For Immediate Release

California State Water Resources Control Board Unanimously Votes For “Clean Water At The ‘Bu”

Decision Marks Major Victory For The Surfrider Foundation's Fight For Clean Water In Malibu

San Clemente, CA (September 22, 2010) – Yesterday, the California State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously 5-0 to support the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board’s decision to prohibit septic systems in the Malibu Civic Center area. This decision, requiring commercial facilities to be off septic systems by 2015 and residential sites by 2019 marks a major victory for the Surfrider Foundation and its coalition partners Heal The Bay, Santa Monica Baykeeper and the Malibu Surfing Association.

Sep 21, 2010. Clean Water at The 'Bu Coalition reps from L to R: Ken Seino (MSA),
Nancy Hastings (Surfrider Foundation), Michael Blum (President, MSA), Liz Crosson
(Executive Director, Santa Monica Baykeeper), and Mark Gold (President, Heal The Bay)

“Surfrider Foundation has been working on water quality issues in Malibu for over fifteen years,” said Nancy Hastings, Surfrider Foundation’s Southern California Field Coordinator. “We are thrilled with the State Water Resources Control Board’s vote to phase out existing septic systems, and prohibit new ones in Malibu’s Civic Center Area.

Septic systems in Malibu have long contributed to the chronic pollution problems at Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon and the historic Surfrider Beach. A central sewer system will significantly improve water quality by reducing the risk of septic systems leaching into the groundwater and contaminating the Malibu coastline with high levels of bacteria. This decision will also reduce the task of management and enforcement of on-site wastewater treatment systems that are faulty or not to code, a responsibility that the City of Malibu has repeatedly failed to accomplish.

Photo by Paul Diamond. Surfer Ken Seino speaks at the West LA/Malibu Chapter's Press Conference
and Rally for Clean Water At The 'Bu on Sep. 16, 2010. Ken contracted viral myocarditis after
paddling through raw sewage at Surfrider Beach in 1997, requiring a pacemaker to keep him alive.

“Millions of people visit Surfrider Beach each year,” Hastings continues. “This landmark decision to remove septic systems in the lower Malibu Creek Watershed will significantly reduce the health risk for all those who surf, swim, and recreate along this stretch of coastline.”

About Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.