Development OKd on Wetlands Near Palmdale

The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a development on part of the Barrel Springs wetlands area near Palmdale after modifying the proposal to protect ecologically sensitive areas.

But the leader of an effort to preserve the wetlands said the commission acted without proper study of the potential environmental impact and said he is considering an appeal to the county Board of Supervisors.

Landowner Stanley Sevilla had originally proposed an eight-home development on the 63 acres between avenue T-8 and the California Aqueduct. The commission approved the proposal on the condition that no development take place on the two westernmost lots containing part of the wetlands.

Although officials called the move a compromise that will protect ecologically sensitive sections of the parcel, activist James McAvoy said the county study was insufficient and ignored warnings from archeologists and state and federal wildlife officials. They have said development could harm an area that contains distinctive plants and wildlife.

Opponents have 10 days to appeal the unanimous vote.