Regional officials consider Malibu septic tank ban

Water regulators have taken a step toward banning septic tanks in the heart of Malibu, Calif., after a battle over bacterial pollution at popular beaches.

Residents and city leaders have long opposed switching from septic tanks to sewer pipes because the infrastructure could be used to bring massive development to the rustic community.

Members of the Los Angeles regional water board on Thursday directed staff to draft a plan that would yank the city's ability to manage commercial septic systems in its center.

The plan would also ban septic tanks in the area and propose a wastewater treatment plant. The water board is expected to consider those plans within a year.