Planners crack down on dust

Eron Ben-Yehuda

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- The Planning Commission decided Tuesday to crack down

on “fugitive dust” caused by dirt that blows off construction projects.

By a 6-0 vote, the commission approved soil removal at an abandoned oil

field near Goldenwest Street and Palm Avenue, but not before adding

conditions to protect nearby residents from the dust that covers houses,

cars and trees. Commissioner Fred Speaker was absent.

The commission required that mounds of dirt not be piled higher than 8

feet, that a nylon mesh wind breaker surround the site and that city

staff increase inspections, with the cost reimbursed by the developer.

Complaints by residents about the dust have grown in the past months.

“It’s been blowing into our neighborhood for months,” said resident Jay

Kreitz, who lives near land owned by the PLC Land Co. “It’s just

absolutely inappropriate.”

While conceding that dust creates a serious problem, PLC’s director of

planning said the commission is unfairly singling out his company.

“We’re paying for the sins of the forefathers now,” Bill Holman said.

More than 10 other ongoing construction projects kick up dirt all around

town, he said.

But Commissioner Gerald Chapman said PLC stands out as one of the worst

offenders.

“To be honest, PLC has been a rotten neighbor,” he said. “It’s just

ridiculous that these people don’t give a damn about the citizens around

them.”

“We have to take some strong stands to protect the residents,”

Commissioner Tom Livengood said.

If PLC doesn’t shape up, then residents can call an inspector whose

telephone number will be mailed out to surrounding residents.

“I hope that the public works inspector is the best known number in the

neighborhood for a long, long time,” Chapman said.

Trouble in the air

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