Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Malibu Septics to Sewer Decision affirmed!
On September 21st, the State Water Quality Control Board affirmed the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board's decision from last November to require a septic ban and phase out for the 550 businesses in central and eastern Malibu, in favor of a centralized sewer system. Septics will be phased out in Malibu's Civic Center Area by 2019. Septic systems in Malibu have long contributed to the chronic pollution problems at Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and the historic Surfrider Beach. A central sewer system will significantly improve water quality by reducing the risk of septic systems leaching into the groundwater and contaminating the Malibu coastline with high levels of bacteria. Millions of visitors along Malibu's beautiful coastline can finally look forward to the day when they no longer swim and surf in the putrid pathogens coming from contaminated groundwater. As the Guardian news article reported: "The affluent will have to take their effluent elsewhere."