El Modena Basin NTS sediment removal
UPDATE: Ducks living at the pond have been relocated to a farm in Orange County.
The El Modena Basin Natural Treatment System site is a manmade dry-weather urban runoff treatment facility in Orange that removes pollutants from water runoff to protect the environment.
The site is undergoing maintenance to remove accumulated sediment that has clogged and damaged the site. Without the removal, the site is not able to work as designed.
Once completed, the work will ensure the site will continue to clean dry weather runoff, protecting the environment and providing habitat for birds and other species while providing visual enjoyment for the community.
The sediment removal began in late March and is scheduled for completion in early May. Due to the unanticipated weight and density of the sediment, initial work required removal by vacuum which is a slower process than what was originally planned.
To safeguard the animals that call the treatment site home, a biologist will be onsite to monitor the sediment removal and protect wildlife living there. The pond will take about a month to refill once the project is completed.
Visit IRWD.com/nts to learn more about IRWD’s 47 Natural Treatment System sites. For questions regarding the project, email info@IRWD.com or call 949-453-5500.
Week of April 13: Riprap installation will continue on Tuesday through the remainder of the week.
Week of April 6: Crews are continuing sediment removal by vacuum, and installing riprap to protect the slopes from collapsing.
Week of March 30: IRWD contractors started work on the project, which requires sediment removal by vacuum due to the weight and density of the sediment.
