One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
Residents Sue LA Over The Hyperion Sewage Spill, Citing Health Issues
After the plant was "inundated with overwhelming quantities of debris" in July, 17 million gallons of sewage were discharged from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant one mile offshore, instead of the usual five miles.
(
FREDERIC J. BROWN
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
About 150 people living near the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant are suing the city of Los Angeles, claiming the massive raw sewage spill at the facility last summer exposed them to hydrogen sulfide gas and other dangerous chemicals.
Plaintiffs' attorney Alexander Wheeler says his clients suffered headaches and other health issues.
“I think there's clear negligence at issue here,” Wheeler said. “It was a clear, dangerous condition of public property. And we're seeking compensation.”
A city attorney spokesperson says the complaint is under review.
A clog caused by debris flooded the plant back in July, prompting an emergency discharge of 17 million gallons of raw sewage into Santa Monica Bay.
Nearby beaches weren't closed until the following day. Public Health officials later apologized for the delay.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
