Below is a listing of several arguments against site A-8 at top of Sunnycrest Drive.
1) Inconsistency with OP Area Plan
(Ventura Co. Gen'l Plan)
a - openspace and preservation
b - protection of endangered species
2) Impacts Palo Camado Cyn and NPS land
3) Not within Conifer service zone
4) Abuts major natural gas transmission line
5) Abuts wildlife water source
6) High impact on recreational users
7) Impact on Country Glen and Ridgefield
8) Incomplete and misleading cost estimates
9) Misleading pictorial depictions
10) Unknown reason for site preference
More detail:
ITEMS 1 & 2
Site is inconsistent with Oak Park Area Plan (part of Ventura County General Plan)
Clause:
Item 1.3 Biological Resources, 1.3.1 Goals, 3. "Preserve "threatened" and "endangered" species."
Inconsistency:
Endangered plants have been discovered within and adjacent to the perimeter of the proposed tank at site A8.
Clause:
Item 1.4 Scenic Resources, 1.4.1 Goals
1. "Preserve and protect the significant open views and vistas of the natural features endemic to the Oak Park Area of Interest."
Inconsistency:
Site A8 is directly in the path of a primary access to Palo Camado Canyon, one of the most significant natural and scenic resources in the East County. The area is presently entirely natural and the tank would destroy its undisturbed state.
ITEM 3
Site is not located in the area it serves
Presently, all tanks are located in the zones they serve. This enhances their value in the purpose for which they were designed: emergency water source. Locating the tank away from the Conifer Zone increases the possibility of interruption in provision of water to that zone in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.
ITEM 4
Site is immediately adjacent to a major natural gas line
Construction and other activities related to siting the tank within mere feet of a major natural gas transmission line present undue hazard to residents. Costs of rerouting pipeline are not included in estimates and no consideration has been given to the hazard and potential for fire and/or explosion.
ITEM 5
Site is immediately adjacent to guzzler for wildlife
One of the natural beauties of Oak Park is its wildlife. Water is scarce. Disruption of wildlife's access to water would be detrimental to that wildlife.
ITEM 6
Site has highest possible negative impact on recreational users
The letter posted on the official placard at site A8 states that recreational use is a major consideration for site location. The district's preference for A8 is directly opposed to this stated consideration. This tank has more recreational impact than any other site included in the initial listing.
ITEM 7
Ridgeview and Country Glen homeowner issues
Many homeowners within the Country Glen and Ridgeview neighborhoods (both part of Country Glen HOA) are adamantly opposed to site A8 for a variety of reasons. In addition to those stated above, property value issues (diminishment thereof) are a major concern. Litigation against A8 will be necessary should continued movement toward site A8 take place.
ITEM 8
Cost estimates are inaccurate and incomplete
Costs for A8 appear lower on the surface, but when undergrounding the tank and costs of moving the natural gas line and costs of rerouting visitor access to accommodate it are considered, that changes. If these costs were included, costs would be far higher at this location.
ITEM 9
Pictorial depiction of the tank is deceptive
Pictorial depictions are deceptive with regard to the tank's size (shows a person as being half as tall as the tank) and do not include all of the features that would accompany the tank (fencing, lighting, etc.).
ITEM 10
Sites within Conifer Zone were not fairly considered
There is a stated preference for site A8 but no reasonable underpinning for that preference. Reason for elimination of other sites originally considered was not given (a violation of the California Environmental Quality Act). Sites exist within the Conifer Zone that are equally suitable, more suitable when considering the risk of a remotely located tank as discussed above.
