The South Bay Business Environmental Coalition (SBBEC) honored Shahram Kharaghani, City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program Manager, as the Environmental Steward of the Year for playing a vital role in helping to protect water quality in the Los Angeles area by reducing stormwater pollution. The SBBEC presented the award to Kharaghani at its 8th annual environmental awards event on September 24, 2008 where numerous businesses, individuals and organizations were recognized for working hard to clean and protect our local environment.

Kharaghani (left) receives the SBBEC award for The Environmental Steward of the Year.

“It was an honor to receive this prestigious SBBEC award.” said Kharaghani, “However, the work that we do is only as good as the team that carries out the initiatives, and that team doesn’t just include Stormwater program staff and myself, but all of the engaged residents of Los Angeles.”

Kharaghani and the Watershed Protection Division (WPD) were acknowledged as a national leader in developing sustainable methods for reducing water pollution and utilizing low-impact neighborhood upgrade concepts such as green streets, increased use of infiltration such as porous pavement, the Downspout Disconnection Program that allows for the reuse of rainwater and reduces runoff, as well as low-flow diversion projects (LFDs) that divert polluted urban runoff to the sanitary sewer system for treatment and discharge.

Additionally, the SBBEC recognized the WPD’s Water Quality Compliance Master Plan for Urban Runoff that outlines the efforts necessary to meet urban runoff regulatory requirements over the next 20 years. Also honored was the $117 million Proposition O-funded Machado Lake project for the community effort in restoring the wetlands habitat for migratory birds.

“Our work in reducing stormwater pollution is on-going, but it’s nice to be recognized for being on the right path,” said Kharaghani.

Newsletter Archives