What makes Malibu special? Septic tanks

'Wastewater problem'
Patience, meanwhile, is running out. Some residents say they have to watch what kind of puddles they step into at shopping plazas, and say they drive through neighborhoods ready to roll up the windows in case an assaulting stench drifts in.

"The problem is you have this 18-year history of the city not wanting to deal with its wastewater problem," said Mark Gold, who heads the environmental group Heal the Bay. "All of this is going to blow up."

Despite the incomplete wastewater plan, the city has approved downtown commercial development — a move that rankled the regional water board. In addition to considering a ban on septic tanks in the city center, the board will consider yanking the city's ability to manage commercial septic systems.

The board approved a similar ban in parts of Oxnard in 1998 after septic tanks were found to be polluting drinking water. Those areas are now on sewer lines, which can be expensive to install.

"We don't have time or the resources to play games," said Tracy Egoscue, the board's executive officer.

City Manager Jim Thorsen said Malibu officials are taking the threat seriously, but he noted that a septic tank ban probably wouldn't take place soon.

"We received criticism for years on programs or elements of our basic water quality programs," Thorsen said. "We feel we've done a fantastic job."

Pollutants in Santa Monica Bay have been a problem for decades. The water quality drastically declined in the 20th century as the Los Angeles area boomed and dumped sewage and trash into the ocean.

Water quality has improved through programs mandated by the federal Clean Water Act and the efforts of various conservationists.

One of them is Mark Abramson, director of watershed programs with Santa Monica Baykeeper, who predicted a "blood bath" if the board approves the septic tank ban. Still, he told members that it is time to take bold steps with a seaside city that has not done enough to clean up its world-famous beaches.

"We're glad they're saying they want to clean up the water, but we've been talking about it since 1997, and guess what?" he said. "The water still ain't clean."

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