-November 7,2019-
Frog study delays construction of Morro Bay sewer facility
The City of Morro Bay has been working with the Environmental Protection Agency for the past several years to secure low-interest funding through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for the Water Reclamation Facility project.
Since the project will be receiving Federal funds, it must comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). One of these requirements is review by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. With technical support being provided by the City, this review began in June 2019.
On October 10, 2019, the EPA received a letter from USFWS indicating that, based on the information that had been provided, that agency did not agree with EPA’s determination that the project “may affect, but is not likely to adversely impact” the California Red-Legged Frog and its critical habitat. The EPA responded to USFWS on October 22, 2019 with additional information on proposed mitigation efforts and requested USFWS to update its determination.
There has not been a Red-Legged Frog occurrence within a square mile of the South Bay Site since 1996 says the city.
“The City considered the Red-Legged Frog in the Environmental Impact Report and began the review process with EPA and Fish and Wildlife in June. While the timing is unfortunate as we are prepared to start construction, we will work expeditiously with the EPA and Fish and Wildlife to resolve these important considerations,” said City Manager Scott Collins.
Construction on the South Bay Boulevard site cannot start until the EPA finalizes its environmental review.”
Within the next several weeks the City should know the approximate magnitude of the potential delays resulting from review by USFWS.The current schedule includes construction beginning in 2019 and project completion by 2022.
Batting cages on deck in Morro Bay
Morro Bay’s Planning Commission will take up a request to modify a permit for the former Flippo’s Roller Skating Rink at 210 Atascadero Rd, a 11,200sf building that has been mostly shuttered for a years. The old rink had been fixture in town from 1982 to 2001. The commission will meet November 5 to hear the plan to build a cafe and indoor baseball batting cage – the first batting cages planned in SLO County. The site is near the high school.
Morro Bay could see 35-unit affordable housing project
The Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo (HASLO) has submitted plans for a 35-unit multi story affordable housing project at 405 Atascadero Road. The project would consist of 17 one bedroom units, 9 two bedroom units and 9 three bedroom units.The Planning Commission will take up the application this week.
Firestone Brewery plans solar project
Firestone Brewery has received the OK to move forward on the construction of a 2.1-megawatt solar photovoltaic system on 9.78 acres adjacent their facility in Paso Robes.
Morro Bay Coast Guard expansion allows accommodation for women
The US Coast Guard is moving forward with a plan to add about 800sf to their facility on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay after years of study. So says Harbor Director Eric Endersby who adds he understands a contractor has been hired to begin the remodel after a lease agreement earlier this year.Part of the reason for the expansion would enable the Coast Guard to employ women here with new overnight accommodations.