Informing the future of the Santa Monica Airport
The City of Santa Monica Airport is uniquely situated in the midst of dense residential neighborhoods of Santa Monica and neighboring west Los Angeles. The airport opened in 1917 as…
Projects
Reducing wastewater pollution impacts from on-site disposal systems in Hawai’i
Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and the health of its residents are threatened by the Islands’ heavy reliance on on-site disposal systems (OSDSs). There are some 110,000 OSDSs across the…
An effectiveness evaluation of the City of Los Angeles’ Tree Ambassador Program
City Plants is a partnership between the City of Los Angeles (LA), nonprofit organizations, and the private sector with a mission to grow a greener future for LA by engaging…
Assessing the effects of warehouse and logistics operations on air quality and public health in environmental justice communities
Air pollution from diesel vehicles harms human health and the environment. While air pollution is a widespread issue, the harmful effects accumulate in heavily trafficked areas, which disproportionately burdens vulnerable…
Communicating extreme heat risk: incorporating community perspectives
Los Angeles County has long been known for its perennially pleasant weather, but increasing occurrence of extreme heat events and recurring droughts threaten public health and welfare. Water shortages, wildfires,…
Developing an accessible framework to monitor antibiotic-resistant bacteria in watersheds and coastal waters
The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance is a pressing issue that leads to hundreds of thousands of lives lost per year. Antibiotic resistance arises when bacteria evolve to build up…
Improving the Environment in California’s Most Vulnerable Communities (Implementing SB 158 (2021-2022))
Senate Bill 158 – Hazardous Waste was adopted by the Legislature and approved by Governor Newsom in 2021. SB 158 made process and organizational improvements to DTSC, and increased allocations…
Incorporating sustainability and resiliency measures in large water utilities
Recurring droughts across the western United States have demonstrated a need for updated water management procedures across sectors, including for commercial businesses and residential communities. In Southern California, overreliance on…
Natural Photolysis of a Disinfection-By-Product
Wastewater is one of the most affordable and stable water supply options in Southern California. Despite the ‘ick’ factor, proper treatment can take wastewater and turn it into a high-quality…
Public parks as cooling infrastructure: assessing changes in use during extreme heat events from smartphone locations
Climate change is causing an increase in extreme heat events in Los Angeles County, with central areas predicted to experience three times the number of days with temperatures over 95°F…
Developing a tool for the retrospective analysis of exceptional air pollution events
17 million people – roughly half the population of California, live in the South Coast Air Basin of Southern California. These residents, living in major portions of Los Angeles, Riverside,…
Evaluating Equity Under Measure W – Los Angeles County’s Safe Clean Water Program
In 2018, Los Angeles County passed Measure W to raise funds to reduce the pollution and flooding caused by stormwater runoff through the development of stormwater capture, treatment, and reuse…