Surfrider Foundation thanked by the City for their involvement and letters of support

As part of a much larger project that will address bacteria reduction in stormwater, nutrient reduction in wastewater, restoration/development of riparian habitats, and development of open space for recreation and environmental education, the grand opening of the Malibu Civic Center Stormwater Treatment Facility (MCCSTF) today marks an extremely important milestone in the City of Malibu's efforts to improve water quality in the Santa Monica Bay. City of Malibu - MCCSFT info.

The MCCSTF is located at the west side of Lower Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon, and will treat runoff from an approximate 300-acre area. Dry-weather and first flush runoff flows from 3 major storm drains in the area will be pumped to the facility and treated in a 3-step process of screening, filtering and disinfection at a rate of up to 1,400 gallons per minute. The City plans to use the treated water for irrigation in the Civic Center area.

Looking into the future, The Malibu Legacy Park Project will include construction of a stormwater detention system (or more simply put, constructed ponds or wetlands) that will expand the capacity of the treatment facility from dry-weather flows to wet weather flows. This project will divert and treat stormwater before it reaches Malibu Creek or Lagoon. City of Malibu - Legacy Park info.

Surfrider Foundation was included in the list of thanks given during the ceremony, for inviting the City to present early plans for the MCCSTF and Legacy Park to the Malibu Chapter's general membership, and for the Chapter's continued letters of support, commending the City for doing their part to reduce pollution in Malibu Creek, Lagoon, and the world-famous Surfrider Beach.

Hosted by:
- Ken Kearsley, Mayor
- Jeff Jennings, Mayor Pro Tem
- Sharon Barovsky, Councilmember
- Pamela Conley Ulich, Councilmember
- Andy Stern, Councilmember

Guest speakers included:
- Honorable Sheila Kuehl, State Senator, 23rd District
- Honorable Julia Brownley, State Assembly Member, 41st District
- Honorable Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District
- Laura Peters, Senior Water Resources Control Engineer, State Water Resrouces Control Board
- Bob Thiel, Project Manager, California Coastal Conservancy
- Dr. Mark Gold, Executive Director, Heal The Bay, and Member, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission