This is what is at stake. Photo: BBOB
San Clemente, home of the world-famous Trestles surf break, has become a battleground over erosion control. The dispute stems from a March proposal by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to place walls and riprap along the San Clemente coastline. While OCTA says the measures are required to counteract coastal erosion that has led to multiple rail line closures, locals argue that it could cause more harm than good.
The latest development occurred Monday, when OCTA submitted an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to the California Coastal Commission. According to a press release from the agency, the goal is to expedite work to stabilize four specific areas above the railroad track through San Clemente that are most vulnerable to failure. OCTA hopes to to place approximately 540,000 cubic yards of sand, as well as repair and replace existing riprap.
“We appreciate the State agencies understanding that OCTA needs to take emergency action to help ensure the ongoing safe operation of the rail line and prevent additional disruptions of service and damage to critical rail infrastructure,” said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee.
The next step will take place April 14, when the OCTA Board will consider an action that will allow the CEO to enter into emergency contracting agreements to expedite work on projects in four areas considered the most vulnerable.
“Securing this permit does not relieve OCTA of its responsibility for environmental mitigations but it enables OCTA to expedite the design and construction processes,” said the agency in the press release. “With the emergency process, it’s estimated the projects could be delivered one to two years sooner than the standard permit process would allow.”
