Victory for Clean Water at the ‘Bu
11/10
West LA Surfrider
Words by: Rob Nixon
Photos by: Courtesy Surfrider West LA/Malibu
Who out there likes surfing in raw sewage? Come on, you know you love the smell, the taste of it in your mouth, and you even love getting sick from it after a session. No? Don’t like that at all? Well neither do the folks out in Malibu, and they let their voices be heard at last week’s hearing with the LA Water Quality Control Board.
According to the Los Angeles Times, on November 5, after hours of testimony, the Water Quality Board agreed to ban the use of septic systems in central and eastern Malibu. The board mandated that the installation of new septic systems will no longer be allowed and current owners of septic systems will have to halt waste water discharges within ten years. The switch should decrease the amount of polluted run-off that makes its way out to the lineup and give new meaning to a clean day a Malibu.
It’s kind of amazing that it took this long for action to be taken on the matter, considering the dire state of the water at Malibu’s beaches. According to Heal the Bay, Surfrider Beach exceeded the “maximum bacteria load” 63 times between April 1 and September 9 of this year (that’s a lot of poo in the water–human poo). And it received an F in water quality for wet weather conditions.
What really got everyone’s attention at Thursday’s hearing was the testimony of local surfer and Malibu Surfing Association member Ken Seino. Seino opened his shirt during his public comment and pointed to a scar on his upper left chest where a pacemaker had been installed. He claimed that after paddling out into raw sewage at Surfrider Beach he contracted myocarditis, a viral infection that attacks the heart.
Stoked that mom will let him surf perfect rights now that the water is getting clean. Photo courtesy Surfrider.
I think it is relevant to point out that even in Malibu, which is known for its beautiful views and eco-conscious vibe, it still took a lot of work from dedicated coastal environmentalists, activists, and yes, surfers, to bring about positive change.
While local surfers may have the most at stake in an immediate sense, this decision will hopefully serve as an example for all California coastal communities. If we can clean up an iconic surf spot that is so close to a major metropolis, we should be able to tackle any challenge in the fight to preserve our way of life.
