Morro Bay Water Reclamation Facility Project:  Issues, Concerns, and Solutions



déjà vu


Speaking about the WRF project, the current Mayor has been saying for months, “Let’s finish what we started”.  Council members and staff have been equally unwilling to consider any change in the current project direction, even though there have been numerous major problems, including enormous increases in the estimated cost for the plant, and the addition of years onto the project schedule.  


For many residents who recall the events of 2010,  this is an alarming case of déjà vu.  In that year, the City was working on what was supposed to be a $28 million dollar wastewater treatment plant project.  Many residents suspected that it would end up costing much more. Then, an engineering firm offered to build the plant for $18 million, with cost and schedule guaranteed.  Staff opposed the idea, as did the Council majority.  Why anyone would turn down such a deal was difficult for most to fathom, but it did occur.  


A July, 2010 Slo coast Journal article by the late, Pulitzer-prize-winning-journalist Jack McCurdy described the situation at the time – when the City’s “let’s finish what we started” attitude about the sewer plant project first resulted in financial disaster for taxpayers.


The article notes that, ““the city's engineering staff, which operates the plant, located on the shore of Estero Bay in Morro Bay, expressed adamant opposition …”  Referring to a senior staff member in 2010, the article says,  “Wade went on to say that "our (staff) recommendation is that you …Stay on the path you are proceeding on. Stick with the project you are currently pursuing.”


At least one staff member reportedly claimed there was no time to consider a new alternative, even if it would be cheaper and faster than the ongoing project, because considering something new would take too much effort. .  According to the article, “Bruce Keogh, the city's wastewater division manager, said "the level of effort (for the new plant project) is my concern. My plate is really, really full. I am overwhelmed."


The article quotes one Council member as saying, “We have been working on this (new plant) a long time.”  and, “There are so many hoops to jump through with so little staff to do it.  The regional (water quality control) board may not be willing to allow us to take more time...”   


This attitude brings to mind an old saying:  “There is never time to do something right, but there is always time to do it over.”


Two of the 2010 Council members did support pursuing the new proposal but were outnumbered.  The article states, ““Council member Betty Winholtz countered that "we have three years to figure out how to use the (recycled) water. I hope you (board members) vote the way the community wants you to vote. So they will have a $40 (monthly sewer) rate, instead of an $80 rate." Smukler added, "If we can have a cheaper system, why not?"


The majority, however, insisted on staying with the ongoing project that was soon to meet disaster.  The firm that was willing to build a new plant for a guaranteed price of $18 million withdrew due to lack of cooperation from City staff, and a Council-supported EIR that focused on outmoded technology and failed to even mention the offered alternative.


Like their predecessors, the current Mayor and Council’s have flatly refused  to do anything but forge ahead on the same disastrous path that has already wasted millions.  Like their predecessors, they refuse to investigate, or even consider investigating new ideas, proven project approaches, and advanced technologies that could save taxpayers tens millions of dollars and cut years from the project schedule.


It’s déjà vu.  Morro Bay residents saw this attitude in 2010 and know the what the results will be: more failures, more huge financial losses for taxpayers, and many more years of environmental damage..