The City Manager's Report from the recent City Council Meeting provided an extensive update on the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. It gave details on the implementation of new air pollutant monitoring requirements, the plant's recent air quality violations, and constant efforts to manage the fallout from the July 2021 spill, as reported by the City of El Segundo.
The report informed that Governor Newsom approved Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's bill AB-1216 on October 10. This mandates wastewater treatment plants, like Hyperion, to regularly monitor nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds starting January 1, 2027. Furthermore, plants must monitor pollutants at their borders and publish the data in real-time.
According to the City Manager's Report, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a Notice of Violation addressing odor complaints on October 7th. The AQMD is currently reviewing an on-site inspection's compliance findings and, the City of El Segundo will share the results on its website once available.
Efforts to mitigate any future incidents are the focus for Hyperion. The City Manager's report stated that the plant tested its emergency generators on October 17 and today to ensure resilience against a power outage. The successful operation of the 1-Mile Outfall Gate and ongoing tank cover replacements slated for completion by December 2023 illustrate steps towards stability.
The Hyperion Ad Hoc Committee, comprising Councilmember Carol Pirsztuk, Councilmember Ryan Baldino, and Environmental Committee Chair Tracey Miller-Zarneke, have been working to ensure the implementation of the 33 recommendations catalyzed by the July 2021 spill. Wastewater treatment plant expert Dr. Michael K. Stenstrom is also tracking Hyperion's progress and developing an internal dashboard for the City.
To open dialogue on the issue, the City of El Segundo will be hosting the next Hyperion Citizens Forum on October 26 via Zoom. Mayor Drew Boyles highlighted the significance of bill AB 1216, stating, "Thanks to Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s bill AB 1216, our current and future generations will know if the emissions from the Hyperion plant are safe to breathe."
