The state’s regional water board this morning lifted Hollister’s
6-year-old moratorium against sewer connections, shattering a wall
against new development that had ravaged the local economy in
recent years.
HOLLISTER
The state’s regional water board this morning lifted Hollister’s 6-year-old moratorium against sewer connections, shattering a wall against new development that had ravaged the local economy in recent years.
The unanimous decision from the seven-member board at a meeting in San Luis Obispo came with little surprise, as an enforcement coordinator with the board and local officials had expressed optimism in a lift to the moratorium.
It does, however, officially end the moratorium that started in 2002 after a 15-million-gallon sewer spill into the San Benito River bed led to the state penalty, along with a fine and mandated, local water projects to coincide with a new wastewater plant being built. Water board members at the time had criticized the city for allowing rapid growth to outpace infrastructure.
The plant’s completion this year – at a cost of more than $100 million to taxpayers – preempted the decision today by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
“We’re very excited about it,” City Manager Clint Quilter told the Free Lance by phone after the decision.
Harvey Packard, the board’s enforcement coordinator, called the moratorium’s lifting a “great accomplishment” by the city.
“The board recognized the Hollister folks that were there and the effort there,” he said.
The following is Quilter’s e-mail to locals after the decision:
All:
This morning the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board rescinded the City’s Cease and Desist Order regarding sewer connections. This, pending a similar action by the City Council on December 15th, effectively ends the moratorium. As the economy recovers this should allow the City to get back on track with regard to commercial, industrial, and residential growth.
Special thanks to the City Council past and present for their leadership and support and to Steve Wittry, City Engineer and Dave Jones of CH2M Hill for their management of this important project.
Clint
This story is developing. Look for an online update today and an expanded version in Tuesday’s print edition.
