Federal Court Finds Malibu Violated Clean Water Act By Discharging to Marine Preserve
L:iz Crosson
California Progress Report
08/04/2010
The City of Malibu violated the federal Clean Water Act when it discharged polluted water into Santa Monica Bay beaches in a coastal preserve, according to a decision issued by a Federal District Court.
The court found Malibu liable for illegally discharging polluted water into a marine coastal preserve located in northern Los Angeles County, one of three dozen designated Areas of Special Biological Significance along the California coast. The preserve stretches from Latigo Point in Malibu to Mugu Lagoon in Ventura County. The decision is the result of a lawsuit brought by Santa Monica Baykeeper (Baykeeper) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). This decision should be celebrated by all who value coastal resources like recreation, natural habitats, and scenic beauty. The decision is a critical step towards addressing water pollution at some of the region’s most popular and valued beaches.
The court also determined that Baykeeper and NRDC will proceed to trial on the claims that bacterial contamination creates a condition of nuisance at 17 Malibu beaches and violates bacteria water quality standards at Surfrider Beach and the adjacent Malibu Creek and Lagoon. Monitoring at beaches conducted by the City of Los Angeles consistently demonstrates violations of bacteria water quality standards, but the court determined that more information is necessary to establish Malibu’s liability. A trial date is yet to be scheduled.
This is a big victory for beach goers, ocean users, and coastal ecosystems. Malibu is finally being held accountable to clean up its discharges to the ocean and stop pollution at its source.
This lawsuit follows a similar case against Los Angeles County, also enforcing California’s prohibition on polluted discharges to designated Areas of Special Biological Significance. Like in the case against the County, Baykeeper and NRDC are asking the court to require Malibu to take steps that include adopting better pollution monitoring, requiring treatment or redirection of polluted runoff, and implementing green infrastructure measures to reduce or eliminate polluted runoff.
In March 2008, Santa Monica Baykeeper and NRDC sued Malibu for violating a 2001 Clean Water Act permit issued by California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board. The lawsuit sought to hold Malibu accountable to measurably reducing urban runoff, the top source of coastal water pollution in California that sickens thousands of people and fouls coastal ecosystems annually.
Beach water pollution makes swimmers vulnerable to a range of waterborne illnesses including stomach flu, skin rashes, pinkeye, ear, nose and throat problems, dysentery, hepatitis, respiratory ailments, neurological disorders, and other serious health problems. Senior citizens, small children, and people with weak immune systems can be especially vulnerable.
Malibu, stretching 21 miles along the Pacific coastline, boasts world-class surfing, sandy beaches, steep canyons, and California sunshine. Unfortunately, Malibu also has a record of contaminated water, public health advisories, and illnesses from water contact recreation. The court’s decision, by addressing contaminated runoff conveyed via Malibu’s storm drains, is an important step to cleaning up Malibu’s beaches and waterways.
