The Bolsa Chica Marina Channel

Jan Vandersloot’s letter (July 19) regarding wetlands at Bolsa Chica was misinformed. SB 1517, authored by state Sen. Marian Bergeson, has no role in defining the extent of wetlands, contrary to Vandersloot’s assertions.

The California Coastal Commission, with guidance from the Department of Fish and Game, has mandated that 915 acres of degraded lowlands at Bolsa Chica be restored to fully viable wetlands. It will be the largest environmental project of its kind ever attempted on the West Coast.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received several reports concerning the number of wetland acres in the Bolsa Chica lowlands. It is misleading to identify but one report and characterize that as EPA’s position. Contrary to Vandersloot’s statement, EPA has yet to make its wetland determination for Bolsa Chica.

The Bolsa Chica land-use plan requires that adequate legal and institutional arrangements, plus a financing plan for the successful establishment, management, operation and maintenance of the wetlands, be provided in the Bolsa Chica Local Coastal Program.

Sen. Bergeson’s legislation is in partial response. It will form a governmental entity, to be set up at Signal’s expense. A key responsibility will be restoration and maintenance of the wetlands under direction by the Department of Fish and Game.

SB 1517, contrary to Vandersloot, does not mandate destruction of wetlands nor preempt the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission.

Vandersloot’s criticism of Sen. Bergeson is 100% off the mark. She should be credited with helping to solve a very difficult environmental challenge.

DARLENE FROST

Vice President,

Signal Landmark Inc.