Surfriders Back Removal of Oil Piers

An editorial in the Sept. 7 edition of The Times implied that the Surfrider Foundation, Ventura chapter, opposed the removal of the Oil Piers at the surf spot known by the same name.

That is not true.

In fact, in a letter dated Sept. 25, 1996, attorney Roger Lyon on behalf of the chapter wrote to the State Lands Commission. That letter stated, “ . . . in conclusion, we support the removal of all or any portion of the Oil Piers complex.”

It should be noted that the issue was discussed by the Executive Committee of the chapter and the decision to support the removal of the piers is the official position of the chapter.

It should also be noted that the chapter has not taken a position on the issue of whether an artificial reef should be constructed at Oil Piers. Furthermore, the chapter has never taken the position that Mobil should pay for such construction, should it occur.

The Executive Committee did recommend that an environmental impact report be required so that the public will have the best scientific opinion possible as to the results of removing the piers. When the piers were constructed in the 1930s, EIRs were not required. Now, in the 1990s, producing an EIR is standard practice before projects that might have a significant impact on the environment are carried out.

Thank you for noting the efforts of Surfrider members in water testing, beach cleanups and other activities. Please feel free to call our chapter hotline at 667-2222 for the chapter’s position on any beach or ocean issues.

LAWRENCE H. MANSON, Surfrider Foundation, Ventura