Starlite El Monte Project:
Saving Half a Million with Smart Stormwater Approach: A Piece of El Monte History Preserved
The Starlite El Monte Project sits on the historic grounds of the old Starlite Drive-In Theater, a celebrated landmark that opened in 1950. Once a vibrant gathering spot for the El Monte community, the drive-in is now being transformed into a modern residential development while preserving its historical significance. Efforts were made to retain key elements of the site’s history, including its iconic signage, ensuring that the new development honors the past while embracing the future.
Santa Fe Water Systems was engaged to deliver an innovative stormwater management solution for this site, balancing regulatory compliance, technical drawing challenges, and cost-efficiency.
The Challenge: Planning for Volume and Space Constraints
As the project launched, the client initially proposed a volume-based stormwater treatment concept, inspired by a combination of an underground precast detention system and engineered bioretention systems. However, the site posed unique challenges:
- Regulatory mandates require high-volume treatment standards
- Pre-existing or inherited stormwater plan was cost-prohibitive
- Limited available space for infrastructure
- Utility corridor obstructions
- The need to preserve historical signage and site goals
Santa Fe worked closely with local city engineers to explore and approve alternative solutions. The goal was to implement a cost-effective, compliant, and efficient system while navigating site constraints and historical preservation requirements.
Innovative Solutions: Biofiltration, Pump System, and Detention
The site was divided into two sections for stormwater treatment:
- West Section: Presented complex challenges, requiring creative problem-solving including petitioning the Regional Water Quality Control Board to allow for flow-based instead of volume-based treatment.
- East Section: A straightforward drawing geared towards client cost savings while maintaining high quality.
Initially, Santa Fe proposed a precast concrete storage system for the west section. However, due to space limitations and cost considerations, the drawing was adjusted to include a HydroStor chamber detention system, which reduced depth requirements and costs.
Recognizing the space constraints and regulatory challenges, Santa Fe advocated for the Modular Wetlands System, a leading flow-based biofiltration system whose integration would save land-use and address the complete range of pollutant requirements. To proceed, Santa Fe facilitated a regulatory exemption from the city engineer, providing technical data, drawing expertise, and a formal letter to secure approval from the water board.
Results: Cost Savings and Historical Preservation
The final project included:
- Two Modular Wetland Systems for flow-based treatment.
- Multiple pump stations for efficient water movement.
- Detention and volume-based treatment for the east area.
This innovative approach saved the client $500,000 in stormwater treatment costs by transitioning from volume-based to flow-based systems. Additionally, the project preserved the site’s historical goals, including its iconic signage, blending modern development with community heritage.
Conclusion
The Starlite El Monte Project highlights Santa Fe’s ability to balance history, innovation, and practicality. By navigating regulatory complexities and overcoming project challenges, Santa Fe delivered a cost-efficient solution that aligned with the client’s vision and the community’s legacy.
Book a Lunch and Learn or Project Review Session Today!
See what’s possible with the right water quality support team.