This letter is in response to the September 3 article regarding the proposed septic ban in Malibu. The city of Malibu has needed a modern sewage system makeover for some time now. Driving from town to school, I frequently whiffed the “stinkies” apartments, as they are known.
I also witnessed many manhole overflows while working at a local restaurant. It seems even the current systems in place aren’t doing their job. New systems need to be put in place. No one likes to dine over sewage. The stench from septic systems should not go hand-in-hand with these beautiful beaches.
Since the five tests have been conducted and it has been found that the bacteria from the on-site water disposal systems do pollute local beaches, the septic ban is necessary to protect the Malibu Beach environment and residents’ health. There is no good reason why septic tanks shouldn’t be banned in Malibu. The reasons behind many residents’ standpoints have nothing to do with health concerns. Their main concern is that mainstream sewer systems will bring mainstream development. This, in their minds, would ruin its airy qualities. Well, its airy qualities are mixed with the smelly septic tanks and it needs to be fixed.
Tera deVroede