Recent letters to the editor have unfairly mischaracterized the tank removals at the Beau Rivage Restaurant located on the northeast corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Corral Canyon Road. Three underground storage tanks were removed from the property on or around Jan. 6, 2004. Contrary to insinuations and innuendoes in previous letters, these tanks were properly removed by the owner Daniel Forge. Permits were obtained from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Approvals were also obtained from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the City of Malibu and other regulatory agencies. Several inspectors were present during the field activities. These tanks were not removed “quietly” but in full view of the public and all inspectors. Field activities were conducted over a period of approximately six days.
Also contrary to insinuations and innuendoes in previous letters, there is no evidence that Daniel Forge caused any leaks or contamination. Mr. Forge runs a restaurant and he has informed us that not only did he never operate these tanks, but also he did not even realize that these tanks were on his property. Previous letters have also boldly asserted that there is hazardous waste below Mr. Forge’s property. The previous writers appear to be unaware that petroleum contaminated soil generated as a result of a release from a regulated UST is generally exempt from hazardous waste regulations. Regardless, here the levels detected in the soil below the former USTs don’t even come close to hazardous waste levels.
Chris d’sa
hydrologue Inc.