NOTICE (2/28/25)

TRASH BOOM REPAIRED AND BOOMS REINSTALLED. INTERCEPTOR IS NOW OPERATIONAL.

The northern boom connected to The Ocean Cleanup Interceptor 007 has been reinstalled and repairs to the southern boom are complete. The booms became detached on February 13 due to severe storm currents in Ballona Creek. Los Angeles County Public Works crews quickly assessed the damage and found no impact on the vessel itself.

Our as-needed service contractor was also brought in to remove any trash collected along the riprap lining the channel.

Deployed in storm configuration since January, the Interceptor captured 21 tons (42,000 lbs) of floating trash and debris following the first major storm of the year—its largest collection since launching in October 2022. To date, it has prevented 156 tons (312,000 lbs) of trash from reaching the ocean and local beaches.

Since deployment in October 2022

0 Tons
Trash Collected
0
Offloads Conducted
Profile rendering of the Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor 007

The Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor™—developed by the charitable organization The Ocean Cleanup—is a fully automated, solar-powered trash collection device designed to capture floating plastic, trash and litter before they reach the ocean.

Los Angeles County Public Works has developed a pilot project to test this innovative technology. This pilot project includes the deployment of The Interceptor™ at the mouth of Ballona Creek in Marina del Rey, the construction of six moorings on the north and south jetties of the channel, the installation of a river monitoring system to characterize waterborne trash, and educational signage. Ballona Creek will remain fully accessible, except during rain events. When storm flows or tidal activity are expected to carry trash down the creek, two booms will be deployed in a v-shape configuration.

Interceptor with both booms deployed
Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor launch in Marina Del Rey.

Interceptor with both booms deployed.