Join the Fight for Clean Water at Malibu; Hearing Begins in Two Weeks

Not much new news as we make our way to the Nov 5th hearing (13 days away). The location was changed, then changed back. If you hear that it’s in Simi Valley, that’s *old* news. It’s back in Downtown LA — info on directions, public transportation, and parking is all online. / Michael, MSA

WHAT’S GOING ON
Surfrider Beach is an iconic beach, a crown jewel of surfing, and the birthplace of the California beach lifestyle. Unfortunately, Surfrider is also one of the state’s most polluted beaches, receiving poor water quality grades every year for nearly two decades.

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. 1999-2009: “F” water quality grades 51% during dry weather*
. 2009: violated water quality standards 64 times during dry weather
. 2008: violated water quality standards 74 times during dry weather
. 2007: violated water quality standards 14 times during dry weather
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What causes the pollution? We know that commercial and residential septic tanks in the Malibu Civic Center area are a significant source of pollutants into Lower Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and ultimately Surfrider Beach. As a result these areas are all included on the US EPA’s list as impaired for recreation. Impaired. For recreation. At Malibu.

A ONCE IN A GENERATION OPPORTUNITY
With encouragement from the public, and some from us at MSA, the LA Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) has stepped in to solve this serious public health issue. RWQCB is proposing a prohibition on new septics and a phase-out of current septics in the Civic Center area while the City of Malibu pursues a permanent solution. Prohibitions like this have worked in other areas. It can work here.

GET INVOLVED
The LA Regional Water Quality Board is the ‘buck stops here’ agency *mandated* to protect resources (like Surfrider). They need to hear that we care about, appreciate, and value this important area.

1. ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING
. Thursday, November 5th / 9am / Metropolitan Water Board / 700 N Alameda Street
. directions, parking, + public transportation

2. SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION
Sign our petition urging the RWQCB for clean water in the vicinity of Surfrider Beach. Free, online, and only takes a couple of minutes.

3. TELL OTHERS
Forward this message to friends/family and stay informed at msasusrfing.org/malibu