Storm drain in Newport poses problems

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- A backed-up Caltrans storm drain identified as a

potential hotbed of bacteria has city officials looking for creative

solutions for dealing with stagnant runoff.

The 48-inch storm drain, owned by the California Department of

Transportation to send water from roadways into the ocean, is almost

completely clogged with sediment. The lid on the storm drain opening has

been closed, and water backed up in the pipes could be contaminated with

bacteria and toxins. This could also be contributing to mosquitoes and

other problems. The sediment in the storm drain, too, could be a hazard,

containing years of buildup of chemicals or even heavy metals.

“Basically, we have a storm drain in our area that’s not owned by us

that’s contributing to bad water quality,” Assistant City Manager Dave

Kiff said.

The storm drain is in the westernmost part of Newport Beach at the

foot of the Santa Ana River Bridge, on the ocean side of that bridge.

Officials are looking for ways to correct the problem, but solutions

could prove tricky.

The Orange County Sanitation District has agreed to accept the water

into its sewage system to allow it to be treated before sending it about

4 1/2 miles offshore.

“When you have a storm drain, many times there is sewage in it,” said

Lisa Murphy, a spokeswoman for the sanitation district. “We’re working

with Caltrans and the city of Newport Beach to allow that water in the

storm drain to be diverted to the [district’s] treatment plant.”

How to actually get the water into the sewage system, however, remains

a question. Chances are that tanker trucks may prove the best method for

moving the water to the treatment plant. But if, in the process, heavy

metals are found in the sediment in the storm drain, the solids will have

to be sent to a hazardous waste disposal site.

The storm drain was identified by UC Irvine researcher Stanley Grant

as one possible source of contamination near the shore. The storm drain,

one of several in Newport Beach’s borders that is owned by Caltrans,

drains runoff mainly from Coast Highway and the Seashore Drive

neighborhood between Prospect Street and the Santa Ana River.

Caltrans has come under fire recently for its failure to meet federal

standards for keeping polluted runoff out of local waters. A spokeswoman

for the department said it has prioritized the Newport Beach problem.

“We’re aware of the study, and we’re currently reviewing and

validating the results and their recommendations. As soon as that’s done,

we’ll take appropriate action,” said Caltrans spokeswoman Beth Beeman,

who added that the department routinely cleans all of its storm drains by

using a vacuum truck. “We’re committed to preserving and protecting the

environment.”