Harbor Panel Opposes Dumping of Sewage

Newport Beach’s Harbor Quality Committee has voted to oppose the Orange County Sanitation District’s practice of discharging partially treated sewage into the ocean.

The district holds a controversial federal waiver so it doesn’t have to meet the federal mandate that all sewage receive secondary treatment. The waiver allows the district to discharge waste water containing higher concentrations of bacteria, human waste and other solids than are allowed almost anywhere else in the nation.

Newport Beach’s resolution now goes to the City Council, which is expected to pass it Sept. 25. Seal Beach voted last month to oppose renewing the waiver, and Huntington Beach is expected to do so.