Malibu joins 'clean bay' restaurant program

The city of Malibu said today it was partnering with the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and the cities of Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance and Rancho Palos Verdes in implementing the Clean Bay Restaurant Certification Program. The program recognizes restaurants that exceed local storm-water regulations to reduce water pollution.

Storm-water pollution and urban runoff lead to significant pollution problems for Santa Monica Bay. Malibu's Surfrider Beach often gets low marks on Heal the Bay's report cards. The city plans to create Legacy Park in the Civic Center area, which would double as a storm-water treatment facility. Environmental groups have said the project does not go far enough because it does not also treat wastewater from aging septic systems, a growing source of wastewater pollution in the city's core.

The restaurant certification program recognizes food-service establishments that receive a score of 100% on a checklist. Criteria include: proper grease traps and disposal areas free of spills, clean outdoor storage areas, trash bins free of liquid waste and recycling programs. 

The Malibu City Council will annually present qualified restaurants with certificates for public display and promote them in ads placed in local newspapers.

-- Martha Groves