Balfour Beatty selected for key $60m stormwater capture project in LA County

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Diagram showing the structure of the stormwater capture project.

LA’s Department of Public Works has appointed Balfour Beatty for the $60m Bassett High School Stormwater Capture project.

Balfour Beatty’s civils operations has been selected to deliver the approximately $60m Bassett High School Stormwater Capture project in La Puente, California in the United States.

In partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and Bassett Unified School District the project team will construct an underground infiltration gallery at Bassett High School to improve water quality of waterways in La Puente, West Covina, Baldwin Park and City of Industry, as well as enhance green spaces on site for public use.

Balfour Beatty serves as construction manager at-risk to deliver the project which involves the installation of underground storage and storm drain systems, diversion structures, pump stations and filtration vaults underneath Bassett High School. The project will also feature irrigation systems, water quality monitoring equipment and telemetry tools.

Additionally, the project team will enhance the high school’s athletic fields and construct new educational gardens with drought-resistant plants and trees to provide shade and cooling effects. A portion of the athletic field is proposed to be opened for public use as a new pocket park.

Kelly Phariss, Balfour Beatty US civils vice president of west operations, said: “We are thrilled to partner with LA County Public Works and the local school district on this important infrastructure project that will enhance sustainability and benefit the community.

“As part of our strategic focus on delivering collaborative projects, our team brings specialised expertise in water treatment systems, stormwater management and landscape design to deliver this project in an environmentally responsible way. By reducing pollutants, reusing water through innovative irrigation and elevating the landscaping, we’re proud to contribute to the long-term health of the San Gabriel River and Walnut Creek areas.”

Design operations are underway for the Bassett High School Stormwater Capture project and the project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2029.