Sewage spill creates unsavory situation 1.5 million gallons lost

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers BREAK IN THE ACTION-Wastewater pours out of a pipe that became broken during a landslide last week in Calabasas. The rains caused sewage problems throughout the Southland.

A broken sewer line on Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas that spilled approximately 1.5 million gallons of raw sewage into Malibu Creek has been successfully bypassed, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District said.

The damage was a caused by a landslide during last week’s heavy rains. An interim fix diverted wastewater around the break, officials said.

"Think of the repair as a ‘horse-shoe bypass,’ " said Jeff Reinhardt, water district customer service and public affairs manager.

Wastewater was pumped from a manhole upstream from the break and temporarily transported through above-ground pipes into a downstream manhole.

A landslide that occurred on a hill west of Las Virgenes Road, south of Lost Hills Road, caused the break and led to the closure ofSurfrider Beach in Malibu. Bacteria from the sewage contaminate the beach.

Officials advise surfers to stay away from beaches after heavy rainfall since a variety of pollutants are washed onto the beach and into the water. Eventually, the water is diluted enough to withstand the bacteria.

The aftermath of the recent rainstorms were discussed at last week’s Las Virgenes Municipal Water District meeting. David Lippman, water district director of facilities and operations, explained how the district weathered the storms.

The Tapia Water Reclamation Plant was staffed 24 hours per day during the storms to ensure water was properly treated.

Arlene Post, director of resource conservation and public outreach, said there are treatment standards for recycled water, which is used for public irrigation and "full body contact."

The district met the standards, she said, despite the heavy volume of wastewater flowing into the plant through manhole covers.

Lippman said the normal rate of flow at Tapia ranges from a low of 4 million gallons per day (mgd) to 17 mgd. The rate is calculated during a 24-hour period.

During the heaviest period of rain—Jan. 9—the lowest water flow was 17 mgd, and it peaked at 33 mgd. Three manholes overflowed.

In addition to the landslide in Calabasas, a potable water line ruptured in Hidden Hills and Chatsworth. Water service was restored within hours, Post said.

Lippman explained that the district’s equipment yard for trucks and equipment, which sits at the foot of a hill, was flooded with mud and debris.

The primary road leading to one of the district’s potable water tanks slipped. An access road to one of the district’s potable water pump stations was also inaccessible for a short time due to mud and debris.

Twenty-five million gallons of water was processed during the storms, Lippman said. In 1997, an El Nino year, 26 million gallons were processed.

"At no time was the plant in jeopardy," he said.

The Calabasas line break also prompted a water shutdown Jan. 18 in some areas near Parkway Calabasas.

Homes on the following streets were affected: Prado De Los Arboles, Prado De Los Zorros, Prado De La Luna, Prado De La Mariposa, Prado De La Puma, Prado De Las Cabras, Prado De Las Estrellas, Prado De Las Uvas.

Every household that lost service was notified Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 when personnel from the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District left tags on doors.

The good news, Lippman said, is that the district realized 500 acres of "free water."

Customers with questions can contact Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Customer Service at (818) 251-2200.