San Marcos

Opponents of the proposed trash-burning power plant next to the county landfill on Questhaven Road have asked other regulatory agencies to reconsider their approvals of the controversial project now that San Marcos must re-issue a conditional use permit for the plant’s construction.

The requests for reconsideration have been forwarded to the California Waste Management Board and the Waste Management and Public Works departments of the County of San Diego, said Jonathan Wiltshire, spokesman for Citizens for Healthy Air in San Marcos, which along with North County Concerned Citizens and Christward Ministries Inc. has fought the $217-million project.

The trash-to-energy plant previously had been approved by San Marcos and San Diego County, but the courts have ruled that the city erred in not first ordering an environmental impact review before altering its general plan to permit specific zoning for the trash plant.

Wiltshire said Tuesday that because the city must reconsider the project in public hearings this summer, both state and county officials should take a second look at the proposal as well.

“Based upon a new review, we feel they will find incineration (of trash) to be the least desirable alternative--technically, environmentally and financially,” Wiltshire said.