The cities of Alhambra, Compton, and San Gabriel face possible legal action after the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board referred the cities to the state Attorney General’s office for failure to comply with the conditions of their sewer permits.
The referrals mean the Attorney General can now seek court orders to compel the cities to correct sewer deficiencies and eliminate illegal discharges into the region’s waterways. Required actions could include develop and implement plans to correct collection system shortfalls, sewer overflow reduction plans, system-wide cleaning programs, and capital improvement plans.
“The Los Angeles Water Board believes that with enforcement actions such as this through the Attorney General’s Office, we can convince these cities to address their aging sewer systems.” said Maria Mehranian, Chair of the Los Angeles Water Board. “The ultimate goal is the elimination of sewage spills that can threaten public health and impact the beneficial uses of our waters.”