LA City Council Approves Protocol To Protect Residents’ Health When Bacteria In River Exceeds Safe Levels
The vote came nearly six months after at least five government agencies failed to notify the public when E.coli levels spiked to 100 times the federal safety limit.
KPCC:
New Plan Looks To Close The LA River When Bacteria Spikes
Ever since kayakers began paddling down the Los Angeles River in 2010, public officials have faced a problem: how to encourage the revitalization of the river while also protecting the health of people who boat and fish in its waters? On Wednesday, an L.A. city council committee got closer to finding a solution when it voted to adopt a protocol of how to close the river and notify the public when when fecal bacteria levels exceed safety standards. (Guerin, 2/28)
In other environmental and health related news —
Los Angeles Times:
Air-Quality Consultant Says Estancia High Science Wing Plagued By Odors Now Is Safe For Use
The report, which includes a timeline of hydrogen sulfide testing, the number of repairs and before-and-after photos, will be available on the district website, nmusd.us, officials said. The testing came after teachers and others voiced health concerns about sewer-like odors coming from the walls and sinks of classrooms in the science wing following a modernization project completed in 2008. Inspections revealed several uncapped sewer lines. (Vega, 2/28)
Los Angeles Times:
Costa Mesa Sanitary District Is Committed To A Healthy Outcome On The Public-Restroom Issue
As the public agency responsible for providing sanitary sewer and waste collection services to roughly 117,000 local residents and scores of businesses, the Costa Mesa Sanitary District has a profound appreciation for the public health risks presented by untreated human waste. The district routinely spends more than $7 million per year on the prevention of sanitary sewer overflows and associated diseases, which can be as serious as cholera, dysentery, infectious hepatitis and severe gastroenteritis. (Scheafer, 2/22)