Los Angeles County approves chemical discharge ordinance for Marina del Rey

MARINA DEL REY — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors updated regulations within the county code in an effort to minimize and prevent the discharge of bacterial and chemical pollutants into the waters of Marina del Rey. Portions of the county code governing harbors were updated, thanks to the supervisorial vote, to reflect changes to penalties, definition of terms and clarification of prohibitions and restrictions. The code changes were approved at the supervisors’ June 12 meeting, opening the door for county officials to monitor and regulate discharges into the waters of Marina del Rey Harbor. The approved ordinance specifically updated Title 19 of the county code. Someone who violates the anti-discharge ordinance at least three times within a 12-month period, for example, would be subject to a misdemeanor under the new ordinance. Supervisors added new definitions on in-water hull cleaning and non-biocide hull paints. “’In-Water Hull Cleaning’ means the cleaning, by hand or mechanical means, of a recreational or commercial vessel hull up to the waterline while the vessel is in the water,” the new section on In-Water Hull Cleaning stated. Also added to the section on definitions were standards for in-water hull cleaning best management practices, or BMP. “‘In-Water Hull Cleaning Best Management Practices’ or ‘Hull...