Sewage Plant By The Sea? Fishing City Rethinks Plans

MORRO BAY (AP) — The California fishing city of Morro Bay has long wanted to build a new sewage treatment plant next to the existing one overlooking the Pacific.

But state coastal regulators say it's too dangerous because it's located in a floodplain and tsunami hazard zone.

The California Coastal Commission's staff is urging denial of a permit when the panel meets next week. In a twist, the City Council had a change of heart and narrowly voted to agree with the recommendation.

The commission is still scheduled to hear the matter because the plant is co-owned by another agency, which has not withdrawn its application.

Along the coast, communities concerned about sea level rise have been debating whether to move critical infrastructure, bike paths and utilities away from the ocean.

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