The Malibu Township Council sued Los Angeles County on Friday seeking to block construction of a $43-million sewer system, alleging fraud, unfair tax assessments and violation of environmental laws.

John Murdock, the attorney who brought the Los Angeles Superior Court suit for the community group, also sought a temporary restraining order to halt recording and levying of tax assessments for the controversial sewer system. But Superior Court Judge Dzintra Janavs denied his petition, saying it was too late, after learning from county lawyers that the county had levied the assessments Jan. 17.

Homeowners have until Feb. 16 to pay the assessments in cash at a 10% discount. Those who do not pay by then will have to pay the assessments with their property taxes in December, Senior Deputy County Counsel Judith Fries said.

Janavs set a tentative June 2 hearing for the lawsuit.