As a key deadline for the Malibu Lagoon Project nears, state workers have opened up a small portion of a berm connecting the Malibu Lagoon’s northern wetlands area to the main channel of Malibu Creek, according to Angeles district superintendent Craig Sap.
There had been a dike in place separating the creek and lagoon. Sap estimated that the berm between the creek and lagoon would be fully expanded in the next three days as workers completely remove the dike.
The state’s contractor is required to complete work within the wetlands of the lagoon by next Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Sap also said the dewatering of the lagoon ended last week and water from the lagoon is no longer discharging into the ocean.
“Because we’re not dewatering any longer, testing the water has stopped,” he said.
The state will still be required to conduct annual water sampling tests. State workers have yet to begin off-hauling excess dirt collected during the project, primarily from the dike removal.
Sap estimated between 10,000 and 14,000 cubic yards of dirt could be off-hauled to landfills in Lost Hills and Simi Valley. The state will also have to bring in supplemental water to help sustain plants that have been restored in the lagoon area.
“[The plants are] going to be able to sustain themselves, but for the establishment we’ll need supplemental water,” Sap said.
Additionally, workers are making progress on a “Winter Walk”—a winding walkway on the western side of the lagoon designed to allow visitors to walk next to the lagoon at water level. The walkway is expected to be completed sometime in December.
The controversial Malibu Lagoon Project was put forth by the California Parks and Rec department to dredge and reshape the lagoon with the goal of improving water flow and water quality.
Email the author at melissa@malibutimes.com