From the Monterey County Herald
Serving Monterey County and the Salinas Valley

September 15, 2005

L E T T E R S

Full compliance on runoff

The Herald headline "Stormy runoff battle looms" (Aug.27) must have brought a wry smile to Woody Woodworth, longtime area water guru. Over the past 30 years, Woody has warned the local coastal jurisdictions that they must address the increasing menace of wastewater runoff pollution into the coastal waters, long designated as Areas of Biological Significance.

Recent reports by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Ocean Commission have identified storm runoff as the No. 1 threat to California's coastal waters. In response, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has finally issued cease and desist orders that require these communities to prevent this runoff. Unfortunately, the SWRCB is already undermining this action by encouraging dischargers to apply for exceptions.

Enlightened self-interest alone should dictate full compliance with the orders, not only because these communities are primarily dependent on these coastal resources, but also because we, as privileged inhabitants, have an obligation to conserve our treasured natural resources for posterity.

What are we waiting for?

Janice M. O'Brien
Pebble Beach