Costly Cleanup Would Drain Public Coffers

“Runoff Rules Get Tougher” (Dec. 14) did not fully explore the impact that new storm drain regulations will have on local communities. The article states that “city and county officials will also, for the first time, be required to clean up after parades and other special events.” After every public event, cities clean up trash and debris. In Bellflower, the city removes more than 900 tons of debris every year resulting from community events and everyday activities. We sweep every street every week, some twice a week. We regularly clean sidewalks, parks and public facilities.

The article quotes the regional water board’s executive director as saying that “we are simply asking the cities to be partners with us.” By imposing costly regulations straight onto the backs of local residents, the board didn’t ask anything. It simply mandated unmanageable regulations that could lead to severe cuts in crucial services such as public safety and recreation programs. Voters were given no voice in the decision-making process that directly impacts their communities.

Like all Southern California cities, we want clean waterways and beaches. We want to be part of a long-term solution. But new regulations imposed by the board need to be combined with resources to accomplish the goal. Most cities are financially unable to implement the new requirements. In Bellflower, the costs equal 10 full-time police cars a year, which will remain off-duty while staff members sift through storm waters to determine who is to be prosecuted for tossing a candy wrapper into the drain. A comprehensive study by a state-contracted consulting firm indicates that it will cost cities a total of $54 billion. Where does the money come from? The wallets of local taxpayers. Clearly, the burden of compliance would be financially devastating.

Michael J. Egan

City Administrator

Bellflower