New water-quality regulations have led to several Fourth of July fireworks shows on the coast to be canceled. This is why.
Several July 4 fireworks shows on Los Angeles County’s coast have fizzled this year — because of tighter environmental regulations.
The new rules have led to some sparring among those on both sides about the impact and benefits they will reap. Jeff Ginsberg, for example, is a former Redondo Beach councilmember who for a couple of years has spearheaded a smaller Fourth of July fireworks show from that city’s Riviera Village neighborhood. That show has also been nixed.
John Morris, owner of the Naples Restaurant Group, has put on that fireworks show over Alamitos Bay for years; it’s also a fundraiser for local charities.against Morris and the Naples Restaurant Group in 2021, arguing organizers had violated the Clean Water Act by disseminating pollutants into the water. CERF sought to ban the show.The court found there was sufficient evidence to prove fireworks discharge entered Alamitos Bay during last year’s show, a violation of the CWA.
Shortly after the water board gave notice about the plan to adopt the permitting requirement, Pyro issued a statement saying it wouldn’t comply — citing concerns that the stricter water-protection rules could put their workers’ safety at risk.Since then, the company has pulled out of at least five Independence Day shows, including those atthe Bel-Air Bay Club, and the Santa Monica Beach Club, as well as fireworks that were set to be shot off from a barge behind Long Beach’s Queen Mary.
Water board staffers, though, said they sent a draft copy of the permit to Pyro for review and input. They made changes before the final version was OK’d, based on the company’s input, to clarify that the rules set forth should only be implemented “to the extent practicable and economically achievable.”
Under the water board’s new rules, to get an NPDES permit, fireworks show organizers must submit a “best management practices plan,” which describes procedures they’ll use to avoid polluting water. They also said requiring dive teams to check for fireworks discharge pollution on the ocean floor at night after shows could also put crews in harm’s way — and that visual recording equipment could create a tripping hazard.
“It’s worth noting that before this general permit was developed, these fireworks dischargers were required to obtain an permit ,” Johnsgard said. “It’s really not that significant of a difference in terms of the method of compliance — the only difference is the enrollment process.”Still, Morris said, the new rules are frustrating — especially because of his recent lawsuit victory.
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