Environmental groups say wastewater from commercial septic systems in the area leaches into Malibu Creek and Lagoon and then flows into the ocean, accounting for much of the fecal bacteria and other contaminants that routinely earn Surfrider Ds and Fs on report cards. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
Malibus Surfrider Beach is known around the world. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)
Joe Melchione, an attorney who heads the Malibu Surfing Assn.’s environmental committee, stands on the site of Legacy Park, which he says was touted as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a state-of-the-art environmental solution to the citys water quality problems.” The city says the park is for storm water, not waste water, treatment. “Its time for the city of Malibu to grow up and clean up their own mess,” Melchione says. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)
The water treatment plant near the site of Legacy Park in Malibu. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)
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Birds perch on branches in the Mailbu Lagoon next to Surfrider Beach. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
