Cesspool Plan at Park May Be Delayed by City Report

SEPULVEDA BASIN — In a move that could stall a controversial plan to haul septic tank waste to a Sepulveda Basin collection facility, city staff today are expected to recommend to the Board of Public Works that an environmental impact report be done on the proposed project.

Opponents of the proposed Cesspool Disposal Program at the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Van Nuys hope the joint recommendation by city engineering and sanitation officials will force the city to take another look at a project they fear will generate odors, traffic and noise pollution.

In addition to examining the recreational and environmental impact of the cesspool on the Valley’s largest park, the EIR would also prompt a search for alternate sites for the 90 to 200 sewage trucks to deliver their daily sewage, according to the city staff recommendation.

The cost of the EIR, which would come from the Sewer Construction and Maintenance Fund, would be about $500,000. It would take about a year to complete, according to the city.

In the past, sanitation officials had downplayed any environmental impact from the proposed plan. They said the cesspool is necessary to provide more control over what is dumped into city sewers and to accurately charge septic tank customers for treating their waste.

Other EIR supporters for the project include council members Marvin Braude, Joel Wachs and several homeowner and environmental groups.

“The EIR is not only what they need, it’s what they have to do,” said Walter Prince, chairman of the land use committee for PRIDE, a homeowner group that has opposed the project. “I think the EIR will show that’s the worst place in the world to build that sewer.”

City Councilwoman Laura Chick is expected to lobby for the EIR recommendation today before the board.

Public Works Commissioner Percy Duran said he was unsure what action the board would take today, although he said the board agrees with staff recommendations “about 85%” of the time.

“There are some unanswered questions,” Duran said. “I would say at this point there is community concern. We could delay it for an EIR; we could go ahead with the proposal; or we could table it pending more information.”