Urban Runoff Bill Has Some Serious Flaws

Re “Water Woes Don’t Stop at City Line,” May 13:

Upon examining SB 816, activists realized that this bill was a thinly veiled attempt to continue the procrastination over the urban runoff crisis. Moreover, it abridged or abrogated the regulatory tools mandated by the California and U.S. environmental protection agencies. Eliminating cease-and-desist or cleanup-and-abatement orders would have left only fines in the state water board’s enforcement capabilities.

Accusing the environmental community of intellectual dishonesty is not only inflammatory, but Dave Kiff’s statement about clean water soon, rather than now, reveals the self-serving nature of his argument. After all, he helped draft this seemingly plausible yet fatally flawed bill that was bereft of urgency. Observation of a problem does not constitute its rectification.

SB 816 precluded injunctive relief for what are potential health hazards to the citizens who recreate in these streams and creek mouths that are systemically contaminated. Exculpation or abeyance of liability by infrequent appearances at meetings is sophistry. Deterrence drives compliance, not vague and ambiguous time frames. These waterways represent societal negligence and abuse. The EPA’s new brochure “Opportunity, Responsibility, Accountability” says, “Where regulatory action is necessary, it will be taken. The law requires it; the public demands it.”

Roger von Butow

Laguna Beach