For Immediate Release	Contact:	Nicole Capretz
June 30, 2003		619-236-6616 Cell

COUNCIL APPROVES $600K STUDY OF CLOSED MISSION BAY LANDFILL

San Diego, CA... The City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to contract with SCS Engineers to perform a site assessment of the closed Mission Bay landfill. The closed landfill, in the South Shores area of Mission Bay adjacent to SeaWorld, was used as a dump site for toxic materials in the 1950's. The community has long been concerned that the landfill may be leaking and impacting public health. The study will cost $600,000 and be funded from the Refuse Disposal Enterprise Fund. The study is expected to begin in October and results should start coming in by July of 2004. The results of the study will be presented to the Natural Resources and Culture Committee.

"This is an important day for Mission Bay and the community members who have valiantly and doggedly sought to determine if the landfill is posing risks to human health and the environment," said Councilmember Frye.

The Mission Bay Landfill Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), co-chaired by Councilmember Frye and Councilmember Zucchet, chose SCS Engineers after a selection committee made up of City staff and Mission Bay TAC members determined SCS Engineers was the most qualified consultant. The Mission Bay Landfill Technical Advisory Committee is made up of community members, scientists, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, City staff, and environmental organizations. The Mission Bay TAC will continue to monitor this study and any related issues.

"The best part about this study is that the community has been integrally involved in every aspect of this decision-making process," Frye concluded. "We can be confident that the results of this study will be carefully evaluated and studied by the community, and the community will help the City decide what next steps need to be taken."

As a reminder, these meetings are open to the public and participation from community members is welcome. The next meeting will be held on July 25, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. in Conference Room B on the 12th floor in the City Administration Building. For meeting agendas, minutes and other documents, please see Councilmember Frye's Website at www.sandiego.gov/cd6.

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