Thursday, May 26 2011 3:26PM
The West Bay Sanitary District is being accused of spilling an extensive amount of sewage into the San Francisco Bay, reports say.
San Francisco Baykeeper, an environmental nonprofit, won a U.S. District Court summary judgment ruling against the West Bay Sanitary District (WBSD) which could place liability on the district for 21 sewage spills into San Francisco Bay, according to reports.
The San Jose Mercury News reports the WBSD could be forced to pay nearly $1 million in fines under regulations of the Clean Water Act after sewage overflowed into the bay on numerous occasions between 2004 and 2009. More than 36,000 gallons of wastewater reportedly spilled into the waters.
"It's clear that not only are they liable, but that these spills illustrate a systemwide problem, and they will be made to fix the entire system," Self said.
The WBSD covers a total of about 55,000 residents in various parts of the state, including rural areas such as parts of unincorporated San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Officials from the district told the paper that leaks and overflows have occurred in the area's sewer system. Reports say the WBSD spent $3 million in pipe repairs in 2010, and plans to spend an additional $3 million this year for pipeline repairs.