Petition Challenges New Water Quality Standards for Malibu Creek

Two agencies have taken a stand against proposed new water quality standards proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Malibu Creek and Lagoon. 

The Triunfo Joint Powers Authority, which is comprised of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and Triunfo Sanitation District, filed a petition with the United States District Court in Oakland last week, seeking to overturn EPA-proposed new water quality standards for Malibu Creek. (Read more about the new standards.)

The JPA estimates that the new standards would require construction of more than $160 million in new wastewater treatment facilities. 

The EPA released its draft document in mid-December, with a cutoff for comments set for Jan. 25.

“Ratepayers need to have a voice if they are to bear these costs,” said Michael McReynolds, who serves as Chair of both the JPA and of the Triunfo Sanitation District Board of Directors. “The JPA Board is firm in its belief that not only has the legal process been mishandled, but there is inadequate scientific evidence to support the desired outcome would be achieved.”

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