Frequently Asked Questions

Following are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (MCERP).

General Project Information

  • The Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (MCERP) involves the removal of the obsolete Rindge Dam along Malibu Creek, removal of approximately 780,000 cubic yards of sediment behind the dam, and modification/removal of eight upstream barriers along Las Virgenes and Cold Creeks within the Malibu Creek watershed. When completed the project will restore creek ecosystem functions and increase habitat connectivity, including opening 15 additional miles of stream habitat for the endangered southern California steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and other species. The project will also take sediment trapped behind the dam and place it on local beaches, increasing coastal resiliency and recreation opportunities.

  • The project is currently funded through 90% design and engineering by appropriations from the California State Legislature. The construction phase of the project is not currently funded. The previous study (Integrated Feasibility Report (IFR)) completed in 2020 estimated the construction cost to be approximately $280 million. The project team believes the project can be implemented for less and is currently evaluating ways to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.

  • The current phase (Pre-construction, Engineering, and Design (PED)), which includes completion of 90% design and engineering, is slated to be complete by mid-2027. Removal of the dam is scheduled to start in 2029 and removal/remediation of the barriers upstream of the dam to start in 2027 or 2028. Dam removal will be dependent on receiving funding for implementation, which is not yet secured.

Ecology

  • Malibu Creek was once abundant with southern California steelhead. After the 15-miles above Rindge Dam are reconnected, steelhead will have five times more habitat in the watershed to recolonize, and in particular areas of the watershed with cold, clean water. Increasing the amount of habitat will greatly increase the chances for steelhead to naturally expand in the watershed.

  • Post dam removal, many species will benefit with a more resilient ecological landscape and improved migration corridors. Endangered and sensitive species, such as southern California steelhead, Pacific lamprey, red-legged frog, and southwestern pond turtle will have increased habitat for feeding, rearing and breeding. Terrestrial species, such as bobcat, mountain lion, ringtail, and foxes will be able to move freely up and down the creek without a 100 foot tall dam blocking the creek corridor.

  • Although there is native, riparian vegetation immediately above the dam such as sycamores, removing the dam and its sediment and opening up 15 additional miles of habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species outweigh loss of existing riparian vegetation as re-establishment and reconnection.

  • Restoring natural sediment transport processes as well as lagoon and river ecosystem functions are objectives of the project. Based on sediment transport modeling that has been completed it’s not expected that significant impacts to the lagoon will occur. However, because of the ecological importance of the lagoon the project will monitor for increased turbidity and sedimentation and adaptively manage to ensure the lagoon is not negatively impacted.

Flooding

  • Analysis of flooding is a critical part of the project. Currently, the dam and upstream barriers proposed for removal do not provide flood attenuation or retention of sediment. Rindge Dam is completely full of sediment and does not currently store water or sediment. The upstream barriers also do not store water or sediment. Detailed hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment transport modeling are being completed to understand the dynamics of the creek and ensure the project does not increase flood risk to the community.

  • Removal of the dam will not cause additional flooding in heavy rains. Currently, the dam is completely full of sediment and provides no flood attenuation capacity. It no longer holds any water or sediment. Detailed hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment transport modeling are being completed to understand the dynamics of the creek and ensure the project does not increase flood risk to the community.

  • Removal of the dam will not cause additional flooding. Currently, the dam is completely full of sediment and provides no flood attenuation capacity. It no longer holds any water or sediment. Detailed hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment transport modeling are being completed to understand the dynamics of the creek and ensure the project does not increase flood risk to the community.

Sediment/ Surf

  • The sediment trapped behind the dam will be beneficially re-used as much as possible. The sand material will be taken to local beaches for beach replenishment. The gravel, cobbles and boulders will be stored at an upland site for beneficial reuse along the coast. The silts and clays will be allowed to naturally transport downstream, taken to a landfill for disposal, and/or placed on State Parks lands for permanent storage.

  • State Parks is currently finalizing a Surf Break Study to analyze the impacts to Surfrider Beach from the project. The study analyzes the effects of releasing some sediment from behind Rindge Dam downstream and what the effect could be on the waves at Surfrider Beach and specifically the effects to surfing. Surfrider Beach is a word renowned surf break and is the only surf break listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ensuring the project does not negatively impact the surf break is vitally important. Final results of the study will be released once completed.  

  • Rindge Dam is currently full of sediment and is not holding back sediment in Malibu Creek. Sediment flow from the creek would only change if the project releases some of the sediment trapped behind the dam. If that were to occur, turbidity and sediment would be monitored and adaptive management actions taken to ensure Malibu Lagoon is not negatively impacted.

Traffic

  • Removal of the dam and the sediment trapped behind the dam involves trucking most of the material out of the canyon via haul trucks. This will inevitably increase the amount of vehicles on local roads. State Parks is working closely with local cities, LA County, and partners to minimize traffic as much as possible. Some measures include limiting hauling to non-peak traffic hours (approximately 9am – 3pm), installing temporary traffic lights and turn lanes, reducing the distance trucks have to travel, and reducing the total amount of trucks on local roads as much as possible.

  • Dam removal is anticipated to take 6-7 years and will occur during the dry season (approximately April – Oct) due to work within Malibu Creek. Work will be limited to daylight hours and during the weekdays. Trucking sediment out from behind the dam will occur during non-peak traffic hours (approximately 9am – 3pm).

  • Please see https://www.parks.ca.gov/mcerp for updates on the project and the timeline. The construction schedule will be posted as the project gets closer to construction.