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Glendora council approves environmental review and agreements for Finkbeiner Park stormwater capture project
Summary
The council adopted an initial study/mitigated negative declaration and authorized agreements needed to advance the Finkbeiner Park stormwater capture project—a multi‑benefit plan expected to use roughly $18 million for construction and improve water quality in the Little Dalton Wash.
The Glendora City Council on [date not specified] approved environmental clearance and related agreements to move the Finkbeiner Park stormwater capture project into permitting and design completion. The project, presented by management analyst Stephanie Ryan, would capture and treat runoff from the Little Dalton Wash, infiltrate treated water into the ground and provide surface improvements to Finkbeiner Park once underground work is finished.
Ryan told the council the project is designed to help the city meet MS4 permit obligations in the Upper San Gabriel River watershed and has design work nearing 90 percent completion. Design and construction are funded through the Safe Clean Water Program; staff said roughly $2.5 million in regional funds have already been transferred for design and about $18 million has been allocated for construction, and that additional grant opportunities remain under pursuit to address potential cost escalation.
Courtney Samuel of Craftwater Engineering explained procedural next steps: staff will file a Notice of Determination (NOD) under CEQA, which begins a 30‑day statute of limitations for legal challenges, and then seek regulatory permits from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Samuel said those agencies review construction within the open channel and that no public or agency comments were received during the IS/MND circulation period.
Councilmembers asked about effects on park facilities. Ryan said construction will occur within Finkbeiner Park at existing fields and basketball courts and will require temporary impacts to those recreation areas; she noted that the skate area is not included in the project scope and the fields will be restored to natural grass when complete. The city confirmed construction bidding is anticipated in early 2027 and that construction would follow, with the work expected to take multiple years.
Ryan addressed an earlier design change: the project originally proposed artificial turf but reverted to natural grass after the grant program raised concerns about microplastic release. Staff said the funding partner would not have approved the project with artificial turf due to sustainability and microplastic concerns.
The council voted to adopt the IS/MND, approve project plans, authorize execution of a use and maintenance agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and approve a contract amendment with Craftwater Engineering to continue permitting support. The motion passed 4–0 with one recusal (Councilmember Elias).
