Clean Water Advocate's Rebuttal to Andy Lyon's Claims

The article below is a rebuttal by Bob Purvey of ECOMALIBU to a recent Malibu Times OP ED article submitted by vocal Lagoon Restoration opponent Andy Lyon.

 

By Bob Purvey

As always, Mr. Lyon is wrong about the lagoon restoration. He has again misinterpreted, and then misrepresented the facts in his recent Op-Ed piece.
Here are the facts:
Lyon issue #1: No Hydrology studies
No project of this size and importance could be designed and implemented without extensive hydrological studies. The studies included detailed modeling of the circulation, both an open and closed condition, to evaluate different channel configurations and how they would perform. These studies were the basis for the precision design of the newly restored Malibu Lagoon. The tides reach the exact elevations as marked on the islands and winter ramp. The wind now circulates the water throughout the entire lagoon, including the area formerly known as the “dead-zone.” Thus far, the lagoon is performing better than expected. Tidal circulation has dramatically increased during an open condition, and wind driven circulation is vastly improved during closed conditions. This is exactly what the hydrologists, engineers and project proponents said would occur. Now, the lagoon fish and wildlife are truly thriving and willcontinue to improve as this restoration matures.
Lyon issue #2: Algae paddy going from bank to bank
Interesting how the picture I took this morning of the same place in your picture doesn’t show the same amount of algae one day later... I wonder why? Yes, algae is in the Lagoon, as well as Malibu Creek and throughout the watershed. This lagoon restoration was intended to clean out pollutants and restore the circulation within the western channels that are sandwiched in by ten neighboring Colony residences, the Perrenchio golf course, PCH and the adjacent Cross Creek shopping malls. It was never intended to eliminate algae because of the significant up-stream influence of nutrient rich creek water circulating through the lagoon. There are major sources of nutrients upstream and adjacent to the lagoon that cause algal blooms. As these sources of nutrients are reduced by implementing water quality laws that prevent the nutrient issues, the quality of the lagoon will continue to improve. Nonetheless, algae is a natural occurrence in a functioning lagoon system. There will always be algae in the lagoon. The improved circulation will now prevent an inordinate accumulation of decomposing algae on the bottom that robs dissolved oxygen from the water. The wind driven circulation in the newly restored lagoon will oxygenate the water and will protect against the extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen that prevented fish and other aquatic wildlife from fully thriving. But let’s be clear, algae is a food source for certain species of fish and birds, which are important to the natural lagoon (estuary) system.
Lyon issue # 3: Rindge Dam no hydrology studies and 150 million dollars
As always, any project that impacts or changes hydrology will be meticulously studied. The Rindge Dam study has been ongoing for more than 10 years. Millions of dollars have been spent studying the hydrology, sediment regime, flood protection, wildlife habitat, and improved beach sand replenishment associated with the dam removal. No price tag has been stated for the removal of Rindge Dam nor has the method by which the dam might be removed been decided upon, however nothing even close to 150 million has ever been mentioned within the community of long-term environmentalist.
Andy, facts are facts.




Comments ?


Matt Horns posted at 1:56 am on Thu, Jul 4, 2013.

Posts: 166
Malibu Lagoon is one of three coastal wetlands in Los Angeles County (the others are Los Angeles River's and Ballona Creek's estuaries) that support thriving populations of striped mullet. Striped mullet feed on dead decayed algae and diatoms that have sunk to the bottom. They keep the bottom of the lagoon clean. That enhances dissolved oxygen levels in the substrate. This improves habitat for tidewater gobies and dozens if other imperilled native aquatic species. Striped mullets' habitat in Malibu Lagoon has been hugely expanded by the recent lagoon restoration project. This allows the "Newly Restored and Enhanced" west channels to once again support a thriving native ecosystem for the first time in almost 100 years.


stevewoodzy@aol.com
7:03 PM (14 hours ago)

to BobPurvey
Absolutely , we would be honored to post your suggestion ,, really well done ,, we have other pics too ,, just have not had the time . but will soon as possible