Rachel is the name selected for our tunnel boring machine (TBM). This name was submitted by Hanna Hsu of Highland Oaks Elementary in our TBM naming contest. Rachel is named after Rachel Carson who authored the book Silent Spring that helped spark the global environmental movement. Congratulations Hanna! Read Hanna’s essay and those from other finalists here.

Los Angeles County students were asked to submit art that illustrated the importance of keeping our rivers and oceans clean. Congratulations to the winners of the elementary, middle, and high school contests! Their artwork will decorate Rachel as she travels underground for 7 miles. See the artwork from the finalists here.

This spring, we are hosting a virtual ceremony to unveil Rachel to the public and to recognize the winners of our TBM naming and art contests. This will be the last chance to see the TBM before it is lowered below ground to start tunneling. More information will be posted on our website and Facebook page in the upcoming weeks.

The Sanitation Districts continue to offer the following programs to the public:

• A virtual tour of our wastewater treatment plants. Learn step-by-step how wastewater (sewage) is treated and converted into clean water suitable for recycling and discharge to rivers and the ocean.
• An online presentation called "Olivia's Clean Water Adventure." See through the eyes of Olivia the Otter as she encourages environmental stewardship and promotes ways to keep our waterways clean. This presentation is offered to elementary schools in Carson, Harbor City, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, and Wilmington.

These programs show the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in protecting the environment. To schedule a tour or presentation, please fill out the online form on the Clearwater Project website. A presentation about the project, including its technology and construction progress, was held on January 30 and can be viewed here.