Plan to Monitor Creek Water OKd

A 10-point plan to clean the water that flows to city beaches won City Council endorsement this week.

The proposal calls for the city to take several steps to address the problem of dirty ocean water, such as pinpointing the sources of pollution in Laguna Canyon Creek, which flows to Main Beach.

A key aspect of the plan is formation of a “pathogen detection program” to analyze the creek water as it flows alongside Laguna Canyon Road. The city will seek the help of schools and community groups for the project.

The plan was formulated by Councilman Wayne J. Baglin, who offered it to his colleagues.

“I continue to be frustrated that nothing seems to be happening,” Baglin said, referring to the ongoing water-pollution problem at the beaches. “I think it’s something we can no longer ignore.”

Baglin said foul water could be pouring from any of the storm drains that empty at city beaches, posing a health hazard.

He said the city could first set its sights on cleaning Laguna Canyon Creek and then turn its attention to Aliso Creek, which flows to Aliso Beach at the south end of town.

Baglin’s proposal drew support from several who addressed the council, including members of the Surfrider Foundation. The council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendations in concept and directed Baglin and City Manager Kenneth C. Frank to develop a plan, which the council will consider Sept. 17.