San Pedro Tests Redesigned Beach Drain Near High School

The San Pedro Town Council has completed its first redesigned beach drain near San Pedro High School, testing a system to improve stormwater drainage and support efforts to restore the town’s eroding shoreline. The trial is part of the council’s ongoing beach restoration program, and the council will assess its performance before installing similar drains elsewhere.
The redesign changes how rainwater reaches the coast. Instead of discharging stormwater directly onto the beach, the new drain allows water to pass gradually through layers of stone and soak into the ground. The system also traps garbage, silt, and other debris before they reach the shoreline, while remaining practical and affordable to maintain.
The drainage problem has developed over decades, and some existing structures no longer function properly. Stormwater has carried sediment, litter, and debris from streets onto the beach, leaving gray deposits that have turned some sandy areas into muddy shorelines. Persistent discharge has also contributed to erosion in areas undergoing restoration. According to the council, addressing the problem requires more than simply replacing old pipes.
The high school site has served as a testing ground for the broader restoration effort. A beach-nourishment demonstration project began there in 2022 to trap sediment and restore natural shoreline processes. Monitoring has shown sand moving southward along the coast. Environmental consultant Valentin Rosado, who advises the council, has said the project uses nature-based methods, including native vegetation, geotextiles, and stakes, to stabilize sand and strengthen the shoreline. “By reintroducing the plants, we can actually enhance the resilience of the beach,” he said.
The new drain has already handled recent rainfall. However, the council will assess the system’s effectiveness, maintenance needs, and durability before replacing other drains. If the trial continues to perform well, the council could extend the design to other drainage outlets to reduce pollution and erosion and support restored dunes and native vegetation. The council aims to achieve lasting shoreline improvements through drainage upgrades and beach restoration.