Rindge Dam Feasibility Study Nearly Ready for Public Comment

A feasibility study on the Rindge Dam removal project could be released to the public by this summer, according to California State Parks.

Both California State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are stakeholders in the controversial project.

Closed-door “working meetings” about the project have recently come under criticism from a Malibu resident who was kicked out of a Technical Advisory Committee meeting a few weeks ago.

“I know the person who was kept out of that meeting. She is one of the most well respected members of this community. She is a stakeholder,” Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte said at Mondays Malibu City Council meeting.

Craig Sap, Supervisor for California State Parks Angeles District, said the Technical Advisory Committee meetings do not have to be open to the public.

“These meetings are necessary,” Sap said during Mondays meeting. “Our first and foremost concern is the safety of down stream residents and sensitive environments.”

The study will also include possible ways to use some of the sediment at the top of the dam for beach replenishment projects.

Sap said a website is in the works with information about the project, which could be ready as early as this spring.

He added that a number of outreach meetings are also in the works.  

The plan to remove the Rindge Dam is meant to open Malibu Creek to allow the endangered Steelhead trout to move up stream.