City Of Malibu: City Statement Regarding Legacy Park / La Paz Water Issues

Press release from the City of Malibu:

July 12, 2021

CITY STATEMENT REGARDING legacy park/ LA PAZ CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WATER ISSUEs

After community concerns were raised about the potential environmental impact of a large discharge of water into Malibu Creek by the La Paz construction project in the Civic Center, and the desire to keep water in Legacy Park’s retention basin so that it appears as a pond, the City Council directed the City Manager to look into the matter and find solutions.

The City is committed to protecting Malibu’s natural surroundings and keeping our public parks attractive for community members. Staff determined that the La Paz water discharge into Malibu Creek is permitted by the State, and the water is tested to ensure it meets water quality requirements for pollutant and bacteria levels. See the testing results. 

For the short term, staff found options to use some of the discharge water from La Paz to temporarily replenish the Legacy Park pond, until the La Paz dewatering activity ends in early 2022. Staff began refilling the pond. 

For the longer term, the Public Works Department is working on a system to balance the various needs of using Title 22 recycled water from the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility for irrigation, using recycled storm water captured in the Civic Center for irrigation, reducing the need to use potable water for irrigation, and keeping the pond semi-filled during the spring and summer months. 

All options must also ensure that the City meets its legal requirements to protect water quality in Malibu Creek and to eliminate discharges into Malibu Creek, which is what Legacy Park was designed for. Staff will bring the options to the City Council in August.

This press release was produced by the City of Malibu. The views expressed here are the author’s own.