Opponents to Los Osos sewer project form online petition

Posted: Feb 22, 2012 6:57 PM by Kathy Kuretich
Updated: Feb 23, 2012 8:16 AM

Los Osos man starts petition against sewer project

"This effects everyone, what happens in Los Osos doesn't stay in Los Osos."

Gary Freiberg, online petition organizer and Los Osos resident for 25 years, said the Los Osos sewer project has been technically studied through and through. But the study on the economic impact on the county is lacking.
"It's the most expensive sewer per capita at 190 million dollars, and the economic impacts are going to ripple throughout the county."

He said businesses, restaurants, jobs, and schools will all be effected when the county takes a projected $10 million dollar hit to the economy. He said the 5000 Los Osos househoulds in the prohibition zone, will spend less in the county.

He's asking people to sign his online petition at change.org, which will be given to 16 decision makers... to stop this project and consider alternatives.
"The Board of Supervisors has taken a parental view, that this is the project that we're going to have, and they don't want to hear any more," said Freidberg.

But District Two supervisor Bruce Gibson, which includes Los Osos said this is a project that far more support from residents, than those who oppose it.

"Those aspects have been thoroughly reviewed, over many years and many hearings. I don't see us going backward, I see us going forward and under construction," he said.

He said the project has been studied and discussed for 30 years, and voters approved an assessment vote by 80-percent.

Right now, there are 250 signatures from Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, and even out of county residents.
Supervisor Gibson said, the county understands it's an expensive project, but the health and safety of residents is at stake. He said the latest studies show there are nitrates and coliform bacteria in the water.

He said, "We understand that they're going to need some help, and we're going to do the best we can to provide that help."

Gibson said there are many state and federal programs that have been approved to help residents pay their fees.
Freiberg said the monthly cost is estimated at $300 dollars per month.
Gibson tell us, the latest numbers show $160 dollars per month.