Turning point in Malibu beach pollution battle
For years, there has been evidence that human waste leaks from septic fields at Malibu homes and into the city's beaches, including Surfrider Beach. What to do about the septic tanks has long been a controversial issue in the coastal town. But there was a turning point today when officials moved to ban such systems. Details from Associated Press:
Regional water regulators voted to ban septic tanks in the heart of Malibu after a prolonged battle over bacterial pollution leaching into the ocean at some of the state’s most popular and famous beaches. Residents and city leaders have long opposed switching from septic tanks to sewer pipes out of concern it would invite massive development to the rustic community. Members of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board on Thursday voted to yank the city’s ability to manage commercial septic systems, directed staff to draft a plan banning septic tanks in the city center and to come up with a proposal for a wastewater treatment plant that would break ground in the next few years.
—Shelby Grad
Photo: Los Angeles Times
