The goal is in sight 

I tried not to respond to the commentary from Julie Tacker (“There is no excuse for poor planning,” July 16) regarding construction of a wastewater system in Los Osos. I know she has a lengthy history with this complicated project, and certainly knows far more technical details than I will probably ever comprehend in my lifetime. That’s OK with me; I leave that to trained and experienced professionals to figure out, since that’s what they are paid to do and because they have the licenses and credentials to do it legally and correctly.

Having served on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Los Osos CSD, it confirmed my belief that the wastewater system must be put into place if Los Osos has any hope of being the kind of forward-thinking, safe, healthy, and enlightened community it is capable of becoming. The current “Dogpatch” solution is a disgrace. And I get sick to my stomach when I think about how much time, money, and human capital has been lost forever over delays, some of which had good cause, and many that did not.

That said, I’m delighted to see the Giacomazzi property emerging as the latest candidate for the treatment plant. By moving it closer to the community, costs can be reduced (less trenching, less equipment time, less piping and pumping, less energy usage, less surveying and engineering costs, and less maintenance and upkeep). Yes, I know there are concerns with respect to the Memorial Park/Cemetery. But bear in mind that the activities are passive, nonpolluting (sound and air), and can be kept architecturally attractive and clean with proper landscaping and care. The Aug. 13 hearing deserves to be well populated with local residents.

This ordeal has to come to an end. New funding sources (loans as well as grants for shovel-ready projects; we are more than ready) and a desire by the community to put this issue behind us can now happen, if we want it to.