 |
 fter an unprecedented 10-hour public hearing, the
Regional Water Quality Control Board deferred taking necessary
action to allow two additional nuclear-powered aircraft carriers
to be located in San Diego Bay.
 At a
public hearing, the Board heard more than 60 people testify about
their concerns about the impact of the nuclear home-porting project.
Issues raised included the danger of nuclear power so close to
densely populated areas, lack of emergency plans, lack of polluted
runoff protection from vessels and piers, increases in air pollution,
impacts to recreational uses, and a continuing loss of habitat
for marine life in San Diego Bay. The Board also expressed concern
that the Navy's plan would leave unexploded ordnance and munitions
in the bay.
Many residents
from San Diego, Coronado, Barrio Logan and Sherman Heights were
on hand, holding signs that read "Regional Board, A Clean
and Safe San Diego Bay is up to you." Environmental organization
support was also strong for changes to the project. Providing
testimony about the environmental impacts were Environmental
Health Coalition, Peace Resource Center San Diego Audubon Society,
San Diego Surfrider, San Diego Baykeeper, and the Sierra Club.
Although the Regional Board has closed the public hearing and will continue with their deliberation at their next meeting on June 14th, we encourage the public to write them and ask that they require emergency planning and protection for water quality for the Navy's plan. Write to: Chairperson Wayne Baglin and Board Members, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, 9771 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92124. Anyone interested in attending should email HumbertoT environmentalhealth.org, or call the Environmental Health Coalition at (619) 235-0281. 
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| Environmental
Health Coalition is one of the oldest and most effective grass-roots
organizations in the United States, using social change strategies
to achieve environmental justice. EHC is dedicated to the prevention
and cleanup of toxic pollution threatening our health, communities,
and the environment. They promote environmental justice, monitor
government and industry actions that cause pollution, educate
communities about toxic hazards and toxic use reduction, and
empower the public to join the cause. |
