Sounding Off -- David McGorrin

I read the Natural Perspectives column by Vic Leipzig and Louann

Murray in the Independent (“There’s more to Bolsa Chica inlet than meets

the eye” June 20) concerning the proposed Bolsa Chica Inlet.

Based on my study of the inlet proposal and comparison of the proposed

inlet design to other similar existing inlets and man-made structures

into the ocean, I believe that City Editor Danette Goulet’s position is

correct -- the proposed inlet at the south end of the Bolsa Chica near

Seapoint will have a devastating effect on the surf zone and will

increase erosion south of the proposed jetties.

This may eliminate the beach south of the proposed jetty,

significantly compound the problems with the erosion of the cliffs and

potentially endanger Pacific Coast Highway in this area.

To compare the proposed Bolsa Chica Inlet with the Talbert Marsh Inlet

is an apples and oranges comparison. The inlet at Talbert Marsh is maybe

25 yards wide and has no jetties extending into the ocean at the

high-tide mark. The proposed Bolsa Chica Inlet is 100 yards wide and has

jetties extending into the ocean 100 yards.

It would be far more accurate to compare the proposed Bolsa Chica

Inlet to the inlet to Huntington Harbor, which has many problems typical

of every structure the Army Corp of Engineers has ever built that extends

into the ocean or on the Great Lakes.

As I’m sure the Natural Perspective authors know, the inlet to

Huntington Harbor has caused enormous problems with erosion at the south

end of the jetty, costing many millions of dollars of taxpayer money to

correct every few years.

Also, the surf is virtually nonexistent north of the jetty and is only

good in a very small area south of the jetty. This is what will happen at

Bolsa Chica if the current proposed inlet is built.

I am very much in favor of restoring the Bolsa Chica wetlands, but

believe that the entire project, Bolsa Chica and surrounding ocean and

beaches, as proposed now does not make sense. This has been expressed to

Jack Fancher at many of the public meetings at the library and City

Council Chambers but has never really been answered.

All of the long-term proponents of the Bolsa Chica restoration appear

to be desperate to finish the job (after working 20 plus years) and are

only looking at the project within the boundary of the Bolsa Chica and

not giving fair consideration to the other surrounding areas and issues -

beach, ocean, erosion, surf, water quality, rise of water table, flooding

in adjacent neighborhoods etc.

When the people and officials close to the project continuously

understate the issues and potential effects of the restoration project,

it makes the rest of us nervous.

The Natural Perspectives column has this very flavor: It’s been a long

time coming and the restoration will be great inside the Bolsa Chica, but

don’t bother me with the details, trust me the impact on the ocean has

been minimized.

I have sent many letters, e-mails, and made public comments asking for

these items to be addressed and get the feeling that they are being swept

under the rug.

The analysis and environmental impact report I have reviewed is not

adequate. I would welcome your comments.

* DAVID MCGORRIN is a Huntington Beach resident and professional

engineer with the state of California.