Appeal of Port San Luis Harbor Terrace project is withdrawn

The Sierra Club has withdrawn its appeal to the California Coastal Commission of the Port San Luis Harbor Terrace development, removing the last obstacle to the campground project.

In June, the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club appealed the Harbor Terrace project on the basis that the project would increase usage of the fish-cleaning station on Harford Pier.

The fish-cleaning station had generated controversy because it allows fish carcasses to be dumped directly into the ocean where they are eaten by pelicans and possibly get stuck in the pelicans’ throats.

In response, the Port San Luis Harbor Commission formed an ad hoc committee to find a solution to the problem. As a result, changes have been made to the fish cleaning station to make it less hazardous to pelicans.

These include installing mesh screens to keep pelicans away from the station and providing trash cans in which fish carcasses can be disposed. These changes prompted the Sierra Club to drop its appeal, said Steve McGrath, harbor manager.

“Everyone was satisfied with the proactive approach the (Port San Luis Harbor District) was taking,” he said.

The district is now reviewing designs for the Harbor Terrace development and plans to apply for building permits.

The project calls for the creation of 184 camping units on 32 acres including tent camping and recreational vehicle spaces. It is expected to cost $20 million to construct.

HomeFed Corp. of Carlsbad has been selected to build and operate the project, which is located at the entrance to Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

The campground received final approval in June when the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors turned down an appeal based on traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Appeal of Port San Luis Harbor Terrace project is withdrawn."