Trash Interceptor Gears Up For El Niño Winter

MARINA DEL REY, CA — The nation's first trash interceptor stationed in Ballona Creek has already collected over 20 tons of debris since the winter rainy season started.

As much of Los Angeles County gears up for anticipated heavy rain storms coming with El Niño, both of Interceptor 007's booms are deployed and ready to stop trash from getting into the Santa Monica Bay.

Since its deployment in October 2022, the interceptor has stopped a total of 105 tons of trash and debris from impacting local beaches.

"The Interceptor pilot program has yielded numerous benefits not only in helping to combat pollution in the Ballona Creek, but also in fostering innovation and learning, as well as promoting collaboration and partnerships among local and international partners," LA Public Works spokesperson Lisette Guzman said.

Interceptor 007 launched on Oct. 22 and was provided completely free by the Dutch non-profit organization The Ocean Cleanup to help put a bigger spotlight on conservation efforts. Guzman said the interceptor raises awareness about the impact of pollution in local waterways and encourages people to be more active in protecting natural resources.

So far, the machine has not needed any major repairs during its pilot program, which ends this April. County officials will decide whether to continue to use the interceptor after the completion of the pilot program.

"The beaches of LA are world famous, so if we can show the effect here, I think that message will travel far and wide," The Ocean Cleanup's CEO Boyan Slat said. "This might actually become the most important interceptor that we will ever deploy."