A day at the beach shouldn’t make you sick. It’s a core principle of Heal the Bay and many of our lawmakers deserve our gratitude for reminding others in Washington, D.C. of the importance of water quality testing. We especially want to thank Congressman Henry Waxman for his recent leadership and U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein for their support in the effort to reinstate funding for the BEACH Act grant program at the $9.8 million level. The program, run by the Environmental Protection Agency since its enactment in 2000, helps local governments pay for regular water-quality testing and has tripled the number of beaches monitored for unsafe bacteria levels, now more than 3,600 locations. These funds are crucial to local communities’ ability to pay for consistent monitoring, a critical element for letting the public know when it’s safe to dive into our coastal waters.
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Heal the Bay Blog
Sarah Sikich, co-director of Heal the Bay’s science and policy department, celebrates a big win for the Santa Monica Mountains
In a unanimous decision, the California Coastal Commission approved the Santa Monica Mountains Land Use Plan at yesterday’s hearing in Santa Barbara. The Land Use Plan, created by the planning department of L.A. County and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky’ s office, provides guidance for future development in a critical region of greater Los Angeles.
The plan, which had generated some controversy because of concerns from some landowners, ultimately protects scenic views, water quality, and wild lands in an area enveloped by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the largest urban national park in the U.S.
The Plan was endorsed by a wide group of supporters, including Heal the Bay, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, California Coastal Protection Network, Malibu Surfing Association, Mountains Restoration Trust, Surfrider Foundation, Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation, and many residents and equestrian groups from the mountains. Some members of the equestrian community and vineyard developers opposed the plan, arguing that it put undue restrictions on their activities. Each side packed the hearing room, adorned in stickers and buttons showcasing their respective positions
The Land Use Plan outlines the future of the 52,000-acre Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone, a region characterized by steep rugged mountains and wildlife ranging from large mountain lions to federally threatened red-legged frogs. It’s also dotted by large estates, ranches, and pockets of communities. Some highlights of the Plan include stream and riparian habitat setback requirements for development, measures to prevent erosion of hillsides and streambanks, policies to prevent polluted runoff and habitat damage from agricultural use in the mountains, and a provision that does not allow for new vineyard development in the mountains.
The provision prohibiting new viticulture drew vocal opposition from some members of the wine community. But, the rugged character of these mountains isn’t compatible with vineyard development. Erosion from soils between rows planted on steep slopes clogs stream habitat upon which newts and frogs depend, and excessive nutrients and pesticide runoff from vineyards can foul water quality.
“You would not plant vineyards in Big Sur, and they shouldn’t be planted in the Santa Monica Mountains,” said Supervisor Yaroslavsky, putting the policy into perspective when he explained the vibrant life and scenic quality of these mountains, which draw in millions of visitors annually. The Plan also grants existing permitted vineyards to remain, and also allows for organic farming in specific regions of the mountains.
The Coastal Commission and Los Angeles County will now work on a parallel path to create the Local Implementation Plan, which determines specific measures to bring the Land Use Plan into effect. That framework is slated for Coastal Commission consideration in June.
Want to learn more about the beautiful Santa Monica Mountain ecoysystem? Join the Stream Team, our citizen scientist program!
We love Earth Month. April is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, a time for millions to reflect on the health of the natural resources on which we all depend. But the reality is that every month is Earth Month for Heal the Bay. Our passionate staff members and dedicated volunteers work hard throughout the year to guard Southern California’s rivers, beaches and oceans. Protecting what you love is a 365 day-a-year job – be it fighting for strong pollution limits, providing hands-on marine education to local students or restoring habitat in degraded waterways.
We don’t take our local beaches and local neighborhoods for granted, and we know you don’t either. Whether you’ve joined one of our beach cleanups, visited our Santa Monica Pier Aquarium or just shared one of our social media posts with your network of friends, you’ve shown a deep commitment to our shorelines and the animals that call it home.
In honor of Earth Month, we’re asking you to go a step further. By committing to a modest monthly gift of $9, you’ll help sustain our work year-round. You’ll also become a card-carrying Heal the Bay Hero.
$9. What can it really get you these days? Maybe we’re biased, but we’re willing to bet you’d prefer a month of clean beaches to buying a single designer cocktail or a movie ticket to the latest vampire meldorama. In appreciation of your gift, we’ll also send you a limited edition t-shirt designed by celebrated local artists Tim Biskup and Florencio Zavala so you can literally wear your love of the ocean on your sleeve. You can also snag a shirt at ZJ’s, Channel Islands Scuba or at this Saturday’s Earth Month Extravaganza at the Santa Monica Pier, while supplies last. Beginning May 1, you’ll be able to purchase shirts via our website!
30 cents a day may not sound like an heroic amount, but recurring gifts from Heal the Bay Heroes will provide us with a reliable stream of funding while allowing donors like you to spread out your charitable giving more manageably throughout the year.
Over the course of the year, your donation would underwrite any of the following:
- Reusable supplies for five volunteer beach cleanups
- Two days of water quality testing at our local rivers
- Training for four volunteers to monitor newly established Marine Protected Areas
- Bus rides and a day of hands-on marine education for 60 underserved students
Your gift today will help us protect the Bay year-round. Who knew becoming a Hero could be as easy as setting aside 30 cents a day?
Thank you!
P.S.–Heal with your hands as well as your wallet! Check out our list of Earth Month goings-on here.
Follow @healthebay on Vine for our ongoing #HtBHero video series
Since its adoption 40 years ago, the Clean Water Act has made incredible inroads in protecting and improving our nation’s water quality. However, after a series of complex Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006, regulatory confusion led to dischargers being able to pollute or even destroy some streams and wetlands without consequences. Because of a loophole, many wetlands and small streams throughout the country have been vulnerable to being buried and destroyed.
Streams and wetlands recharge groundwater supplies, handle floodwaters, remove pollution, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Roughly 60% of U.S. stream miles only flow seasonally or after rain, but these waterways provide a critical function and support beneficial uses.
This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a proposed rule to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands. This act would protect millions of miles of threatened streams and millions of wetland acres.
Our colleagues at the Natural Resources Defense Council have been advocating for this clarification for many years. Please take a moment to send your support of this important proposal through the NRDC’s action alert.
For the past few months, our Santa Monica Pier Aquarium has been graced with its very own in-house curator. Viki Stathopoulos, by day the Outreach Facilitator and Director of Fun at Trash for Teaching, inspires visitors of all ages to imaginatively repurpose discarded materials into whimsical marine-themed works of art — and the results are museum-quality. Thanks to Viki for bringing her contagious (and renewable!) energy to the Aquarium and to Trash for Teaching for providing the raw materials.
We applaud Environment California for organizing California Ocean Day, a statewide celebration that brought Heal the Bay together with other nonprofit ocean advocates, students and business representatives to raise awareness about the ocean while educating Sacramento legislators about pressing environmental issues. Special thanks to Monterey Bay Aquarium for hosting a festive and delicious reception that honored those who’ve helped advance ocean health.
A few of our Ocean Day advocates, Heal the Bay’s Sarah Sikich (far right) and Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (middle)
Sarah Sikich, Heal the Bay’s coastal resources director, dives into the deep end for a special day in Sacramento.
My job sometimes entails getting up well before dawn on a Monday morning for the 6 a.m. flight to Sacramento. It isn’t the ideal way to ease into the workweek. But a few times each year I actually look forward to it. Today happens to be one of those times.
I’m up north to take part in California Ocean Day, a day of celebration and education, with dozens of student, non-profit, and business representatives from around the state bringing the ocean to the Capitol. We know there are many issues facing the state, but today we want to raise awareness among legislators and their staff about the pressing facing California’s coast and ocean.
It’s probably no surprise that the big blue is a major driver for California’s economy. Coastal tourism and recreation contribute $84 billon to the state’s economy, which is only enhanced by clean water, unpolluted beaches and a vibrant ocean. For some decision-makers, like the Assembly Surf Caucus, our ocean is front of mind. (In the linked video, you can check out three of our legislators suit up and carve up some local waves. Assemblymember Calderon has a nice snapback!)
Even legislators that don’t surf should find it easy to see the benefits of a healthy ocean. Sacramento may not be a beach community, but it lies riverside. So the interconnectedness of our rivers, streams, and oceans should be something that everyone can understand and seek to protect.
We’ll be discussing how California’s system of underwater parks, known as marine protected areas, is starting to enhance our coastal waters for marine life and people’s enjoyment. Ocean advocates will also be talking about polluted runoff and plastic pollution, seeking support for State Water Board and legislative efforts to curb this scourge.
Sea level rise and ocean acidification are growing threats to California’s coast, and together, our groups will be encouraging research and vulnerability assessments to help better inform planning, habitat protection, and restoration efforts to adapt to this changing tide.
If you’re curious how our message is resonating, join us remotely by following us on social media throughout the day with the hashtag #CAOceanPride.
The folks at apparel company Horny Toad have supported Heal the Bay in many ways over the years, and we’re thrilled to be featured on their website in celebration of World Water Day, coming up March 22nd. They love us for our dedication to improving the health of the ocean – and we love them for their sustainably produced and stylish threads!
A big thank you to Amgen for its donation of equipment and supplies to our Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and water chemistry laboratory. Heal the Bay staff members were invited to visit the Amgen warehouse and pick out useful items…and we came away with a truckload! These much-needed items will be used to analyze water quality in our lab, grow food for Aquarium animals, and create interpretive materials for the Aquarium’s educational program “Who Pollutes?”
Our awesome new crew of Speakers Bureau volunteers enjoyed a delicious dinner – delivered in eco-friendly reusable bags – at their final training session, thanks to Rubio’s. And last but not least, thanks to the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and Environment for for providing these volunteers with parking passes.
With tax season upon us, it’s actually a good time to think inside the box. As April 15 approaches, ocean lovers throughout the state now have a chance to support their local beach when they file their returns.
By simply checking a box on your state tax return, you can make a one-time tax-deductible donation to the California Coastal Commission for any amount you choose.
Under the measure sponsored by Torrance-based Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, your contributions will support the Whale Tail Grants Program, doing an ocean of good for underserved kids, ocean-related museum exhibits, habitat cleanups and restoration projects.
So look sharp, feet-draggers: You’ve got a month to pinch those pennies for the Pacific!
There’s nothing fishy about our friends at Ascenta Health, a natural health products company that uses sustainable oil sources for its Omega 3-based products. Ascenta goes the extra distance as a member of 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses committed to donating 1% of their annual sales to creating a healthier, greener world. This week the company donated $21,600 to Heal the Bay to support our work on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and sustainable fishing practices.
More kudos: Thanks to new community partner Seasons 52 for pledging support to the world’s largest volunteer day, Coastal Cleanup Day, and a shout out to Macy’s for contributing to one of Heal the Bay’s signature environmental education programs, Key to the Sea.
Kirsten James, Heal the Bay’s director of water quality, says it’s time to end the stupid toilet-to-tap” debate.
For the last four years I have been a member of the City of Los Angeles’s Recycled Water Advisory Group (affectionately known as “RWAG”). Led by the L.A. Department of Water and Power and L.A. Bureau of Sanitation, this diverse group of stakeholders from the government, business and nonprofit sectors keep tabs on the city’s efforts to increase water recycling.
Basically, we all want to avoid the downhill spiral that resulted from the toilet-to-tap debate in 2000, in which mayoral candidate Joel Wachs suggested that a DWP plan to recycle treated wastewater near Hansen Dam would result in Valley residents drinking “toilet water” in the future. The media coverage and public uproar eventually lead to the shuttering of the city’s recycling efforts for years.
RWAG didn’t get off to a great start. In fact, many groups were disillusioned early in the process when LADWP’s initial goal of producing at least an additional 50,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water by 2019 was suddenly pushed back to 2029. Now the goal that I hear most often is 59,000 acre-feet per year by 2035. Let’s stick to a goal and make it happen! (To give you some perspective, the city of L.A. uses about 621,000 acre feet of water each year, with an acre foot being about 326,000 gallons. The new goal would result in recycling accounting for a little less than 10% of our water supply, assuming demand stays constant.)
However, reflecting on the last four years, there are significant signs of progress on the recycled water front.
In October 2012, LADWP adopted its Recycled Water Master Plan, which outlines plans for groundwater replenishment and non-potable reuse strategies within the city. Basically, this blueprint calls for highly treated wastewater from sewage plants to be pumped to other facilities that can supply it for irrigation. Other projects would replenish groundwater by pumping this treated wastewater — which meets all water quality standards — back into the aquifer for further natural cleansing and use. And yes, this reused water would even be used for drinking water — as it’s been done successfully since 2008 in Orange County!
The advanced treatment pilot project that explored treatment technology effectiveness was completed at the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, and the draft EIR for the project is expected this fall. This is a big deal. However, the project is contingent on the construction of the San Fernando Basin Groundwater Treatment Complex and that costs big money ($600 million-$900 million, according to estimates given during L.A. City Council’s Energy and Environment Committee last week).
There are also non-potable reuse projects popping up around the city. For instance, the Harbor Refineries Pipeline Project will have 40,400 feet of recycled water piping that will convey recycled water to large industrial and irrigation customers by June 2014.
And this week the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a permit amendment to allow the Water Replenishment District’s Alamitos Barrier project to move toward 100% recycled water. The Barrier project, located on the L.A. – Orange County border, uses 43 injections wells to prevent seawater intrusion into groundwater supplies and to replenish Los Angeles County’s Central Basin. The recycling program would save 3 million gallons per day of potable water, the equivalent of serving the needs of 7,000 homes.
LADWP’s Master Plan also concluded what many of us already knew — the city’s recycled water program is less expensive than the cost of purchased imported water from MWD over the long-term. As an example, the upcoming non-potable projects in Downtown and East Valley are estimated to have a unit cost of $220 and $560 per acre foot, respectively, whereas imported water is running at $890 per acre foot.
I believe we are ready for widespread recycled water use. Just look at our neighbors in Orange County who are replenishing their groundwater basin with 70 million gallons of treated effluent daily, with plans to reach 100 million gallons by 2015. An outreach study recently commissioned by LADWP found that the majority of residential and commercial customers support the concept behind the proposed groundwater replenishment. And 87% find that action needs to be taken to ensure L.A.’s water supply. Keep in mind that this was data collected before the Governor’s recent drought declaration, so these numbers will likely climb.
At our RWAG meeting last week we discussed finalizing the “RWAG Consensus Statement,” which outlines the group’s strong support of recycled water to augment the groundwater supply and keeps the door open to exploring direct potable reuse. Even that small move is a measure of how far we have come from the days of toilet-to-tap (which, by the way, is now called “showers to flowers”). With more widespread public acceptance and the increasing pressures on our water supply, it is all the more important that we ramp up these efforts and start exceeding the goals.