L.A. Controller Ron Galperin has sent a letter and information request to the General Manager of LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) seeking answers about the cause and true impact of the spill that sent 17 million gallons of untreated sewage directly into the Santa Monica Bay from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on July 11.
Galperin called the spill an “environmental disaster and imminent threat to the health and safety of millions of residents in and around the City.”
“This catastrophic accident not only did great damage to our local beaches and water, but also undermined the public’s trust in their government’s ability to serve them and keep them safe,” said Galperin. “Residents have the right to know exactly why the sewage spill happened, its impact on the area, the cost to taxpayers and what steps will be taken to prevent another similar incident in the future.”
In his letter, Galperin asked a series of detailed questions about LASAN’s delayed public notification efforts, the regulatory oversight and investigation into the cause and response to the incident, what steps LASAN will take to prevent a similar event, the fiscal implications for taxpayers, and the environmental and public health impact of the massive sewage spill. Galperin gave LASAN 10 days (by July 30) to respond to his letter.
Galperin is the taxpayers’ watchdog at City Hall, making sure public dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. He is also the elected auditor, paymaster and chief accounting officer for the City of Los Angeles.
