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Port's 25M Expansion Closer Board OKs expansion; Suit Looms
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| Published in the Stockton Record on 06/24/04 |
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Port's $25M plan closer
Board OKs expansion; suit looms By Audrey Cooper Record Staff Writer Published Thursday, June 24, 2004 STOCKTON -- More large cargo ships could be stopping at Rough and Ready Island soon, under a $25 million expansion plan unanimously approved Wednesday by Port of Stockton commissioners. Approval of the expansion plans disappointed residents who live across the Deep Water Channel. Many neighbors have argued that the port is pushing to convert the island into a major industrial site at the expense of the environment. Stockton Standing Up, a group of residents opposed to the expansion plans, has hired attorneys, but it was not immediately clear Wednesday whether they would file suit against the port. Absent any legal action, work could begin within several months to dredge a one-mile section of the channel next to Rough and Ready Island, and construction could begin soon on new roads and bridges that would ease truck traffic in the Boggs Tract neighborhood, Port Director Richard Aschieris said. "We'd like to begin right away, but I'm moving forward under the assumption that there will be a lawsuit," Aschieris said. "However, we intend to continue working with our neighbors on issues they're concerned about." At the project's completion, port officials estimate that 150 ships will visit Rough and Ready Island each year, significantly more than the 20 ships that now load and unload cargo at the island over a year's time. Eventually, the port plans a larger, $190 million expansion of the island that could create as many as 40,000 jobs at the port and around Stockton, Aschieris said. The 1,400-acre island used to serve as the site of a naval supply base and communications station. The island was handed over to the port in 2000. [read an expert economist's opinon that refutes the Port's prediction of 40,000 jobs] Residents of Riviera Cliffs, Atherton Island, Atherton Cove, Brookside and other nearby areas say the planned expansion will bring more pollution and noise to their waterfront neighborhoods. The environmental reviews haven't adequately dealt with those issues, they say. "The port has said they'll be good neighbors, but that's not true I think," said Thomas Thomas, a resident of Riviera Cliffs. "The serious problem is that this increase in ship traffic will cause all sorts of terrible exhaust and air pollution. Pollution from diesel is the dirtiest kind there is," Thomas said. Local environmental group DeltaKeeper has accused the port of ignoring likely water pollution problems from ballast water. That water dumped by foreign ships can bring invasive species and bacteria into the Delta, according to statements from the group. Environmental consultants for the port suggested few ways to deal with the possible environmental impacts. The consultants' report said the port had little or no authority over ship pollution and ballast water. It also was suggested that the port pay for air-conditioning and dual-pane windows for residents who might be affected by noise from the shipping operations. Port Commissioner Steve Herum, a local attorney who often deals in environmental lawsuits, said he was satisfied that the environmental reviews were legally adequate. The plans to dredge the channel and build roads would improve local neighborhoods by redirecting ship and truck traffic, he said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * To reach reporter Audrey Cooper, phone (209) 546-8298 or e-mail acooper@recordnet.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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