Several July 4 fireworks shows on Los Angeles County’s coast have fizzled this year — because of tighter environmental regulations.
Recently adopted rules regulating over-the-water fireworks displays in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have caused some tension between pyrotechnic companies and environmentalists, furthering an ongoing battle over the displays and potentially changing Fourth of July celebrations on the coast in the coming years.
The Los Angeles County Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is charged with protecting the water supply of the LA and Ventura regions, suddenly adopted a new fireworks-related permitting process in late May.
As a result, at least one major producer of fireworks shows that take place over the water has backed out of its commitments this year, citing the new regulations. That, in turn, has caused several major shows — including Redondo Beach’s popular King Harbor event — to be canceled, while a show in Long Beach had to find another producer.
The new rules have led to some sparring among those on both sides about the impact and benefits they will reap.
Water board officials and environmental advocates, on the one hand, say the new rules will help ensure pollutants from fireworks don’t end up in the ocean or other bodies of water.
“The permit requires implementation of best management practices,” water board Chair Norma Camacho said in a recent statement, “to ensure plastic and trash resulting from fireworks displays are captured and removed from our coastal waters.”
Those opposed to the new rules, on the other hand, say the regulations are unnecessary and that some of the recommended best practices could endanger those who set off the fireworks.
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.
The speedy…
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