Water Quality in Santa Monica Bay
* I was pleased to see “Bay Study Links Drain Outlets, Swimmer Illness” (May 7), about the study of health risks to those who swim near storm drains in Santa Monica Bay. I am concerned, however, that the article suggests that swimming in the bay is safe so long as one avoids storm drains. This is not the case, since the study only focused on dry, summer conditions when little water flows from area storm drains. Further, the study was limited to those swimming in the bay every 10 days or more, not those who enjoy swimming more frequently; and although the risks 400 yards away from the drains are less, risks still exist there.
Most importantly, your article did not note that this study, while very important in defining the effects of disease-causing viruses and bacteria in storm water, says nothing about the effects of toxic pollutants.
The surest solution is to stop storm water from becoming contaminated in the first place, or reaching the bay if it is contaminated. A new, more rigorous storm-water permit that will accomplish these goals is pending before the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Adoption of this new permit--designed to prevent various forms of poisoned runoff that now flow directly into Santa Monica Bay--will go a long way to really healing the bay.
MARK RYAVEC, Board Member
American Oceans Campaign
Venice
* Mayor Richard Riordan is proposing to take money from storm water funds and use it for street sweeping (May 8). He believes more street sweeping will reduce the pollutants being discharged into the storm drains and thereby save the beaches.
But, guess what. After sweeping the streets, L.A. street sweepers wash down the fine contaminants and pollutants into the storm drains. This discharging of pollutants is being done all over the city where street sweeping occurs. Street sweepers generally use fire hydrants to wash the filthy sweepers near catch basins and storm drains. With this practice, does it follow that by increasing the street sweeping, we increase polluting the beaches?
Perhaps public education for pollution reduction should start at City Hall. Storm drains are for rainwater only!
FRANK BAJINTING
Los Angeles
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