Santa Monica : Storm Drain Work Planned

Work on a drain to divert polluted storm runoff from a crowded Santa Monica beach could begin by the end of August, three weeks earlier than previously planned, because Santa Monica officials have waived a policy prohibiting construction on the beach during the summer.

The officials agreed to let work on the Pico-Kenter storm drain begin as soon as possible “to show the public we are making progress,” said Stan Scholl, the city’s director of general services.

County officials said the project contractor will need at least until the end of August to get equipment to the site, just south of Santa Monica Pier, and begin work.

The apparent low bidder on the project, J.R. Burke Industrial Corp. of Tustin, proposes to build the drain for $425,000, or $64,000 less than a bid rejected last month by the county.

Santa Monica last month banned ocean bathing within 100 yards of the drain after a study showed that the runoff contains viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from upset stomachs to hepatitis. The plastic drain extension is designed to carry bacteria- and virus-laden storm water from a concrete channel and release it 600 feet offshore, away from most swimmers.