Sanitary district postpones decision on sewage waiver

The Costa Mesa Sanitary District postponed a decision Monday on

whether to support a federal sewage waiver for the county sewer agency.

Board members unanimously agreed to delay the decision a week, to just

two days before the Orange County Sanitation District decides whether to

chase the waiver.

Nine cities have lined up to oppose the waiver, which allows the

district to discharge 240 million gallons of partially treated sewage

into the ocean.

The city councils of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach oppose the waiver.

Members of Costa Mesa’s sewer agency, which operates independently

from the City Council, said they wanted more information before making a

decision.

The county’s sanitary district scheduled a study session for today to

discuss the waiver, review treatment options and costs, as well as listen

to public input.

Costa Mesa’s sanitary board member, Jim Ferryman, holds a seat on the

25-member county’s agency. Ferryman did not return calls for comment.

Board member Greg Woodside was absent from Monday’s meeting.