Council Seeks to Toughen Marine Sanitation Law

The City Council will consider adopting a law tonight that will allow officials with the Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol to board and inspect any vessel for a marine sanitation device if there is reason to believe that raw sewage has been discharged from the craft.

Under the law, once a boat owner receives notice that the boat is to be inspected for a sanitation device, the owner may, in lieu of inspection, provide proof of a Coast Guard-approved device, or proof from any other governmental agency authorized to approve such systems. The proposed law also calls for Harbor Patrol officers and other designated city officials to issue citations for the unlawful discharge of waste.

City officials said the change in the law is part of an attempt to update the municipal code that covers the city’s beaches and harbor. Officials said the laws, which were established more than 20 years ago, need to be clarified.