Money poured into sewers

Barbara Diamond

The U.S. Environmental Agency officially presented an $837,000

grant to the city on Monday at the gazebo in Heisler Park.

“This grant could not have been possible without the dedication

and support of Orange County Congressman Christopher Cox,” said Mayor

Wayne Baglin.

Cox attended the presentation by Wayne Nestri, regional

administrator of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region.

“The city is also very grateful for the EPA’s assistance with

rehabilitating our sewer system and has adopted a zero tolerance

policy toward sewer spills,” said Baglin, who represented the city at

the presentation. “Our beaches serve Laguna residents and

approximately three million visitors a year. The repairs will

contribute to safe water recreation for all and prevent beach

closures in the future.”

The grant will be combined with city money to create a fund that

will be used to reline sewer pipes.

“What we do is pull a fiberglass material soaked in resin through

the pipes and then heat it with boiling water to expand, and harden

and create a new pipe within the old pipe,” Assistant City Manager

John Pietig said.

“We hope to line over eight miles of sewer pipe with this money.”

A total of $1.6 million will be dedicated to rejuvenating the

city’s ailing sewer system.