The $47 million Phase I of the Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility project is nearing final completion after beginning construction in July 2016. The first phase of the project, which is the most expensive infrastructure project in Malibu’s history, included the construction of a state-of-the art centralized wastewater treatment facility in the Civic Center area, which began operating on April 12. One by one, designated commercial properties have been turning off their old septic systems and connecting to the new facility.
According to Rob DuBoux, acting public works director for the City of Malibu, the following properties are now completely tied in to the new system: Malibu Colony Plaza, City Hall, Malibu Lumber Yard and Malibu Village.
Malibu Country Mart is the only major property slated for Phase I that has not yet connected to the new system.
“They’re my procrastinator,” DuBoux joked. “They have their permit and are getting bids, but probably won’t start construction until after Labor Day. The deadline for turning off their septic system is Sept. 30.” In addition, DuBoux said he did not think the Shell gas station was tied in yet.
The sewer construction project involved tearing up many of the streets in the Civic Center area, but DuBoux said most have already been repaved. In addition, there will soon be an announcement about the awarding of a new project to repave Malibu Road.
The city is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new sewer on Oct. 5, with details to be announced soon.
The city’s official overview of the sewer project describes a facility that will “treat, reuse, and/or dispose of wastewater flows from properties in the Civic Center. The project is in response to regulatory actions taken by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the State Water Resources Control Board to prohibit discharges from [septic systems] in the Civic Center area, and to ban new [septic systems], based on a phased schedule.”
Phase I of the project is being paid for by grants from the state Water Resources Control Board, the City of Malibu and an assessment district made up of Civic Center landowners.
On June 30, as part of a Memo of Understanding, DuBoux officially informed the Regional Water Board that the City intends to proceed with connecting properties in Phase II to the facility.
The planning for Phase II of the project is just now beginning; DuBoux said the current discussions center around funding options. The initial estimate for the cost of Phase II was $35 million, but DuBoux said that estimate was now a few years old, and that more detailed design information and a more detailed cost estimate need to be undertaken to come up with a final number.
Phase II, which is mostly residential, must be connected to the facility by November 2024. Affected properties include the Malibu Colony gated community, several condominium complexes and the Serra Retreat neighborhood. According to the city, Phase II includes 247 single family homes, 191 condos and six other properties.
In addition, DuBoux reported that the city was reviewing the feasibility of including the Malibu Country Estates neighborhood, HRL Laboratories and Pepperdine University into Phase II; although Pepperdine has not made a final decision.
Other milestones set for Phase II are as follows:
By March 31, 2021, an environmental impact report must be completed and certified.
By June 30, 2021, a completed design must be submitted to the regional board of architects.
By Nov. 5, 2021, the formation of an assessment district for Phase II must be completed.
By June 30, 2022, a bid package for construction of Phase II must be completed and released.
According to the city, the project will protect Malibu Creek, ocean water and groundwater quality; generate up to 70 million gallons a year of recycled water; and reduce Malibu’s reliance on potable water.
Prior to this project, the City of Malibu did not have a public sewer system. Residents, businesses and public facilities generally provided their own on-site wastewater treatment systems, also known as septic systems, to dispose of wastewater.