Groups seek solutions to pollution problem at Oceano Dunes

Posted: Sep 8, 2010 1:08 PM by Monica Quintero
Updated: Sep 8, 2010 1:20 PM

The debate over ATV's at the Oceano Dunes heats up amid growing concern about air pollution at the popular recreation spot. On Wednesday, three agencies met to work on a solution. They included the Air Pollution Control District, State Parks and San Luis Obispo County. The public was also encouraged to attend this meeting.

The 3,600 acre off road area is among the most popular and unique of California state parks. Nell Langford owns vacation rentals in the area. She said, "We need an immediate moratorium on off road vehicle activity on the Oceano Dunes, period." Langford says the pollution from ATV's have made her renters sick. She said, "I had a customer who had to go to the hospital because she couldn't breath."

Kevin Rice rides ATV's and disagrees with Langford. He said, "The issue of the air pollution has nothing to do with off road vehicles." But the Air Pollution Control District conducted two studies on the area. One study found ATV's were the problem. Rice said, "The basis of the study that vehicles are breaking the crest is ludicrous."

So, will ATV's be banned? State and local leaders met and say right now that's not being discussed. Aeron Arlin-Genet, Air Pollution Control District, said, "We're not focused on the ATV activity. We're really focused on other mechanisms that can be implemented."

They're looking to implement pilot projects to reduce emissions such as adding wind fences and increasing vegetation. Langford said, "Vegetation is ridiculous, it takes year to vegetate. Fences won't work." As for what's next, a timeline on those studies that will be conducted on the Oceano Dunes.