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Heal the Bay Blog

Category: Water Quality

How Fires Impact Ocean Water Quality

01.17.2025 |

Malibu / Pacific PalisadesNewsWater Quality

The latest news about the Palisades fire and its impact on ocean-water quality and beach access in L.A. County.

During natural disasters, residents seek three things: community support, goodwill, and up-to-date information. To that end, Los Angeles County leaders invited Heal the Bay science and outreach staff to attend an emergency meeting Thursday morning at the Palisades Fire incident command center at Zuma Beach.

Department officials from L.A. County Fire and Beaches & Harbors asked Heal the Bay to help disseminate accurate updates to the public about how the catastrophic fires affect beach access and ocean water quality.

Here’s what we learned:

Stay away from burn zones and evacuated areas in the Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu areas.

Residents and those who love these areas are naturally curious about the status of homes, commercial structures, and favorite natural places. Command officials understand that people want to return to the areas as soon as possible. However, public safety dictates that fire and evacuation zones remain off-limits until emergency crews clear neighborhoods of downed power lines, roadway debris, lingering hot spots, and other hazards. Officials were unable to give a timetable for when residents may return or when PCH will reopen, but a brief tour by Heal the Bay staff indicates it will be weeks until residents can go back.

There is no public access to any L.A. County beaches in the fire or evacuation zones, roughly north of the Santa Monica Pier to County Line.

If you are a surfer looking to score empty waves, don’t even think about it. Multiple National Guard checkpoints are in place, ensuring that only emergency responders, utility workers, media, and essential workers are allowed on PCH. If you think you might be able to talk your way past checkpoints to tour impacted areas, you are mistaken. All beach parking lots from Will Rogers to Zuma are unavailable to the public, as they are being used as staging areas for emergency crews. All other beaches in L.A. County remain open to the public. But caution is urged, given compromised air quality along County shorelines.

Avoid water contact at any beaches from Malibu’s Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach near LAX.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean advisory that warns residents to avoid any water contact at these beaches. The firestorms and efforts to beat them down have created massive amounts of runoff, which may contain toxic chemicals and dangerous debris. All that polluted water eventually sloughs off to the Bay. The advisory will remain in effect until three days after fire-fighting operations end.

As of Thursday morning, the Palisades Fire was only 22% contained. Heal the Bay has not determined yet if the County’s Public Health unit will be posting warning signs at impacted beaches. To view a map of impacted locations and get more information, click here. We advise the public to visit Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card to get updated information on beaches, as well as the Department of Public Health to learn about the latest water-quality details.

Water quality testing of local beaches will continue at sites that are still accessible to sampling agencies.

Water quality samples for fecal indicator bacteria are collected and tested by three government agencies every week at 85 sites in Los Angeles County. Once the results have been processed (after 24 hours), the public is notified when a beach exceeds pollution standards by warnings, advisories, or closures of the affected beaches. These weekly samples form the basis of Heal the Bay’s weekly A-to-F Beach Report Card.

Due to the fires, access to some beaches has been restricted, and some water-quality sampling has been interrupted until further notice. However, local departments will continue their testing to the best of their ability, including many of the 41 beaches where the Department of Public Health has advised beach users to avoid water contact—assuming these sites remain accessible in the weeks to come.

Water quality testing needs to expand beyond monitoring fecal bacteria to include testing for heavy metals, PCBs, nitrates, and other harmful compounds.

Water quality degradation following a fire varies greatly depending on the intensity and duration of the fire and the characteristics of the affected ecosystem. One of the primary effects is the alteration of vegetation coverage, which reduces the natural barriers that slow water runoff after a storm event. This leads to increased soil erosion and sediment transportation into nearby water bodies.

Rainfall can exacerbate these effects by compacting the soil and increasing overland flow, amplifying erosion and pollutant transport. With many homes, businesses, cars, and other manufactured items burning so close to the coast, we are particularly concerned about sediment, trash, and debris washing into the ocean.

During our tour, Heal the Bay staff saw hundreds of burned-out structures on the ocean side of PCH, with high tide waves surging within feet of the twisted, charred wreckage. Sediment can contain high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen that, in excess, are harmful to marine ecosystems and can create algal blooms. They may also contain chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that burned in the fires. Recent reports indicate that the presence of so much plastic in modern homes has significantly contributed to more toxic infernos.

Heal the Bay does not have the capacity to conduct any water quality testing aside from compiling bacterial data and informing the public when it is safe to enter the water. We strongly urge the County of L.A. and any other municipalities to test for the presence of additional contaminants, such as heavy metals, PCBs, nitrates, and other unhealthy compounds. These pollutants can be harmful to humans and aquatic species, and given the extensive firefighting that has occurred directly adjacent to the coastline, these pollutants will be present for months to come.

In the interview below with USA Today, Annelisa Moe, Associate Director of Science, Policy, and Water Quality, discusses some of the long-term risks to coastal ecosystems and water quality.

We will continue to provide water quality information each week on the BRC website, so beach users and freshwater recreational users can make informed decisions.

Note: We will continue to consult with County officials on a daily basis to update this post. We will send alerts on our social media platforms when we receive new information about water quality, public health and beach access.

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Big Wins! Making Waves of Change in 2024

12.20.2024 |

Angler Outreach ProgramBeach Report CardCaliforniaCalifornia Bag BanCalifornia DroughtClimate ChangeHeal the Bay AquariumNewsRiver Report CardTake ActionWater Quality

Reflecting on a Year of Progress

Heal the Bay achieved significant accomplishments in 2024 in safeguarding our waters, preserving biodiversity, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.   Through our collective efforts and with your unwavering support, we worked tirelessly to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable coastal waters and watersheds for Los Angeles and beyond from summit to sea. As we reflect on the achievements of this past year, we are thrilled to carry this momentum into the coming year, always aiming to make a lasting difference. Celebrate them with us!  

2024 Highlights   

Our expertise was sought after, and our work was celebrated.  

In 2024, Heal the Bay was honored for decades of commitment to the environment. 

  • Heal the Bay was selected as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin of District 42 in recognition of nearly four decades of accomplishments and “outstanding contributions to the communities and environment” we serve.     
  • The 4th Annual Heal the Bay One Water symposium was convened at Lewis Macadams Riverfront Park, establishing Heal the Bay as a thought leader among civil engineers, water conservation experts, and local, county, and state legislators.  


The First Line of  Defense in Environmental Policy

Heal the Bay played a pivotal role in successfully advancing policies and legislation to improve water quality, affordability, and coastal ecosystems and ensure a more sustainable Los Angeles region and climate-resilient California.

  • In response to advocacy from Heal the Bay, the LA Regional Board recently approved more stringent regulation of surface water runoff from the highly contaminated Boeing Santa Susana Field Lab site. Boeing immediately filed a legal petition opposing the new regulations. Heal the Bay is engaging in this lawsuit as an interested party in support of the Regional Board.
  • Heal the Bay co-authored the Vision 2045 Report with NRDC and Los Angeles Waterkeeper and shared it with LA County decisionmakers tasked with overseeing the ambitious Safe, Clean, Water Program (SCWP). This collaborative “vision” laid out a roadmap of bolder goals, and recommendations to more quickly and definitively reach 2045 SCWP targets and is now being used as a resource by LA County for the SCWP Watershed Planning Efforts. 

 

Big trouble for Big Plastic

Recognizing the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, Heal the Bay continues impactful environmental policy work and campaigns to amplify sustainable practices.  For several years, staff has worked with LA City and County to help create legislation to break the harmful plastic cycle. We took significant steps toward a plastic-free future by advocating for reducing single-use plastics and promoting responsible waste management.

  • We sued Big Plastic! Heal the Bay took historic legal action and joined a coalition of leading environmental groups to file a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, the world’s largest producer of single-use plastic polymers. California’s Attorney General also filed a similar lawsuit today.
  • Heal the Bay advocacy supported major wins for state and local plastics regulation this year, including the passage of SB 1053, which removes ALL plastic film bags from checkout counters at convenience stores and grocery stores across the state by 2026 and increases the minimum recycled content requirements for paper bags to 50%.
  • In 2024, Heal the Bay made big waves for the environment by advocating for the unanimous approval of the Environmental Impact Report for the City of LA’s Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program. This means that in the next 6 months, we could have powerful new legislation in the City of LA to really reduce plastics, and Heal the Bay will be right there alongside key decision-makers to ensure success. 

 

It Takes a Very Large Village    

This year Heal the Bay volunteers made massive waves of change. 

  • In 2024, more than 24,900 Heal the Bay volunteers collected over 24,000 pounds of trash and contributed 71,048 hours to protecting our precious watershed and coastal waters!   
  • In September, Heal the Bay mobilized 6,600 volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day, removing 18,269 pounds of trash (including 429 pounds of recyclables) from greater Los Angeles coastlines and waterways.
  • This year Heal the Bay Aquarium welcomed 59 new volunteers, and a total of 128 volunteers completed and served 5,494 hours at the Aquarium.

  

Environmental Health IS Public Health 

In 2024, Heal the Bay continued its relentless commitment to ocean water and freshwater quality from summit to sea.   

  • Our annual Beach Report Card remains the gold standard for water quality reporting, providing access to the latest water quality information based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution in the ocean at over 700 beaches. For more than 30 years, our annual report has assigned “A-to-F” letter grades and ranked the “Best and Bummer” lists across beaches from Washington State to Tijuana, Mexico. 
  • The annual River Report Card was also released, ranking freshwater quality and providing grades for 35 freshwater recreation areas in Los Angeles County tested during the summer of 2023.  This summer 14 students from colleges across Southern California joined Heal the Bay the Stream Team internship program – our biggest cohort yet!  These two programs are at the forefront of our efforts to keep LA’s waters safe and enjoyable for all.  

 

Conservation and Marine Protection Are Key to Our Mission

Heal the Bay reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity through both volunteer activations and the tireless efforts of our husbandry, operations, and education Aquarium teams. 

  • Heal the Bay Aquarium plays a pivotal role in species conservation through research, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. In 2024, four Swell sharks, dozens of Pacific Sandollars, Giant Spine Sea Stars, Bay Pipefish, and hundreds of Moon jellies were born at the aquarium. Our animal care team released seven protected and rehabilitated marine animals, including keystone species like Swell sharks and Leopard sharks, into Santa Monica Bay. By releasing these animals back into the wild, Heal the Bay continues its mission to protect and support the biodiversity of wild fish populations. 
  • As part of our commitment to successful conservation efforts, Heal the Bay Aquarium continued its work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Trafficking Alliance.  As an official member of the US Fish & Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Confiscation Network pilot program, the aquarium is certified to care for the well-being of wildlife confiscated from illegal trade.   
     
  • Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy Team successfully lead public meetings to educate Californian’s on the impacts of DDT on public health and biodiversity.
  •  They were also featured as experts in the Los Angeles Times documentary “Out of Plain Sight.”.
  • As a watchdog for Marine Protected Areas, Heal the Bay’s MPA Team is actively contributing and analyzing critical data on California’s first decade-long review that began in 2023. One of the biggest conclusions of the review highlighted the fact that protecting these precious estuaries for the past decade has worked, allowing for flourishing biodiversity, larger populations, and bigger individual animals in these safeguarded areas. 


Environmental Equity and Inclusion are pillars of Environmental Health   

This year, Heal the Bay continued to advocate for communities that experience the worst systemic and often immediate impacts of environmental injustice and climate change.  

  • After 10 years of effort by Heal the Bay Outreach, Inell Woods Park, a first-of-its-kind stormwater park, is complete in the Compton Creek watershed. This pocket park will provide green space to an underserved community. The ribbon cutting is estimated for early 2025, highlighting the connection between communities, green space, and health.

 

Environmental Education, Outreach and Sharing our Passion to Protect What We Love  

Education remained a cornerstone of our mission.  In 2024, Heal the Bay expanded our outreach program, teaching schools and communities to understand the importance of environmental conservation and the role each individual can play.  

  • Educational efforts continued to inspire and inform diverse audiences through innovative approaches and interactive science-based programs. The Heal the Bay Aquarium Education Team sponsored 247 field trips and welcomed 11,668 enthusiastic students from 22 school districts in LA County, including 85 students from Title 1 schools.
  • This year, “Coastal Cleanup Education Day” at the Aquarium hosted more than 118 3rd-6th grade students from across Los Angeles County for a day of beach exploration, scientific excursions, education, and hands-on learning while having fun in the sun.  
  • In 2024, Heal the Bay built a blue economy, providing professional training on sustainable aquaculture practices in partnership with Santa Monica College. This program not only empowers future environmentalists with hands-on job training, but it has also allowed Heal the Bay Aquarium to lead a program that has put them on track to achieve 90% sustainability through aquaculture and animal donation within the next five years.
  • Speakers Bureau and Beach Programs (through the Adopt a Beach Program) gave 195 talks this year to educate the public on all Heal the Bay’s amazing and impactful work. 

 

Cheers to 2024 

As we look back on 2024, Heal the Bay celebrates a year of accomplishments, resilience, and collaboration. These achievements underscore the collective efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters who positively impact the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems.   

Here’s to a future with even more significant strides toward a sustainable and thriving planet!      

Looking to the Future with 2025 in our sights 

In 2025, Heal the Bay will celebrate its 40th Anniversary, marking four decades of dedicated environmental work. Since its founding, the organization has been a powerful advocate for clean water, coastal protection, and environmental justice across California. Through education, outreach, and policy efforts, Heal the Bay has significantly improved local ecosystems, making beaches, rivers, and communities safer and healthier. The organization remains committed to addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and protecting the region’s natural beauty for future generations.
Thank you to all our supporters, both past and present.

Thank you for all our supporters both past and present.

SUPPORT HEAL THE BAY

Want to support our work for years to come? There is still time to make your big impact for Heal the Bay with Year End Giving. Give a gift for good to protect our precious watershed and help keep our coastal waters safe and clean all year round. Whether it be Corporate and Foundation Giving, Partnerships, Stock Donations, Donor Advised Funds, Estate Plans, Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities, you can make a lasting impact with your year-end contribution today. Contact Us.
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Stream Team Summer 2024: The Next Wave of Water Quality Researchers

12.09.2024 |

L.A. RiverRiver Report CardWater Quality

Freshwater sites in L.A. County suffer from fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) pollution, indicating harmful pathogens that can lead to serious illness. FIB pollution often stems from urban runoff, illegal discharges, and leaks from failing wastewater systems. In response to the lack of publicly available information, Heal the Bay launched monitoring efforts in 2014, culminating in the River Report Card (RRC) in 2017, to keep freshwater sites safe for recreation.

The RRC offers free, weekly water quality grades for 35 freshwater recreation sites, providing essential information to safeguard public health. In addition to these weekly updates, Heal the Bay releases an annual report each summer.

The program also supports local students through the Stream Team initiative, which trains participants in field and lab techniques to prepare them for STEM careers. Since its inception, 57 students have contributed to monitoring efforts, expanding from Malibu Creek State Park to the L.A. River Watershed and beyond, including storm drain testing in the Elysian Valley, where dry weather urban runoff enters the river via storm drains. This initiative aims to identify and address potential sources of contamination that could impact water quality in the L.A. River and surrounding environments.

2024 Lower LA River Stream Team (from left to right: Vina Rose Matias, Emily Uy, Danny Herrera, Zaria Alam, and Ellie Garcia)

Summer 2024 Recap

Heal the Bay welcomed 14 students from colleges across Southern California for the Stream Team internship this summer. Over 16 weeks, the team collected over 150 water samples and evaluated nearly 700 water quality grades, revealing trends at 35 testing locations monitored by HTB, SGRMP, and LA Environment and Sanitation (LASAN). Grades this summer were similar to past summers, with sites higher in the watershed, such as the San Gabriel River locations, receiving better grades and sites lower in the watershed, such as the lower L.A. River, receiving worse grades.

In addition to hands-on training, interns engaged in science communication, writing blog posts about their experiences, and participating in community events like the Friends of the Los Angeles River Festival. They also learned about career opportunities in environmental science from guest speakers and researchers at the EPA, LA Water Quality Control Board, and U.C. Riverside.

Heal the Bay monitors water quality through these efforts and cultivates the next generation of environmental stewards. For the latest grades, visit the River Report Card website. A full report will be available early next year.

Students provided insight on their favorite sections of the LA River:

“My favorite part of the LA River is the Lower LA River. It’s definitely not the cleanest, as illustrated in the grades these sites often receive, and not the most visually appealing. However, I find it’s incredibly diverse with both flora and fauna. The bird species in particular, especially at Willow, were always abundant. There was definitely a lack of human activity most likely due to sanitation and lack of aesthetics for recreational use, but that didn’t stop the river from doing its job for the other inhabitants of LA. I especially liked collecting field data at Willow because it was a hotspot for a variety of shorebirds.” – Ellie Garcia, Lower LA River Team

“My favorite part of the L.A. River is around Frogtown. There are a lot of people walking around, biking, enjoying nature, and the businesses adjacent to the river. I also appreciated how busy the area is throughout the day. We usually start at 8 AM and end at 12 PM collecting samples and the area is never quiet or empty.” – Vicente Villasenor, Upper LA River Team

“My favorite part of the LA River is how quickly it can change. The one I’d see change significantly every week was Sepulveda Basin, making it my favorite sampling site. Every week I noticed it became lusher than it had been the first time we visited the site.” – Kate Medrano, Upper LA River Team.

Students also shared what they learned about these urban waterways and water quality testing, and the importance of this water to the communities of humans and other species who live in and around the river:

“I learned more about how the river is an essential part for the community. I understood already that the river is important for wildlife. If its quality goes down, it has a domino effect on the environment. This season I learned that the domino effect also affects the community. I used to view the lower LA river as a sewage line, but while taking samples this season, I seen that it is also used for recreation. For example, people run, ride their bikes, and walk their dogs along the river. People also bird watch. I believe this further brings reason on why we need policy to protect this river and make it better. It’s vital in uplifting our community further.” – Vina Rose Matias, Lower LA River Team

“As a second-year intern, I was already quite familiar with the sampling process. However, this season we accounted for the different bird species present in the Lower LA River in our field data. I learned more about the migration patterns of native and non-native birds that call LA home and experienced the visual difference of biodiversity that came along with this. With this, I learned just how important the LA river is to these migratory birds. It acts almost like a home base for those that nest in this area. My most interesting finding had to be the Egyptian Geese we ran into during the end of our sampling season. They were very vocal, very colorful, and a bit too bold with people! They got a little too close while during sampling in Willow, which was interesting!” – Ellie Garcia, Lower LA River Team

Impact

Heal the Bay has maintained strong partnerships with the State Water Resource Control Board’s Clean Water Team, Los Angeles Trade Technical College, and California State University Long Beach. These collaborations have expanded our programs, providing essential laboratory resources and expertise while actively recruiting students for our Stream Team. This initiative equips students with practical skills and empowers them as future environmental leaders.

UC Riverside graduate researcher John Perna explains to the Stream Team how microplastics collection and research is completed along the LA River.

Through our partnerships, Heal the Bay improves understanding of water quality issues and advocates for public health measures. Our data collection has led to enhanced monitoring by LASAN and the establishment of a dedicated webpage by the L.A. County Department of Public Health for freshwater recreation areas.

Heal the Bay continues to push for legislation that mandates comprehensive water quality testing at freshwater sites, similar to existing beach testing standards. In 2021, we took a significant step forward with the successful sponsorship of AB 1066, which aims to establish a statewide water quality monitoring program at freshwater recreation areas.

Support Heal the Bay’s mission to champion the next generation of environmental stewards.

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Listening to the Land: Water Quality Training with Sacred Places Institute

11.25.2024 |

Malibu / Pacific PalisadesWater Quality

From the desk of the Heal the Bay Water Quality Team. 

Heal the Bay recently hosted the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples for a day of hands-on water quality testing and training to share our knowledge on the contaminants in LA’s freshwater, test for pollutants, and assess the ecosystem to protect public health. This partnership combined scientific methods with Indigenous traditions, creating a captivating day of cross-organizational knowledge sharing that promised to unveil new insights and foster a more profound respect for diverse perspectives.

Incorporating Indigenous perspectives is so important when it comes to environmental science. Indigenous communities and organizations often possess deep, localized knowledge of their environment, including an intricate understanding of water systems and changes over time. This legacy knowledge can significantly enhance the accuracy and completeness of water quality data and is an opportunity to learn more about the cultural and spiritual values of the area’s original inhabitants, and to help see water as more than just a resource.

Diving into the Current

Following an insightful morning filled with presentations and lively discussions, we convened at Malibu Creek State Park to measure the water’s turbidity, temperature, and other environmental factors. We donned our signature “Stream Team” boots and protective gear to wade “knee-deep” into the process of assessing the creek’s water quality.  It was the perfect opportunity to put theory into practice and to demonstrate firsthand how water quality impacts our environment.

Heal the Bay staff shared insights into our Stream Team’s process to tests for fecal indicator bacteria, explaining how these pollutants signal ecosystem and public health risks and how this science informs both our Beach Report Card and River Report Card. Members of Sacred Places Institute shared the historical and cultural significance of water, reflecting on Indigenous water stewardship in the LA area, past and present, and highlighted the ongoing work to restore urban waterways.

At Las Virgenes Creek, before we started our fieldwork, Sacred Places Institute’s Land, Water, and Climate Justice Director Jessa Calderon (of the Tongva, Chumash, and Yoeme Nations) began with a prayer to honor nature. She sought permission to collect a water sample and waited for the land and water to indicate consent—an important step in ensuring that our work was in harmony with the environment. With no signs of refusal from the land, we proceeded to collect water samples. This approach underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into water quality testing programs, where the land isn’t just a resource, but a partner in the process.

Reflecting on the training, Sacred Places Institute said: “Participating in the Heal the Bay water quality testing training validated the continued need for local and state stringent water policy regulations and enforcement as one way to keep waterways free from industrial development contamination and stormwater runoff. Moreover, it reinforced the need for water back to local Native Nations as the inherent guardians of local waterways and as an effort to reintroduce the traditional caretaking knowledge for water as a means to help bring it back to balance.”

Back to the Lab Again

After collecting samples, we headed back to the Heal the Bay lab. Tests revealed low E. coli levels but elevated Enterococci and total coliforms, which are other types of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. While E. coli levels were low and typically a primary concern for water contamination, the elevated levels of Enterococci and total coliforms suggest that there may still be a potential health risk for people who come into contact with the water. These bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination, which could pose a risk of illness, especially if someone swallows contaminated water or has open cuts.

The Why Behind the Work

We were honored to be able to share our knowledge and learn so much from our long time partners at Sacred Places Institute. By blending our scientific methods and Indigenous knowledge, we deepen our understanding and strengthen Heal the Bay’s commitment to safe, clean water for all. Support our mission to protect LA’s waterways.

 

 

 

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LA Commits $20 Million For 2021 Hyperion Sewage Spill

08.21.2024 |

NewsWater Quality

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant near El Segundo. Photo by Brittany Murray via LA Waterkeeper

Heal the Bay is encouraged that the City of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $20.8 million to make much-needed improvements at its Hyperion Water Reclamation Facility, the site of the 2021 sewage spill that saw 12.5 million gallons of untreated wastewater discharged to Santa Monica Bay.

Three years have passed since the significant spill at the Hyperion Treatment Plant, Los Angeles’ oldest and largest wastewater facility. Since the incident, Heal the Bay has been dedicated to collaborating with LA City Public Works and Sanitation, along with various agencies and organizations, to ensure that any issues within the plant’s system are swiftly addressed. Our ongoing efforts aim to safeguard the health and safety of Hyperion’s workers, the general public, and the environment. For details on Heal the Bay’s initial findings and subsequent recommendations, click here.

Approximately $20 million will be used to rectify ongoing operational issues recently identified by a Technical Advisory Group to ensure that the facility can safely treat wastewater even during large rain events. Those challenges will be exacerbated in the decades to come as climate impacts worsen and we see more frequent and more intense storms. Tracy Quinn, Heal the Bay’s CEO, served on the Technical Advisory Group.

The City of Los Angeles is still negotiating a settlement with the state’s Regional Water Quality Control Board over the massive 2021 spill. We are urging the Regional Board to impose meaningful fines that can be directed toward environmental projects to address the harm caused by discharge. Any fines should also be used to invest in technology that moves the City closer to producing potable recycled water instead of dumping treated wastewater uselessly into the sea. Stay tuned for further updates.

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The Raw Truth: The Real Deal About Sewage Spills

06.05.2024 | , and

NewsVenice BeachWater Quality

 What caused last month’s sewage spill in the Bay?

 Over 30,000 gallons of raw sewage discharged unintentionally into Ballona Creek and then into the ocean on May 8-9. The spill forced full closures along Dockweiler Beach and Venice Beach, two of the most popular shoreline spots in greater L.A.

The culprit was root blockage in a main sewer line in West Hollywood. Over time, tree roots can infiltrate sewer pipes causing them to clog or break. A sewer main is a publicly owned pipeline, typically located under a street, that collects waste from numerous homes and businesses and transports it to a wastewater treatment facility. Based on the spill report from the State Office of Emergency Services, it appears that the sewage blocked up in West Hollywood, spilled onto the street, and entered a storm drain, which eventually made its way to Ballona Creek and out to the ocean.

 How much icky stuff reached the sea?

According to the most report from California Integrated Water Quality System Project (CIWQS), it was revealed that a staggering 31,763 gallons of sewage were discharged from this residence, significantly surpassing the initial estimate of 14,400 gallons, which was the amount widely reported in the media.

 What damage can these spills do to humans and the ecosystem?     

Raw sewage is very dangerous to people and wildlife, as it contains bacteria, viruses, and can carry a variety of diseases. There is also debris in raw sewage, such as wipes, tampons and other personal health items. When released into waterways and the ocean, the waste and debris can harbor bacteria or be ingested by animals. Sewage is made up primarily of organic matter that is food for smaller organisms at the bottom of the food chain like algae. A large discharge of sewage can lead to algal blooms that can deplete oxygen in the water, possibly leading to fish kills and impacts to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Discharges of sewage can also increase the cloudiness of water, smothering species or impacting the amount of light that can pass through the water for photosynthetic organisms.

Did some media overplay this story?

A recent Los Angeles Magazine article “Beach Residents are Sick of the Crap”, made a link between the recent sewage spill from Ballona Creek and reports of “dead fish and birds” and sick surfers in the area. Heal the Bay takes sewage spills and threats to public and environmental health very seriously. But we pride ourselves on being a science-based organization and we question whether this assertion is backed up with robust data. It is tempting to use anecdotal evidence to indicate causation, but to effect change we must rely on good data to back up our advocacy. Recently there have been increased reports of starving and sick pelicans, but these reports preceded the latest sewage spill. We don’t have enough evidence to conclude that the impacts on fish and birds are related to sewage spills. Researchers and advocates must continue to identify the reasons why pelicans are starving while also working to stop sewage spills and protect public health.

Heal the Bay got its start nearly 40 years ago by making sure raw sewage didn’t get released into local waters. Why do we still see these discharges happen?

 Heal the Bay’s first fight was to stop partially treated sewage from being discharged into the Santa Monica Bay from the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. Hyperion now treats wastewater to a much higher degree and, when everything functions properly, we actually aren’t concerned about bacteria or viruses being discharged into the ocean. But climate change is already impacting our sewer systems; as we see more intense storms, some of that water is finding its way into sewer pipes, scouring the debris that gets stuck in our pipes, mostly wipes, which can overwhelm our treatment plants. Hyperion isn’t designed for these intense storm events, and in fact, hasn’t had a major overhaul since Heal the Bay pushed them to 40-years ago. We have other concerns about treatment plants too — like the discharge of treated water, which can be recycled and reused, and the discharge of nutrients into the ocean, which is exacerbating impacts of ocean acidification and warming. And we know that major spills from treatment plants can and do still happen, like we saw in 2021 at Hyperion.

Spills that happen outside of treatment plants from sewer pipelines are often due to aging infrastructure. Pipes don’t last forever and maintenance and replacement are required. According to a statement that Director and General Manager of LA Sanitation & Environment Barbara Romero gave to Los Angeles City Council, approximately one-third of the city’s pipelines have exceeded the 90-year mark. Typically, sewer pipes are designed with a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years. Given that the majority of Los Angeles’ sewer infrastructure predates 1950, it’s evident that a significant portion is approaching the end of its operational lifespan. As a region, we must invest in and prioritize infrastructure repair and replacement. That will likely mean higher utility rates. As we make repairs, we must also be forward-thinking of the current changing climate and what’s to come, planning for opportunities to maximize water recycling and readying for larger and more intense but less frequent rainfall.

Was this a one-off event or should we be worried about an increased amount of spills in the future?

Unfortunately, discharges happen periodically but they vary widely in volume and whether the sewage actually reaches a waterway – namely a river or the ocean.

Major sewage spills are fairly rare, but we have had some big ones in the last three years. In July 2021, Hyperion had a major failure and discharged 12.5 million gallons of sewage to the ocean from its outfall pipe that discharges one mile into the ocean. The proposed fine of $27 million by the Water Board is still being negotiated by the City of LA. In December 2021, 8.5 million gallons of sewage was discharged into the Dominguez Channel from an overflow in an LA County Sanitation Districts pipeline. LA County paid a fine of $6 million for this spill and 14 others, with much of the fine returning to fund a local stormwater park to benefit the community. The LA Magazine article incorrectly attributed this spill to the City of LA, when in fact it was the County of LA.

However, smaller sewage spills are not an uncommon occurrence regionally. Sewage spills are tracked by the state which is where Heal the Bay pulls data to look at trends over time. Over the last 10 years (2014-2023), there have been a total of 3,174 spill cases resulting in 30,521,025 gallons of sewage in LA County, with around half of that amount reaching surface waters.

The number of spills actually shows a decreasing trend over the last 10 years (see chart below), but there is not a clear trend when we look at volume spilled over time. Clearly, we see spikes in years when there were major spills. Obtaining data on spills is not easy or user-friendly and the data itself is not perfect. The graphs below actually don’t have the 2021 Hyperion spill in them due to that data being listed differently by agencies.

 

What’s the difference between sewers and storm drains?

We must remember not to confuse the sewer and storm drain systems, which are separate in Los Angeles. Waste from inside homes and businesses enters the sewer system and is treated before being discharged into the sea. Meanwhile, rain and daily urban runoff (sprinklers, hosing down sidewalks, washing a car in the street) enters our storm drain system. That daily runoff, which can amount to 10 million gallons in greater LA even on a dry day, is not cleaned and enters waterways and the ocean directly.

The LA Magazine article conflates the two, describing “pools of raw sewage [that] puddle in heavily traveled areas, like the beach in front of Santa Monica’s Shutters and Casa del Mar hotels.” These two hotels sit near the outfall of the Pico-Kenter storm drain, which drains major portions of Los Angeles and Santa Monica. During storms, Pico-Kenter funnels huge amounts of trash and toxins to the beach and ocean. The puddles described by LA Mag were very unlikely to be raw sewage and much more likely to be stormwater runoff, which  is typically filled with unsightly trash and bacteria which can cause illness but is less of a health concern than raw sewage.

Who is responsible for maintaining the sewer system?

 The sewer system in LA County consists of 17,000 miles of pipes and is both publicly and privately owned.

Lateral lines are privately owned and connect homes and businesses to the public system. Homeowners and business owners are responsible for maintaining and cleaning those lines, which are known to get clogged and impacted from tree roots. Regular maintenance is key to preventing problems and sewage leaks and spills from lateral lines. Blockages can also be prevented by all of us by not flushing anything down the toilet except toilet paper and waste. That means no wipes (even if they’re flushable), tampons, condoms, plastic, needles, or anything else. And for sinks, that means no fats, oils, and grease, which can clog pipes as well.

LA County Sanitation Districts’ service area covers 78 cities and the unincorporated areas within the County (824 square miles); the City of LA is responsible for more than 6,700 miles of sewers. Finally, the wastewater ends up at wastewater treatment or water reclamation plants.

The City of LA operates four plants: Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, Los Angeles Glendale Water Reclamation Plant, Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant, and Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. The County of LA operates 11 wastewater treatment facilities, the largest being the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility (formerly known as Joint Water Pollution Control Plant) in Carson.

 Are the various agencies and municipalities doing all that they can to prevent these spills?

 The City and County of LA recognize the need for maintenance, upgrades, and replacement of aging infrastructure. Staff is also focused on improving systems and processes for detecting, responding to, and notifying the public of spills.

Heal the Bay and our partner non-profit organizations meet regularly with leadership at LA County Sanitation Districts and we appreciate their transparency as well taking accountability for spills and reinvesting in local communities. The scale of the problem for LA City and LA County is huge in terms of identifying and prioritizing areas in need of repair across 17,000 miles of sewer pipes.

 What is Heal the Bay doing to make sure these spills don’t happen in the future? How are you holding dischargers accountable?

 Heal the Bay is dedicated to protecting public health and making sure that spills don’t happen in the future by:

  • Advocating for:
    • Increased transparency and commitments from LASAN and LACSD  as well as the Department of Public Health on coordination, rapid testing, and rapid notification of the public when there is a sewage spill, especially major ones that could have an impact on public health.
    • Appropriate fines when there are spills and requiring those fines to be invested in local communities that were impacted and water quality improvement projects
    • Funding for City and County of LA to make necessary upgrades to infrastructure through local, state, and federal funding as well as through rate increases
      • Heal the Bay supports the recently proposed sewer rate increases by LA Bureau of Sanitation & Environment as it must address aging infrastructure and keep up with inflation, the agency’s needs, and our new climate reality.
  • Implementation of the recommendations in the report from the 2021 sewage spill at Hyperion
  • Educating residents on actions they can take to prevent sewage clogs and spills.
  • Informing the public when there is a spill as a trusted voice in the community through our social media, blogs, and the Beach Report Card and River Report Card.

How can residents support those efforts?

  1. If you’re a homeowner or business owner, maintain your lateral sewer lines.
  2. Prevent clogs and spills by educating yourself, your family, and friends on what is ok or not ok to flush down the toilet and don’t put fats, oils, and grease down the sink.
  3. Support Heal the Bay’s advocacy work by donating or sponsoring our Beach Report Card.

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A Clean Start In Ventura 2024

02.07.2024 |

NewsWater Quality

Heal the Bay and Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation have been collaborating to reduce impacts to the Santa Clara River Estuary from the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility since 2011, following a legal settlement (consent decree) with the City of Ventura. After more than a decade of scientific studies, bureaucratic negotiations, infrastructure planning, and a lengthy permitting process, we are excited that the VenturaWaterPure project is moving forward. The project will provide a net benefit to the estuary by reducing discharge of treated wastewater from the facility, which has a multitude of negative impacts on water and habitat quality in the estuary. 

On December 15, 2024, Heal the Bay joined our consent decree partners along with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Michael Brain, to celebrate this water recycling and ecosystem restoration project. 

Heal the Bay’s Associate Director, Science & Policy (Water Quality) Annelisa Moe (left) attends the VenturaWaterPure press conference.

Under CA State law, discharging treated wastewater is considered an unreasonable use of that water, and is therefore illegal, unless it provides an environmental benefit. Unfortunately, based on conclusions from a Science Panel and Technical Advisory Committee, treated wastewater flow into the naturally brackish Santa Clara River Estuary does not benefit the ecosystem, but actually negatively affects it in a variety of ways: 

  • Decreases salinity variability, which is favorable for invasive species 
  • Increases levels of nitrate and other nutrients leading to low dissolved oxygen levels, which is harmful to the entire ecosystem 
  • Heightens the water level in the estuary leading to local flooding at McGrath State Park and unseasonal estuary berm breach events, which impedes public access and is harmful to native and listed species 

So the City of Ventura has committed to dramatically reduce their discharge to the estuary and limit nutrient loading in any remaining discharge through the VenturaWaterPure project. The project also offers a co-benefit of up to 1.76 billion gallons of new recycled water supply for the City of Ventura by 2032. This supports the human right to water using an approach that is environmentally protective and affordable, especially when compared to other methods such as importing water, or using ocean water desalination.  

Heal the Bay will continue to work closely with Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation and City of Ventura to ensure the transition to reduced discharge is protective of the estuary, that the new brine discharge to the ocean is done responsibly using the best available technology, and that the existing treatment ponds (which currently serve as important bird habitat) remain protected as part of the final VenturaWaterPure project.

Support Heal the Bay’s mission to protect public health through clean water policy:

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Heal the Bay’s 2011 report on The Santa Clara River estuary

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visits Ventura water treatment project, Ventura County Star

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Making Waves in 2023 and Celebrating All We Have Achieved Together

12.19.2023 |

Angler Outreach ProgramBeach Report CardCaliforniaCalifornia Bag BanCalifornia DroughtClimate ChangeHeal the Bay AquariumNewsRiver Report CardTake ActionWater Quality

Reflecting on a Year of Progress

Heal the Bay achieved significant accomplishments in 2023 in safeguarding our waters, preserving biodiversity, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.   Through our collective efforts and with your unwavering support, we worked tirelessly to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable coastal waters and watersheds for Los Angeles and beyond from summit to sea. As we reflect on the achievements of this past year, we are thrilled to carry this momentum into the coming year, always aiming to make a lasting difference. Celebrate them with us!  

2023 Highlights   

Our expertise was sought after, and our work was celebrated.  

In 2023, Heal the Bay was honored for decades of commitment to the environment. 

  • The City of Los Angeles officially declared October 20, 2023 “Heal the Bay Day in LA” in recognition of nearly four decades of accomplishments including the 20th anniversary of our Angler Outreach Program as well as our Aquarium.    
  • The 3rd Annual Heal the Bay One Water symposium was convened at Will Rogers State Beach, establishing Heal the Bay as a thought leader among civil engineers, water conservation experts, and local, county, and state legislators.  
  • Heal the Bay was officially appointed to the LA 28 Environmental Sustainability Committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics. 

 

The future of our planet starts with better environmental policy. 

Heal the Bay played a pivotal role in successfully advancing policies and legislation for the benefit of water quality, affordability, and coastal ecosystems to ensure a more sustainable Los Angeles region and climate-resilient California.    

  • Heal the Bay, co-sponsored Assembly Bill 1572 (Friedman) alongside the NRDC and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District. This new law bans the use of drinking water to irrigate non-functional (purely ornamental) turf on governmental and commercial landscapes; and is expected to save the equivalent amount of water that 780,000 households use in a year.  
  • Heal the Bay advocated for water quality protection at the Boeing Santa Susana Field Laboratory site in Simi Valley. The Los Angeles Regional Water Board voted in October to keep regulations on surface water that flows from this previous industrial site, keeping stringent water quality limits, adding more monitoring, and addressing the potential for surface water pollution to impact groundwater, a huge win in the ongoing battle for water quality protection. 
  • Our policy team worked to legally strengthen and streamline fishing regulations to make fishery enforcement more equitable through Assembly Bill 1611 (Lowenthal). This new Heal the Bay sponsored law was supported by conservationists and fishery regulatory agencies alike as a win-win for both nature and the fishing community.   
  • Heal the Bay co-authored a new (and well-received) Vision 2045 Report and shared it with LA County decision-makers who are tasked with overseeing the ambitious Safe, Clean, Water Program (SCWP). This collaborative “vision” laid out a roadmap of bolder goals, and recommendations to more quickly and definitively reach 2045 SCWP targets.   

 

It Takes a Very Large Village.    

This year Heal the Bay published its first Volunteer Impact Report highlighting the accomplishments of our 22,017 volunteers from the 2022 season, which paved the way for the many volunteer successes of 2023. 

  • In 2023, Heal the Bay volunteers collected more than 22,000 pounds of trash and contributing 71,048 hours to protecting our precious watershed and coastal waters!  
  • In September, Heal the Bay mobilized 7,337 volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day, removing 16,211 pounds of trash (including 429 pounds of recyclables) from greater Los Angeles coastlines and waterways. 

 

Sticking a Fork in Plastic at the Source  

Recognizing the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, Heal the Bay continues impactful campaigns encouraging individuals and businesses to adopt sustainable practices.  For several years, staff has been working with LA City and County to help create legislation aiming to break the harmful plastic cycle.   By advocating for reducing single-use plastics and promoting responsible waste management, we took significant steps toward a plastic-free future.    

  • Our “No Bag November” campaign reaffirmed Heal the Bay’s commitment to a plastic-free Los Angeles.  Through partnerships and community activations, No Bag November urged Angelenos to say “no” to single-use plastic bags and encouraged everyone to grab their reusable bags instead.  
  • In 2023, the implementation of THREE new laws made big waves for the environment as a means to reduce plastic in our oceans.    
  • As a leader in the Reusable LA Coalition, we co-launched the “Hold the Plastic, please,” campaign to educate businesses and the public about LA City and County plastic bans that Heal the Bay and partners advocated to pass. 

 

Environmental Health IS Public Health 

In 2023, Heal the Bay continued its relentless commitment to ocean water and freshwater quality from summit to sea.   

  • Since its launch in 2003, Heal the Bay’s Angler Outreach Program (in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency) has educated more than 190,000 anglers about which fish are contaminated, and which are safer to eat.  
  • Our annual Beach Report Card released this year remains the gold standard, providing access to the latest water quality information based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution in the ocean at over 700 beaches. For more than 30 years, our annual report has assigned “A-to-F” letter grades and ranked the “Best and Bummer” lists across beaches from Washington State to Tijuana, Mexico.  
  • The 5th annual River Report Card was also released, ranking freshwater quality and providing grades for 35 freshwater recreation areas in Los Angeles County tested during the summer of 2022.  This summer we debuted our upgraded River Report Card with an intuitive letter grading system and celebrated the achievements of our 2023 Summer Stream Team. These two programs are at the forefront of our efforts to keep LA’s waters safe and enjoyable for all.  

 

Conservation and Marine Protection Are Key to Our Mission

Heal the Bay reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity through both volunteer activations and the tireless efforts of our husbandry, operations, and education Aquarium teams. 

  • Heal the Bay Aquarium plays a pivotal role in species conservation through research, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. In 2023, sixteen fish, three swell sharks, and dozens of moon jellies were born at the Aquarium; and our animal care team released five species of protected and rehabilitated marine life including a keystone species, the California Sheephead fish, and a critically endangered Giant Spotted Bass into the Santa Monica Bay. By releasing these animals back into the wild, Heal the Bay continues its mission to protect and support the biodiversity of wild fish populations. 
  • As part of our collective commitment to successful conservation efforts, Heal the Bay Aquarium officially joined the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Trafficking Alliance.  As an official member of US Fish & Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Confiscation Network pilot program, the aquarium is certified to care for the well-being of wildlife confiscated from illegal trade.   
     
  • Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy Team successfully advocated for state funding to research DDT in 2022-23 and is now working as part of a coalition to lead public meetings and educate Californias on the impacts of DDT on public health and biodiversity. 
  • As a watchdog for Marine Protected Areas, Heal the Bay’s MPA Team is actively contributing and analyzing critical data on California’s first decade-long review that began in 2023. One of the biggest conclusions of the review highlighted the fact that protecting these precious estuaries for the past decade has worked, allowing for flourishing biodiversity, larger populations, and bigger individual animals in these safeguarded areas. 

Environmental Justice is a pillar of environmental health.    

This year Heal the Bay stood up to big oil and continued to advocate for communities that experience the worst systemic and often immediate impacts of environmental injustice and climate change.  

  • For decades Heal the Bay has advocated alongside organizations like Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling to oppose oil drilling in Los Angeles neighborhoods, a practice long seen as an environmental injustice and a public health crisis. In October of 2023, the LA County Regional Planning Commission voted in support of phasing out oil drilling in the Inglewood Oil Field, one of the largest neighborhood oil fields in the country.  
  • In 2023 Heal the Bay publicly endorsed the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California and will work alongside public health groups, community and faith organizations, and environmental justice leaders from across California to “KEEP THE LAW” (SB 1137) on the November 2024 ballot. This law prohibits new oil wells within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, day care centers, parks, healthcare facilities, and businesses. 

 

Environmental Education, Outreach and Sharing our Passion to Protect What We Love  

Education remained a cornerstone of our mission.  In 2023, Heal the Bay expanded our outreach program, teaching schools and communities to understand the importance of environmental conservation and the role each individual can play.  

  • Through innovative approaches and interactive science-based programs, educational efforts continued to inspire and inform diverse audiences.  The Heal the Bay Aquarium field trip program sponsored 10,285 students from 22 school districts in LA County— 79% were Title 1 schools.   
  • This year, “Coastal Cleanup Education Day” at the Aquarium hosted more than 250 3rd-5th grade students from across Los Angeles County for a day of beach exploration, scientific excursions, pollution education, and hands on learning while having some fun in the sun.  

 

Cheers to 2023 

 As we look back on 2023, Heal the Bay celebrates a year of accomplishments, resilience, and collaboration. These achievements underscore the collective efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters who made a positive impact on the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems.   

Here’s to a future filled with even greater strides toward a sustainable and thriving planet!    

Looking to the Future with 2024 in our sights 

In 2024, Heal the Bay will enter a bold five-year strategic plan with a focus on protecting and restoring the Los Angeles environment and water. The plan aims to improve water quality, increase access to clean water, and advocate for policies that benefit the environment. We have outlined specific goals and initiatives, such as reducing plastic pollution, restoring wetlands, and engaging communities in environmental education and action.   

Thank you for all our supporters both past and present.

SUPPORT HEAL THE BAY

Want to support our work for years to come? There is still time to make your big impact for Heal the Bay with Year End Giving. Give a gift for good to protect our precious watershed and help keep our coastal waters safe and clean all year round. Whether it be Corporate and Foundation Giving, Partnerships, Stock Donations, Donor Advised Funds, Estate Plans, Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities, you can make a lasting impact with your year-end contribution today. Contact Us.
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Heal the Bay’s 2023 Legislative Wrap-up Guide

12.18.2023 |

CaliforniaClimate ChangeMarine Protected AreasNewsPlastic PollutionTake ActionWater Quality

Heal the Bay closely monitors the progress of bills that impact California’s ecosystems and communities each legislative calendar year, and this season has been a rollercoaster ride ranging from game-changing victories in water conservation to ongoing waste and toxin battles. Let’s take a deep dive into the outcomes of key legislation and what it means for healthy, safe, clean water.

 Major Wins led by Heal the Bay for Water & Biodiversity

When Heal the Bay sponsors a bill, we take on the responsibility of introducing, advocating for, and shepherding a proposed new law through the legislative process. This year, Heal the Bay co-sponsored two bills that were signed into law.

  • Assembly Bill 1572 (Friedman): Irrigation of Non-functional Turf, co-sponsored by Heal the Bay, NRDC, and Metropolitan Water District

a.k.a the “lawn-be-gone” solution for a more water equitable and climate resilient California.

Heal the Bay sponsored AB 1572 which is all about using water more efficiently. The bill bans the use of drinking water to irrigate “non-functional turf” on government and commercial properties. See a patch of grass and wondering if it’s non-functional turf?  If the only time a person walks on the grass is to mow it, it’s probably non-functional turf. This bill doesn’t impact landscapes around people’s homes, but it does mean no more watering fancy lawns with precious drinking water at public agencies, restaurants, and corporate campuses. When it goes into effect, AB 1572 is expected to save the same amount of water 780,000 households use in a year! Even major water suppliers supported it. This bill is a huge win toward a more sustainable and water-efficient California.  While the bill excludes single-family residential lawns, everyone is encouraged to do their part.  To learn about how you can transform your landscape, check out LA Department of Water and Power and Metropolitan Water District’s turf replacement programs.

  • Assembly Bill 1611 (Lowenthal): Fishing Violations, co-sponsored by Heal the Bay and Resources Legacy Fund

a.k.a the “win-win” for fish and anglers.

AB 1611 simplifies and clarifies fishing regulations in California by allowing Fish and Game wardens to cite certain administrative commercial fishing violations as either a misdemeanor or an infraction. This change ensures that wild fishery enforcement is more equitable.

This smart approach ensures that the punishment fits the crime by striking a balance between fairness and strong governance. This bill had strong backing from fishery regulatory agencies and its passing means California is taking essential steps to safeguard its fisheries and continue its tradition of leading in environmental protection. It’s a win-win for both nature and the community.

Want to help Heal the Bay monitor our precious Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)? Become an MPA Watch Volunteer and learn how to identify and report violations – the first step to becoming an MPA Watch volunteer is to attend our next Volunteer Orientation on January 11, 2024, at 6 PM (Heal the Bay Aquarium).

Want to learn more about the bills Heal the Bay helped sponsor? 🔴 WATCH our 2023 Legislative Wins Break-Down on Instagram. 

Other Exciting Legislative Wins

  • Senate Bill 244 (Eggman): Right to Repair

a.k.a “Don’t waste it, fix it”.

Dubbed the “Right to Repair Act”, the passage of SB 244 will have a powerful impact on reducing electronic waste by giving consumers more accessibility to the parts and pieces needed to fix electronics and appliances. Beginning July 1, 2024, manufacturers will have to provide you, their customer, with documentation, parts, and tools for repairs, even if the warranty has expired. This law is all about making repairs more accessible, reducing waste, and promoting a fair marketplace for fixes.  Heal the Bay supported this bill through our Clean Seas Lobbying Coalition.

Tough Losses: Vetoed Bills

Not every bill makes it through the process, Governor Newsom vetoed several bills that Heal the Bay would have preferred to see signed into law:

  • Assembly Bill 1628 (McKinnor): Microfiber Filtration

a.k.a “Microfiber filters could make massive impacts on the environment”.

AB 1628 was focused on microfiber pollution, a major contributor to microplastic pollution around the globe. It would have required every new washing machine sold in the State, whether for homes or industrial use, to come with a special microfiber filter. This filter is like a lint trap that catches tiny microfibers as small as 100 micrometers, preventing them from getting into our environment. The bill was vetoed by Governor Newsom who expressed concerns about increased costs to consumers and instead suggested the exploration of alternative, incentive-based approaches. Heal the Bay does not agree with his false narrative, and, in fact, bill analysis still favors a legislative approach showing that increased costs would have actually been minimal for both consumers and manufacturers.

  • Assembly Bill 1423 (Schiavo): PFAS in Artificial Turf

a.k.a A “turf” loss for the environment.

AB 1423 would have prevented California public entities, schools, and certain colleges from buying or installing artificial turf or synthetic surfaces containing harmful PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly called “forever chemicals,” which are highly toxic compounds persistent in the environment and linked to a myriad of public health concerns. The bill would have also encouraged manufacturers to choose safer alternatives when replacing PFAS in these surfaces.  Unfortunately, Governor Newsom vetoed this bill citing a lack of regulatory oversight to enforce the ban.  Heal the Bay continues to seek opportunities to educate the public about the dangers of PFAS and encourage alternatives wherever possible.

It’s Not Over Yet: Bills to Revisit

While some bills came out on top and others met their downfall this year, a few were set on a two-year track that may potentially be reintroduced in 2024 (also known as part two of the two-year legislative session). Below are some standout bills that Heal the Bay is excited to work on when they arise again:

  • Assembly Bill 1290 (Rivas): Plastic Additives

AB 1290 sought to adopt new plastic regulations by putting restrictions on certain plastic products and additives. The bill aimed to ban making, selling, offering for sale, or distributing especially toxic items like colored plastic bottles and plastic packaging with toxic substances in California. These restricted substances include colorants that make plastic hard to recycle, additives that make plastic break down into tiny pieces, and harmful PFAS chemicals. This bill was extended to a 2-year bill and Heal the Bay continues to support its passage.

  • Senate Bill 552 (Newman): Reuse for Dine-In 

SB 552 was a tough loss for Heal the Bay and our partners along with bill sponsors at the Clean Seas Coalition. This bill would have prohibited food facilities from providing a dine-in customer with any single-use foodware accessory or single-use food packaging. LA County recently passed a similar law thanks to Heal the Bay and Reusable LA, and we know just how effective this law would be at reducing harmful single-use plastic waste from the source. Unfortunately, thanks to logistical challenges, this bill never really took off this year, but Heal the Bay is really excited to push even harder for this legislation next year.

For a great summary of outcomes on climate and other environmental bills, check out the recap from LA Times reporter, Sammy Roth.

While this year was peppered with heartbreaks and an unusually high number of bill vetoes, Heal the Bay is still celebrating our wins and looking forward to next year.  From equitable fishing regulation to water conservation and waste reduction, our state is at the forefront of safeguarding our precious ecosystems. As we move forward, Heal the Bay will continue to fight for healthy, safe, clean water for all. Keep following along to stay in the know and learn how you can help us support the next round of California environmental bills!

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Heal the Bay, NRDC and LA Waterkeeper Have A “Vision” for the Safe, Clean Water Program

12.06.2023 |

Calidad de AguaCaliforniaNewsPress ReleaseWater Quality

Heal the Bay, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Los Angeles Waterkeeper have worked together to develop a “Vision 2045” report with bolder goals and recommendations for the County’s Safe, Clean Water Program.

 

Ladera Park is one of many successful greening projects funded by the Safe, Clean Water Program, but Los Angeles needs more stormwater projects to prepare our region for its future water needs. (Photo by Heal the Bay) 

In 2018, Los Angeles County residents passed a landmark funding measure (Measure W), which imposed a parcel tax on impervious surfaces to fund stormwater projects to increase local water supply, improve water quality, and provide community benefits through the Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP). With an annual budget of approximately $280 million, the SCWP has the potential to transform how Los Angeles County manages stormwater, prioritizing climate resilience and community health and well-being.

The SCWP is currently undergoing its first official assessment through the County’s Biennial Review process, offering an opportunity to assess progress, reflect on the achievement of goals, set targets, and make recommendations.   Numerous water quality deadlines have passed in an environment that is becoming hotter and less hospitable and frontline communities are bearing the brunt of those impacts. Therefore, despite numerous successes in its first four years, it has become evident that to meet future ambitions, a clear and realistic roadmap is required.   It is now clear that the SCWP must be even bolder in its goals, targets, and timelines to accelerate the equitable transformation of LA County to greener, more local water self-sufficient and climate-prepared communities. 

That is why Heal the Bay, along with our partners at Natural Resources Defense Council and LA Waterkeeper, representing three of the LA region’s leading water advocacy organizations, shared a new report with LA County decision-makers tasked with overseeing the ambitious SCWP.

Vision 2045: Thriving in a Hotter and Drier LA County through Local Stormwater Capture and Pollutant Reduction includes bolder goals, targets, and recommendations for the SCWP on water supply, water quality, equity, science, finance, and policy.  The report is intended to catalyze County efforts to ensure the Safe, Clean Water Program reaches its goals more quickly and definitively. The timing of the release of this document corresponds with the December 7th meeting of the Regional Oversight Committee on the Biennial Review as well as this week’s LA County Board of Supervisors approval of the LA County Water Plan that builds on their goal of 80% local water supplies by 2045.

Make The Most of Every Drop of Rain 

With climate change accelerating, one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure Angelenos will continue to have the water they need to thrive in the decades to come is to make the most of every drop of rain that falls. The groups that drafted this vision document note there is a real urgency to ensure the Safe, Clean Water Program is implemented in a way that is both effective and equitable. Among other goals, it calls for a target of an additional 300,000 acre-feet of stormwater to be captured and put to use every year by 2045. The document also calls on the county to aggressively reduce water pollution by complying with state deadlines, and ensure that at least 10% of projects in disadvantaged communities that are funded through the program are led by community-based organizations, to ensure robust community involvement.

Nature-Based Solutions 

The vision document also proposes a target of replacing 12,000 acres of impermeable surfaces with new green space by 2045: a nature-based solution that provides recreation, open space, public health benefits, and more. It calls for all schools located within the boundaries of state-defined disadvantaged communities to become green schools by 2030, with all LA County schools meeting that target no later than 2045. Vision 2045 also sets a target of developing an outreach plan to actively engage local tribes in program implementation by the end of next year.

Yes, 2045 is more than twenty years in the future and unforeseeable changes are ahead economically, environmentally, and politically (for better or worse).  Most policymakers and groups working on the program will have moved on and so the way to stay on target is to set realistic (but bold) milestones goals, targets, and timelines to stay on track and achieve safe, clean, water for all.

See our top-level goals, and additional recommendations in the full report.

Read the full Vision 2045 Report

READ THE VISION 2045 PRESS RELEASE

DOWNLOAD THE VISION 2045 REPORT

 

 

 

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