Coastal Commission Grants Extension for Malibu Lagoon Permit

The California Coastal Commission recently granted California State Parks a 16-day extension on a permit needed to finish restoration work at the Malibu Lagoon.

The permit, which required that all work within the wetlands area be completed by Oct. 15, has been extended to Oct. 31, according to Craig Sap, California State Parks District Supervisor for the Los Angeles District.

More time is needed to finish the at the lagoon before the removal of a temporary dike, which separates the main body of the lagoon from the channels.

"The longer we can delay the opening of the dike, the better chance the plants will have," Sap said.

However, an earthen berm created for a retention basin within the restoration area is expected to be torn down as early as Thursday, he said.

"The water will come in and start filling in the lower areas," Sap said.

According to a letter dated Sept. 26, California State Parks requested the additional time on Sept. 21, including an allowance for work to take place on Saturdays. The permit allowed the Coastal Commission to allot more time "for good cause."

The additional time is not expected to have any harmful effects on any species, and biological monitoring will continue, according to the letter from the Coastal Commission.

The permit allows for the construction of a public access trail and "interpretive elements" through Dec. 31. Sap has said previously the project should be completed on time in December.