City Faces $2.8 Million Fine for Raw Sewage Spills

The City of South Pasadena is facing $2.8 million in fines for violating the Clean Water Act and allowing 26 raw sewage spills, according to California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Twelve of the 26 Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) reached either the Arroyo Seco or Los Angeles River. And two resulted in closure of 2.1 miles of open coastal beaches, known as Alamitos Beach and Junipero Beach for three days each, according to reports.

The spills occurred as recent as last year—between Jan. 29, 2007, and Jan. 7, 2011. 

Natural Resources & Environmental Commission Member Bill Kelly says he was surprised by the news—and that he had only heard of the two beach spills prior to this week.

“Our commission was briefed by the former Public Works Director in the last year or so on one of the spills, but we sure didn't get the whole picture,” he said.

Reports say South Pas does not possess "any significant operation and maintenance program.” Furthermore, the City may be placed under a court order requiring improvements to its 75-year-old sewers to prevent further spills.

City Council will discuss this anticipated litigation in closed session Wednesday.

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