Think back to where you were in 1991, twenty years ago.
The Silence of the Lambs won Best Picture, Gorbachev resigned and the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill Senate hearings were in full swing. If you were the Regional Water Quality Control Board, you were asking industrial dischargers to determine if cleanup of contaminated sediment was needed in San Diego Bay.
A lot has changed in 20 years, but that same sediment sits at the bottom of San Diego Bay, continuing its toxic legacy and poisoning our crown jewel.
Fortunately, 2011 is the year this could change. The Regional Board will hold an extensive four-day hearing this month on a cleanup plan for that sediment. YOU can be part of that hearing and a part of history.
Coastkeeper and the Environmental Health Coalition have spent thousands of hours advocating on your behalf, but we need to amplify YOUR voice. This Wednesday, November 9, if you’re planning to meet friends for happy hour, consider meeting up in Kearny Mesa. Isn’t a new life for the bay worth three minutes of your time?
What do you need to do? Lend your voice at public comment on November 9 at 5 p.m. at the California Regional Water Quality Control Board at 9174 Sky Park Court, Suite 100 (remember to wear your Coastkeeper blue).
What do you say? We’ve got you covered. Making any of the points below will help educate the board members and move them to a meaningful cleanup. And when the cleanup is finally approved, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re a part of history.
- I want a clean bay now: where were you 20 years ago, what have you accomplished in all the time that this cleanup has stood at a standstill?
- I want a meaningful cleanup: Even though the cleanup plan will address polluted sediment, there are too many loopholes that could keep the cleanup from having its full effect. Tell Board members you support the common sense additions from Coastkeeper and EHC to make this cleanup a success
- I want to enjoy my bay: Kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, bird watching; what could you do in a clean and safe bay?
- I want to hold polluters accountable: since you were very young you learned to clean up your room. Why should the multi-billion dollar companies who polluted our bay get away with it
- I want to be counted: Public speaking not for you? Just showing up goes a long way towards supporting your friends and neighbors who do speak, and shows the Board you care about a clean bay.
