San Diegans Reeling From Soaring Electricity Costs Demand Protection From Higher Sewer Rates

Congressman Filner to Join Residents and Businesses at Press Conference to Condemn EPA's Efforts to Overhaul Point Loma Sewage Plant


SAN DIEGO, August 22, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- On Wednesday, August 23, at a 9:00 a.m. press conference, Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) will join with the Safe and Fair Environmental Treatment Coalition (SAFE), the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego County Taxpayers Association, San Diego Association of Realtors, BIOCOM, San Diego Restaurant Association, San Diego County Apartment Association and other organizations and residents in calling on the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to reach a settlement with The City of San Diego to prevent a minimum 150% increase in sewer rates.

"The EPA is trying to force a $3 billon secondary sewage treatment project on the city which will have no appreciable benefits to the ocean environment. San Diego residents and businesses will not tolerate a huge sewer rate increase like we are experiencing with electricity rates," said Filner.

In 1995, The City of San Diego received a waiver that allows "advanced primary treatment" of sewage at its Point Loma outfall. The 5-year waiver expires in 4 months and the EPA has ordered the city to overhaul the Point Loma facility. The City in turn sued the EPA to retain its waiver and a ruling is pending with U.S. District Judge Rudi Brewster. "The EPA's proposal will heap a staggering financial burden on San Diego businesses and homeowners. A minimum 150% sewer rate increase will have a disastrous effect in San Diego," said Scott Barnett, Executive Director of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.


 WHAT:  PRESS CONFERENCE
 
 WHO:   Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) , Safe and Fair Environmental
        Treatment Coalition (SAFE), the San Diego Regional
        Chamber of Commerce, San Diego County Taxpayers Association,
        San Diego Association of Realtors, BIOCOM, San Diego
        Restaurant Association, San Diego County Apartment
        Association, other organizations and residents.
 
 WHEN:  Wednesday, August 23, 9:00 a.m.
 
 WHERE: San Diego Federal Courthouse-courthouse steps 880 Front
        Street--media access and parking on Front Street 


            

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