LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2000 (Hanley-Wood, Inc.) -- Four years ago, a report by the American Oceans Campaign (AOC) titled "Estuaries on the Edge" described the waters of California's Santa Monica Bay as a victim of "abuse and assault" by rapid development.
As a result of this and other studies, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has approved rule changes that will require area developers of both commercial and residential real estate (10 homes or more) to get serious about pollution control. The changes will require features like detention ponds that catch pollutants before they hit the beach.
Scientists note that much of the worst runoff pollution comes from the beneficiaries of residential development: homeowners-who use lawn chemicals or dump gas, paint, or motor oil on their properties. Developers, however, will bear the brunt of additional costs caused by the rule changes--costs that will doubtless be passed on to new-home buyers.
At least 30 communities have opposed the new rules, which must be approved by the State Water Resources Control Board. No date for an approval hearing had been set at press time.
Copyright Hanley-Wood, Incorporated Aug 2000
