaired sediments and water quality in the East San Pedro Bay;
• Increase recreational opportunities (surfing, swimming, beach use, tourism, etc.) in East San Pedro Bay and its immediate surrounding beaches and beach communities.

The feasibility study process will be much like the Long Beach Reconnaissance Study, with the difference being a much more in depth examination of ecosystem restoration components.  Like the Long Beach Reconnaissance Study, there will be opportunities for public input at community meetings and Long Beach staff will be actively soliciting input from our community.  For a description on how you can participate in these community meetings and other ways to get involved, please visit our Community Participation website.  You can also email Breakwater@longbeach.gov and ask to be added to our e-notify.