47° CLEAR, Citywide vote?
In Petaluma, lower sewer rates may translate into more pollution
Last Modified: Monday, May 14, 2007 at 9:00 p.m.
Petaluma is catching up to nearby cities, replacing an antiquated, 70-year-old sewage treatment plant with a new plant that responds to the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with a clean environment.
If one group of citizens has its way, however, the construction of that plant could be interrupted.
A petition submitted on Friday could force a citywide referendum on higher sewer and water rates adopted in January.
The leader of the opposition, former Councilman Bryant Moynihan, says the plant could be built for less. He also wishes the city would spend less on replacing failing water pipes and on water re-use systems.
If Moynihan can find ways to save money without forcing the city to renege on its responsibilities, more power to him. But it's worth noting his many presentations have left elected officials unimpressed.
There is a popular appeal here: Want to pay less for everything? Then sign here.
Once upon a time, of course, communities discharged raw or partly treated sewage into nearby streams. This wasn't good for public health or the environment, but it was cheap.
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