Time to build

Now is not the time to relitigate the long and divisive history of the Los Osos sewer project. Now is the time to move forward.

As I type this letter, the sewer collection system is substantially complete and the construction of the treatment facility has begun.

Los Osos must get past some us wanting the opponents to be punished for their opposition on the one hand, and the opponents wanting the system to fail to vindicate them on the other. Whatever the pros and cons of all of those old arguments, it is time to move on.

Los Osos today faces new challenges and new opportunities. We must protect our water supply and think about the future.

If we can heal the wounds of the past, maybe we can take these steps united instead of divided.

Removing the cease-and-desist orders would help that healing. These orders were a blunt instrument whose continued purpose cannot be imagined.

If the sewer fails to go online, it is impossible that it will be due to the few individuals living under these orders. Accordingly, I ask the Regional Water Quality Control Board to please rescind them and help Los Osos move forward.

This story was originally published September 9, 2014 at 5:38 AM with the headline "Time to build."