Neighbors Oppose Water Tank, Plant

Neighbors of the Encino Reservoir have formed a coalition to block a proposed $60-million water tank and filtration plant in their backyard or at least mitigate the effects of having thousands of truckloads of concrete traverse their secluded hillside.

By 2003 the city Department of Water and Power is mandated by federal and state regulations to build a water tank and a filtration plant next to the reservoir that sits atop this quiet neighborhood of winding, tree-lined streets.

Construction on the project calls for a tank about the size of the Forum and a two-story filtration plant. It is expected to cause major disruptions in the surrounding residential area, including the possible removal of trees and widening of streets through neighborhoods of pricey homes to accommodate an estimated 2,000 truck round trips needed to haul concrete to the site.

DWP officials say routes being considered include White Oak, Encino, Louise and Hayvenhurst avenues south of Ventura Boulevard.

DWP officials met with neighbors Tuesday night to given them an update on the project, which has cost $5 million to date and is expected to take four years to complete. The officials said the department will soon begin conducting studies for an environmental impact report on the project.