Eco-Friendly Retail Center Launched in Malibu

LOCATION: Malibu, CA
DESCRIPTION: IWS was selected by the Developers (longtime Malibu residents Richard Weintraub and Richard Sperber) and their General Contractor, Matt Construction (Santa Fe Springs, CA), to construct the system which included equalization tanks, a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system, and an extensive drip irrigation dispersal system.

IWS was selected not only because of their reputation for quality work but also because of their success in completing similar projects in the area. This project was a confirmation of IWS ability to perform

High Profile Project
The former Malibu Lumber Yard has been transformed from a building supply business to a high-end commercial complex, with environmental sensitivity as the watchword during the centers planning and construction. Located on 2.7 acres at the intersection of Cross Creek Road and Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, CA, the two story open air complex has 30,000 ft2 of retail space and was designed with eco-conscious materials which include low flow faucets and toilets, water wise landscaping, and decomposed granite driveways. The onsite wastewater system has been designed to produce Title 22 water quality and meet very stringent subsurface discharge requirements – maybe the most stringent in the State of California for an onsite system of its size. Malibu experience was critical. IWS was selected by the Developers (longtime Malibu residents Richard Weintraub and Richard Sperber) and their General Contractor, Matt Construction (Santa Fe Springs, CA), to construct the system which included equalization tanks, a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system, and an extensive drip irrigation dispersal system. IWS has constructed a number of high profile onsite wastewater treatment systems in Malibu and was well qualified to meet the challenges for the Malibu Lumber Yard project.

Project Challenges
The Lumber Yard project was complex and required dealing with a number of variables to ensure success which included:

a) the first MBR system constructed below grade (due to space limitations) worldwide

b) due to tight site conditions and schedule constraints, IWS installed the concrete vaults first and then installed the MBR components later in the project when they arrived at the site

c) there were changes to the equipment specified during the construction phase of the project

d) the site required dewatering and treatment of millions of gallons of groundwater before being discharged

e) extensive shoring to secure the deep excavations for the tanks and treatment equipment

f) there were numerous trades working at the site in tight conditions which required coordination and timing to keep the overall project moving forward

Unique Total Nitrogen Limits
Malibu Lumber site is located in the “Civic Center Area” of Malibu which was declared an environmentally sensitive area by the EPA and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB). Although the drinking water limits for Total Nitrogen are 10 mg/l, the limits for the discharge from the system were set by the LARWQCB at 3 mg/l Total Nitrogen, which may have been the lowest Total Nitrogen limit for an onsite wastewater treatment system in the State of California at the time. In addition, the effluent had to meet Title 22 requirements, which is the level of treatment required in California for water that may come in contact with humans. These very stringent discharge limits required an MBR treatment technology and sophisticated control system and instrumentation.

Team Effort
The complexity of the project and tight schedule required cooperation and a team effort of various professionals. Matt Construction was the General Contractor for the retail center and IWS worked closely with the Matt Construction team on all aspects of the wastewater system. Dewatering was a critical aspect of the project due to shallow groundwater at the site, with several million gallons of groundwater having to be pumped and treated before being disposed of under an NPDES permit in the Malibu Lagoon. IWS teamed with Jerry King, CEO of Hydroquip, to provide the dewatering services which included the NPDES permit, pump test, and pump down of the groundwater. Pure Effect provided the treatment system and sampling/analytical support to treat the groundwater before being discharged under the NPDES permit.

Due to the nature of the project and permitting environment, there were changes to the plans during the course of the project which required close coordination with the design engineer for the project, John Yaroslaski, PE of Ensitu Engineering of Morro Bay, California. Reflecting on the project Yaroslaski said “IWS was proactive in raising constructability issues and anticipating potential concerns. Due to the schedule, we were in constant communication with IWS and had a great working relationship. We would highly recommend IWS to construct our future systems.”

System Design
The wastewater treatment system was designed and permitted to comply with both Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements as well as City of Malibu Dept of Env. Health requirements. The system, designed by Ensitu Engineering, in Morro Bay California, was one of the first MBRs installed in Malibu and the very first to be designed and installed below grade.

Accelerated Schedule
As the permit and discharge requirements were resolved, the final design of the treatment system needed to be modified to meet final treatment objectives. IWS worked closely with Ensitu, Malibu Lumber LLC, and Matt Construction in supporting the design process by doing constructability reviews and various cost models. By working closely during the final design process, the team was able to make adjustments to schedule and construction requirements. This communication allowed the retail facility to open on schedule and have the treatment system perform in accordance with both the design and permit requirements.

Successful Project
The project was a success for all the stakeholders and was completed on schedule. Dick Miller, V. P. at Matt Construction. summed it up, “IWS was selected not only because of their reputation for quality work but also because of their success in completing similar projects in the area. This project was a confirmation of IWS ability to perform.” For more information, please click the ‘Contact’ tab to reach out to us.