Hello mstone,
I was curious after reading your question so I e-mailed the California
authority responsible for the Orange County 73 toll road. I just
received the following reply which I think will answer your question:
My name is Sam Sims. I am the Construction Manager for the TCA. I was
forwarded your question regarding the fenced in drainage areas that
look
like foundations and would like to offer this explaination. From what
you
are describing, I believe you are noticing the fenced-in Compost
Filter
Structures in the drainage basin areas on the SR 73. These structures
(which
look like a house foundation) hold a filter material which treats the
roadway storm water runoff. This filter process removes oils and heavy
metals prior to the storm water's release into the adjacent natural
drainage
areas. These filters work in concert with the storage basin.
The basic process is best described as follows: The rain water runs
off the
roadway and into the drainage holding basins. It is then slowly
released
over a 24 hour period through the filter structure. This not only
treats
(filters) the roadway storm water, but restricts the outflow to assure
there
is no downstream flooding due to isolated heavy rains.
I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to contact me at
(949)
754-3429 if you have any further questions.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Sam Sims
Corridor Manager, Construction
Inquiring minds must know.
Thanks for your question, Redhoss |
