Wetland renewal
We spent more than a decade preparing environmental impact reports (EIR), identifying over 20 contaminant sources. These efforts led to restoration commitments, including nearly 200 acres of wetlands.
Practices
Markets
Revitalizing an L.A. neighborhood through development and remediation
In 1989, we began shaping the vision for Playa Vista, transforming one of Los Angeles’s last vacant parcels into a vibrant mixed-used community. The site posed challenges with remnants of aircraft manufacturing facilities and complex subsurface conditions, as well as strong public opinion and active stakeholder groups. To address these concerns, we led public workshops on water quality, air quality, transportation and energy to preserve existing views and protect wetlands.
Development process
Project engineers divided the site into three geographic areas: a residential, commercial and mixed-use area to create zones for investigation.
Key remediation methods
We used two advanced remediation methods: in-situ bioremediation, which employs microbes to breakdown contaminants, and dual-phase ground water extraction, which removes groundwater and soil vapors to prevent contaminant migration.
Delivering impact
Today, the area spans 900 acres with more than 100 monitoring wells installed and the collection of thousands of soil samples.
Remediation and renewal on L.A.'s final frontier
Find out how prime real estate in Los Angeles has been reclaimed and turned into a high-tech hub by our remediation experts.
We continued groundwater extraction and treatment across Playa Vista’s development zones, ensuring contaminant levels remain lower than ever. While most areas remain stable, some require ongoing monitoring and treatment to protect community health. Today, the area is a thriving home to major tech companies and a powerful economic driver for Los Angeles. This transformation reflects decades of collaboration, innovation and commitment to sustainability.