Los Angeles Admits 3,600 Sewage Spills

The city's Bureau of Sanitation concedes in a federal court filing that it is responsible for thousands of spills.

1 minute read

April 24, 2003, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"A federal judge in December found the city liable for 297 sewage spills over the course of a year, for which the city could face up to $8 million in fines. But the city is now formally admitting responsibility for more than 12 times that many spills over the last decade — 3,668 in all — as part of an effort to demonstrate that it is finally owning up to the problem... The admission is the latest twist in a four-year court fight pitting Los Angeles against federal and state officials, environmental groups and homeowner organizations in Baldwin Hills, the Crenshaw District and Leimert Park, where many of the spills occurred. In recent years, raw sewage has often floated to the surface of the street in front of Manual Arts High School in South Los Angeles."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Multifamily housing under construction.

To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land

How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.

December 11, 2024 - John D. Landis

Heavy traffic on freeway in San Diego, California.

Why Traffic Never Gets Better

Despite abundant research showing that roadway expansions provide limited congestion relief and increase long-term traffic problems, they still occur due to wishful thinking: advocates claim that “this” project is different.

December 12 - Greater Greater Washington

Trolley bus in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Tops ‘Urban Mobility Readiness’ List

An annual analysis of global cities assesses public transit, technology, and sustainability.

December 12 - Bloomberg CityLab

Cyclist on folding bike riding next to silver car on city street.

Bike-Mounted Sensor Could Improve Safety for Cyclists

A new camera technology can detect when vehicles pass too close to people on bikes.

December 12 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.