Brian Bilbray: “The scientific data, what is called chemically enhanced primary, is equivalent to secondary treatment. I would like to…”

“The scientific data, what is called chemically enhanced primary, is equivalent to secondary treatment. I would like to make several points about my legislation to recognize San Diego's primary advanced treatment as the equivalent of secondary sewage treatment. Comprehensive ocean monitoring studies conducted by the city of San Diego demonstrates that the present combination of industrial waste source controls, chemically enhanced primary treatment facilities and ocean discharge facilities are highly effective at protecting the ocean environment. Under the legislation I have introduced, the city will still be required to demonstrate that it meets the State and Federal clean water standards through the continued monitoring and testing procedures witnessed today. As many of my California colleagues know, Mayor Golding has submitted the city's application for a waive from the secondary sewage requirement of the Clean Water Act. The city had worked for years to get straightforward, unconditional legislation to acknowledge the scientific basis for the adequacy of our existing level of treatment. During the closing days of the 103d Congress, a compromise was ultimately accepted in the form of a free standing bill which limits the capacity of the point Loma plant and requires significant water reclamation capacity. Failure to obtain this legislation would have meant a costly time-consuming trial on the requirement of the secondary treatment.”