Chapter

State

Date

Victory

101.

San Diego County

CA

Sep 2008

Encinitas Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance
After several months of collaborative work between Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter activists and the City of Encinitas, the City Council voted to ban plastic bags and put a fee on paper bags in an effort to reduce single-use plastic consumption by its residents. As the first city in San Diego County to pass a bag ban, this put the City of Encinitas at the forefront of the fight against plastic marine debris. As part of the ban ordinance, there was a specific directive that there be significant education and that it be phased in slowly to work with both residents and the business community – developing a reasonable plan and time frame. San Diego Chapter RAP volunteers collected close to 2,000 signatures from residents in support of a ban and presented them to the five City Council members. This victory was part of the Chapter's Rise Above Plastics campaign efforts to educate the public and encourage reusable bags and water bottles.
More info.

100.

Connecticut

CT

Sep 2008

Westport Connecticut Votes to Ban Plastic Checkout Bags
The Town of Westport, Connecticut,which is on a tidal estuary, Long Island Sound, voted on September 2, 2008 to ban plastic checkout bags at retail stores, becoming the first town on the East Coast to go plastic bag-free. At the stroke of midnight, the Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved a resolution, in a 26 to 5 vote (with 1 abstention), giving retailers six months to stop using disposable plastic bags at the checkout. This resolution is the first of its kind east of the Mississippi

Kasey Jacobs, Vice-Chair of the Connecticut Surfrider Chapter stated at the public hearing, "“Since their introduction to U.S. supermarkets in the late 1970's plastic bags have become a ubiquitous presence. Forty years is not a long enough time period to consider them irreplaceable though. No one is inferring that Westport can solve this global problem single-handedly, but this ban is about Westport doing its part and helping further spread this global movement. We can not ignore the fact that our oceans are connected. By voting yes tonight the RTM will forever put the Town of Westport on the map as being the first town on the East Coast to become plastic bag free." The chapter partnered with Citizens Campaign for the Environment on the campaign.

99.

West Los Angeles / Malibu
and
South Bay

CA

Jul 2008

Plastic Bags Banned in Los Angeles
Surfrider’s Rise Above Plastics campaign gained another boost from Los Angeles City Council when they voted to ban plastic carryout bags in the city's supermarkets and stores by July 2010, if the state fails to impose a 25-cent fee on plastic shopping bags. In addition, the council members voted to reduce urban blight and marine debris by banning all expanded polystyrene (EPS or Styrofoam) food service products from City-owned facilities and city-sponsored events by 2010. The city’s resolution is geared at motivating consumers to begin carrying reusable bags to reduce the amount of plastic that washes into the city's storm drains and the ocean. Representatives from Surfrider’s West Los Angeles/Malibu and South Bay Chapters were present to give testimony regarding the City’s proposal. The ban was proposed by Councilman Ed Reyes, who called plastic bags "the graffiti of the L.A. River."

98.

Ventura County

CA

Jul 2008

Ventura City Council Adopts Green Street Policy
Recognizing that stormwater is an issue for which the time has come, the Ventura City Council approved a policy for Green Street Elements and Demonstration Project.

This policy would effectively follow two of the recommendations made by the Surfrider Foundation in "Solving the Urban Runoff Problem, A Vision for the Urban Watershed, Ventura, California"

1. Develop a green streets program and implement pilot projects
2. Promote and develop incentives for community-based action (i.e. Ocean Friendly Gardens)

The Ventura Chapter feels that a 'green streets' strategy is the best way of dealing with the 'concrete jungle' that is impacting the health of our oceans. With this new policy, the city will earmark 20% of the street paving fund to begin incorporating 'Green Street elements' into repaving projects on a citywide basis. The city will also design and construct a pilot project to set the example for expanding throughout the city.
More info.

97.

South Bay

CA

Jul 2008

Manhattan Beach Passes Ordinance to Ban Plastic Carry-Out Bags
The Manhattan Beach City Council voted unanimously to prohibit carry-out plastic bags. Speaking in support of the ordinance was Surfrider Foundation legal intern, Rachel Dorfman, as well as Craig Cadwallader, Chair, and Alan Walti, Environmental Coordinator, of the South Bay Chapter. Representatives of Heal the Bay, the Earth Resource Foundation, and Manhattan Beach residents, including one 9 year-old resident, also encouraged passage of the ordinance.

The plan will be phased in over two time periods, with grocery stores, food vendors, restaurants, pharmacies, and City facilities being given a 6-month period from tonight, and one year for all other retail establishments and vendors.
More info.

96.

Seattle

WA

Jul 2008

Seattle Bans Styrofoam
The foam ban will take place in two stages. In January, polystyrene and Styrofoam containers, such as clamshell boxes at takeout restaurants, will be banned at food-service businesses. In July 2010, the ban will expand to include plastic utensils and plastic food containers. Those businesses will have to switch to compostable or recyclable alternatives.

95.

Australia

Jun 2008

Stopped Overdevelopment of Nobbys Headland in Newcastle
The Hunter Branch, working in collaboration with a number of community organisations (e.g. Newcastle Parks and Playgrounds Association) and a former resident (Ms Penny Cecil – her Father was Harbour Master for many years) lobbied Newcastle City Council, local stakeholders and the Federal Minister for the Environment (Peter Garret MP) to ensure Nobbys Headland and the Signal Station would not be overdeveloped by a local businessperson.

94.

West Los Angeles / Malibu

CA

May 2008

Plastic Bag Ban in Malibu
In support of Heal The Bay's effort to address the problem of plastic bag litter in the marine environment, the West LA/Malibu Chapter successfully helped to convinced the Malibu City Council to ban both regular and biodegradable bags in all retail stores. This victory was part of the Chapter's Rise Above Plastics campaign efforts to educate members, the public, and local government officials about the dangers of plastic marine debris.
More info.

93.

Southwest Florida (organizing)

FL

May 2008

Lee County Fertilizer Ordinance
The use of fertilizer near major waterways is a contributor to the large and looming issue of red tide and algal blooms that can cause breathing problems and pollute beach water quality, impacting Lee's $2 billion tourism industry. The ordinance would limit any fertilizer application within 10 feet of a water way from June 1 to Sept 30. Fees for violation would be up to $500. The Chapter partnered with Sierra Club, SCCF, Nature Conservancy, PURRE, RGMC and Riverwatch.
More info.

92.

South Orange County

CA

May 2008

Protected Coastal Access at Strands Beach
The developer at the Headlands in Dana Point attempted to remove a stairway providing beach access from the previously approved plan, citing geotechnical difficulties. [4:35:10 PM] Chad Nelsen says: The stairway had been a part of a balancing argument made by the Coastal Commission to allow the developer to build a 2200 foot seawall, destroy senstive habitat and create a gate-guarded development. The CA Coastal Commission saw through this attempt to further limit access and denied the change.

91.

San Diego County

CA

May 2008

City of San Diego: Indirect Potable Reuse
Following Surfrider’s and San Diego Coastkeeper’s 2002 lawsuits against the City of San Diego for improperly approving a waiver of secondary sewage treatment at its Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant, the environmental organizations entered into a multi-pronged settlement that required, among other things, that the City conduct a study of all available opportunities to increase water recycling within its service area. The environmental groups primarily sought to resurrect a previously failed Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) project which would result in highly treated sewage being combined with San Diego’s raw water from the Colorado River or San Francisco Bay Delta. Sometimes called “toilet to tap,” the environmental groups nonetheless sought to re-initiate discussion among community leaders and citizens about the benefits of such a local source of water.

After the production of a comprehensive Water Reuse Study involving numerous meetings, dozens of community leaders, and a technical advisory committee, the City Council finally took action. On October 29, 2007 the San Diego City Council approved a resolution authorizing the beginning steps of an Indirect Potable Re-Use (IPR) project in San Diego. The City Water Department was directed by the Council to:

• Execute a one-year demonstration project of the Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) process to begin July 1, 2008;

• Conduct a current flow and detention study at the San Vicente Reservoir to ensure that any treated sewage added to the inflow would remain in the reservoir for at least one year before being processed for potable purposes.;

• Perform an independent energy and economic analysis for all water supply options in the Long-Range Water Resources Plan; and,

• Conduct community education and outreach.

The serious consideration and possible implementation of IPR would be an enormous victory for the environment. Not only would this new source of water be much more environmentally friendly than options such as desalination or imported water, it would also result in reduced flows of treated sewage into the Pacific Ocean via the Point Loma Ocean Outfall.

*This campaign was completed in October 2007, but was reported in May 2008.
More info.

90.

San Diego County

CA

May 2008

City of San Diego Urban Runoff Management: Restrictions on Residential Over-Watering
While significant strides have been made in recent years to control urban runoff from construction sites and industrial facilities, commercial and residential polluters have been too often overlooked. In particular, municipalities have been reluctant to require individual homeowners to abate the clearly wasteful practice of irrigation over-watering, despite the negative impacts to water supply and the fact that runoff from lawns and gardens consistently transmit bacteria, nutrient, and pesticide wastes to sensitive water bodies throughout the region.

On January 22, 2008, at the request of the Surfrider Foundation and San Diego Coastkeeper, an ordinance limiting residential over-watering was added to San Diego’s Jurisdictional Urban Run-off Management Plan (JURMP). Each city has to establish a JURMP to comply with the regional Municipal Stormwater Permit and the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). Securing this addition prohibition was monumental in that it sends a message to the entire region that we can no longer allow wasteful and polluting practices, regardless of whether they arise from businesses or private homes.

*This campaign was completed in January 2008, but was reported in May 2008.
More info.

89.

San Diego County

CA

May 2008

San Diego Regional Municipal Stormwater Permit
The San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation worked in coalition with the San Diego Bay Council to support the passage of the San Diego region’s 2007 Municipal Stormwater Permit. This permit spells out the stormwater control requirements applicable to all of the region’s cities, the County of San Diego, the San Diego Unified Port District, and the San Diego Regional Airport Authority.

Building on prior litigation victories defending earlier iterations of the stormwater permit, Surfrider and its partners were successful in strengthening various controls on construction, industrial, municipal, commercial, and residential urban runoff discharges. Of particular interest to Surfrider, the new permit contains a requirement that local jurisdictions develop comprehensive regulations for Low Impact Development (LID) and runoff-sensitive site design standards. Such provisions will ensure that the problems of increased impervious surface cover and unsustainable changes to watershed hydrology will not continue. With most new development now required to accommodate historic water infiltration and flow regimes, Surfrider can turn its attention to enforcement of runoff standards and mechanisms to require retrofitting of existing development.

*This campaign was completed in January 2008, but was reported in May 2008.

88.

New Orleans

GA

May 2008

Protected Coastal Cypress Forests
Surfrider’s Central Gulf Coast Chapter gained a recent victory on May 27th when the Southern District Court of Georgia ruled that the Corps of Engineers unlawfully issued the exemption for cypress logging in violation of the Clean Water Act.

This is a huge victory for those trying to protect cypress forests because the decision shows that the Corps must support its decision-making with evidence in the record. It also sets the bar high for what the Corps has to do in order to grant a silviculture exemption.

87.

Monterey

CA

May 2008

Pacific Grove Polystyrene Ban
The City of Pacific Grove has passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of polystyrene food service wares. The ordinance acts to reduce local non-biodegradable and non-recyclable waste at the source, preventing its eventual disposal on local beaches and in the ocean. The Chapter partnered with Sustainable Pacific Grove and Monterey Green Action to accomplish their goal.
More info.

86.

Surfrider Foundation

FL

May 2008

Clean Oceans Act in Florida
The Clean Oceans Act sets up a mechanism for gambling boats to stop dumping 44 million gallons of pureed, chlorinated waste into the ocean every year. It requires gambling boats to register with DEP, pay berth facilities for waste hauling or use an onboard “closed system” treatment, and report waste releases to DEP. In addition it petitions the federal government to prohibit dumping in federal waters.

This campaign was spearheaded by the Sebastian Inlet Chapter with major support from the entire Florida Chapter Network.
More info.

85.

Surfrider Foundation

FL

May 2008

Florida Inlet Management Bill
Florida has over 60 inlets around the state, many have been artificially deepened to accommodate commercial and recreational vessels and employ jetties to prevent sand from filling in the channels. A by-product of this practice is that the jetties and the inlet channels have interrupted the natural flow of sand along the beach causing an accumulation of sand in the inlet channel and at the jetty on one side of the inlet, and a loss of sand to the beaches on the other side of the inlet.

This issue has exasperated the amount of large beach dredging projects instead of looking back at the inlets to solve the problem.

The state’s beach management efforts to finally address beach erosion caused by Florida’s inlets (80% of the problem) will include recommendations to mitigate the erosive impacts of the inlet and recommendations regarding cost sharing among the governments.

This campaign was championed by chapters throughout Florida.
More info.

84.

Surfrider Foundation

FL

May 2008

South Florida Oceans Outfalls Closure Bill
The six South Florida sewage outfalls, dump over 300 million gallons of wastewater into the sea and squandering 100 billion gallons of freshwater every year. This discharge impacts not only our coastal and ocean environment but it is also a waste of valuable freshwater that could be used to help out with South Florida’s drinking water shortage.

This piece of legislation will remove over 300 million gallons of wastewater from Florida waters a year and by 2025 will have created a reuse system for it.

Chapters throughout Florida partnered with Florida Ocean & Coastal Coalition and Palm Beach County Reef Rescue on this campaign.
More info.

83.

Surfrider Foundation

FL

May 2008

Florida Beach Test Funding Protected
During a year of heavy budget cuts it usually the items that are thought to be the most benign that are first to go. So when House Health Care Council puts beach monitoring in the same line item with birth registries and cesspools it bound to get over overlooked as important. A proposal to cut the entire state portion of beach monitoring would be a disaster to the public’s health and safety, especially in a state that derives 85% of its tourism from its coastline.

Thanks to the efforts of the Florida Chapters funding won't be cut. The Florida portion of the federal Beach Act grant for next year is $526,320 and state funding will remain intact at $525,000.
More info.

82.

South Jersey

NJ

Apr 2008

Recycling Bins Along Boardwalk in Atlantic City
The South Jersey Chapter pushed to have recycling bins placed on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, a heavily visited stretch of coast. Previously only trash bins were provided so recyclables were disposed in the landfill.

*This campaign was completed in December 2007, but was reported in April 2008.
More info.

81.

Santa Cruz

CA

Apr 2008

Santa Cruz Polystyrene Ban
The County of Santa Cruz has passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of polystyrene food service wares. The Santa Cruz Chapter partnered with many other organizations to accomplish this victory.
More info.

80.

Connecticut
and
Eastern Long Island
and
New York City

NY

Apr 2008

Stopped LNG Terminal in Long Island Sound
Surfrider Foundation’s Connecticut Chapter won a major victory in their campaign to stop the installation of a huge and dangerous Liquid Natural Gas project in Long Island Sound. Connecticut officials and environmental groups have been applying heavy pressure on New York State officials who had the final say on go/no-go.

In late April, NY Governor Patterson announced at a press conference NY's decision to effectively scuttle the project. Connecticut's Governor Jody Rell and AG Richard Blumenthal also held a press conference on the shores of the Sound.

Mr. Blumenthal, who has been a consistent presence in the fight to stop this project, called this " an excellent case study of citizens advocacy, when government and citizens groups work together” to accomplish a common goal. Dozens of environmental advocacy groups, including the Surfrider Foundation, applied constant pressure to stop Broadwater through a wide range of actions, and found a cooperative state government that listened and worked in concert with us. As Mr. Blumenthal said, "citizens and state governments have shown today that it is possible to fight the Federal Government and win."
More info.

79.

Coastal Georgia/Low Country

GA

Apr 2008

Jekyll Island Protected
Surfrider Foundation’s Coastal Georgia Low Country Chapter won a victory in their efforts to help protect Jekyll Island State Park from development. Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board Chairman Ben Porter announced via a letter to Representative Jerry Keen that the Authority will revise the beachfront component of its plan to redevelop Jekyll Island State Park. The announcement followed a hotly contested legislative struggle in which a series of attempts to introduce protective Jekyll legislation were killed in committee despite thousands of calls from concerned Georgia citizens to legislators on both sides of the aisle.

The beachfront north of the Convention Center, which had been slated for commercial development, will ultimately become a public park with improved public access and beach parking, and an Environmental Conservation Center. This decision marks at least a partial victory for the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island (IPJI) and for other groups defending the general public's right to direct access and an unobstructed view of Jekyll’s most popular beach.

Thanks to the input of Georgia citizens from around the state speaking through leading Jekyll advocates Senator Jeff Chapman, Representative Debbie Buckner, and Representative Dubose Porter, the voice of the people has emerged as the single most powerful entity in the ongoing discussion of the planned revitalization of Jekyll Island State Park.
More info.

78.

South Sound Washington
and
Seattle
and
Olympic Peninsula

WA

Mar 2008

Neah Bay Rescue Tug Funded
The Washington State Legislature approved $3.7 million to fund a year-round rescue tug at Neah Bay, located on the northern tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The rescue tug is believed to be the best defense against a catastrophic oil spill for Washington’s coasts which are heavily trafficked by oil tankers and cargo vessels. Scientists believe that just one catastrophic spill in Washington’s Puget Sound could mean devastation for sea bird populations, killer whales and other wildlife. Such a spill would also cause oil slicked beaches, closing the coast to recreation indefinitely. The rescue tug responds to vessels in trouble, preventing spills from ever taking place.

Since 1999, a part-time stationed tug at Neah Bay has assisted 40 vessels in distress, including a bulk carrier this February that had lost propulsion because of a fuel pump failure. Washington chapters and a regional network of conservation groups reached out to decision makers and raised awareness for this important issue and the State Legislature responded by funding the tug year-round. Until now, the tug has only been funded during the winter, but oil spills can happen any time of year. This new state funding is just for one year. Washington chapters are also working on behalf of important federal legislation that will require industry to pay for a year-round rescue tug permanently.

77.

San Francisco

CA

Mar 2008

Fire Pits at Ocean Beach, San Francisco
Beach-goers have enjoyed open fires at OB for over 100 years, starting when the booming San Francisco Fishing fleet supplied huge public "fish-fry" banquets out on the sand. Since then, thousands of San Franciscans from multiple generations have enjoyed this tradition. However, in recent years, the impacts of these fires have grown increasingly damaging to the fragile ecosystem of the beachscape, and poor usage has often left the beach trashed, challenging the National Park Service to maintain it to acceptable standards.

After years of slowly reducing the area reserved for fires, the NPS finally moved to ban fires outright last spring. Responding to the concerns of our membership, The San Francisco Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation agreed to organize the community to help the NPS maintain a series of new fire-pits, designed by local artists specifically for Ocean Beach, so that open fires would continue to be permitted.

*This campaign was completed in March 2007, but was reported in March 2008.
More info.

76.

San Diego County

CA

Mar 2008

City of San Diego Sewage Settlement
In 2001 the Surfrider Foundation and San Diego Coastkeeper sued the City of San Diego for chronic sewage spills. At that point the City of San Diego averaged almost a sewage spill a day, and had spilled more than 45 million gallons of sewage into local waters during the five years prior. The aim of the suit was to bring the City into compliance with the law, and to set an aggressive schedule for sewage infrastructure improvements to alleviate the deleterious affects of these spills on local waters.

On May 22, 2007, the San Diego City Council approved a final settlement with the Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper and the U.S. EPA that will force the City to invest almost $1 billion in its sewage infrastructure through 2013. The settlement will also ensure the continuation of the City’s successful Sewer Spill Reduction Program that has resulted in an 83% reduction in spills since 2000. Two partial consent decrees had been approved previously initiating these improvements, however due to the City’s financial situation a long term settlement was not yet possible. With the recent wastewater rate increases the City has now been able to enter into a long term agreement which will ensure continued investment in the City’s sewage infrastructure over the next six years. Surfrider is extremely pleased with the outcome of this lawsuit and the significant reduction in sewage spills we have witnessed to date.

*This campaign was completed in March 2007, but was reported in March 2008.

75.

Rincon

PR

Mar 2008

Rincoeños Stop Condos and Save Beach Access in PR
Local fisherman, citizens and the Rincón Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation stopped the construction of a condominium complex on the beach at the marina next to the Black Eagle in Rincón, PR. This project threatened to further privatize Rincón's coastline and reduce public access to the beach. The area is also traditionally used by local fishermen.

Following years of legal and administrative battles, the project permit was "paralyzed" indefinitely by ARPE (permitting agency) on February 22, 2008 because the project is located in a flood zone and the developers failed to disclose this detail or observe the required setback requirements.

The Appellate Court required a review of the location of the seaward line of the maritime zone – boundary of the public beach with the land. The Department of Natural Resources (DRNA) completed its survey of the maritime zone on March 11th. The impact of this new survey is that the fence surrounding the project site is illegal and must be removed reopening the traditional beach access that had been closed by the developers. The project must also be redesigned to be outside the maritime zone and must include a new environmental impact statement given the projects close proximity to Elkhorn coral reefs and the Reserva Marina Tres Palmas.
More info.

74.

Newport Oregon

OR

Mar 2008

Clean Water at Nye Creek
The Oregon Central Coast Chapter has worked since 2004 to clean up Nye Creek through a campaign of water testing, political pressure and media savvy. They first pointed out the fact that the ocean in front of the creek was polluted and making people sick. Through a water quality monitoring program that went up the watershed, the chapter was able to bring to light a number of problems with the city’s stormwater and sewage management systems. Through collaborative work and public pressure the City of Newport has now updated several important regulations and committed to infrastructure improvements, as well as restoration of the creek and educational kiosks. This will all lead to clean and healthy water in Nye Creek and the nearby surf.
More info.

73.

Florence, OR (organizing)

OR

Mar 2008

Prevented Damaging Energy Project on Oregon Coast
In August of 2007, the Oregon Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation filed a motion of intervention with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Florence Wave Energy facility proposed by the Australian company Oceanlinx. This motion (the first ever filed in the world by Surfrider) was brought about by concerns raised by local ocean users of the Florence Organizing Committee who wished to have a formal seat at the table when discussions moved forward in the planning process.

The Surfrider Foundation supports finding new ways to harness renewable energy, as long as local needs and impacts are taken into proper consideration and steps are taken to avoid degradation of cultural rituals. After nearly 9 months had gone by since Oceanlinx had filed its preliminary permit application, and zero public outreach and stakeholder involvement had been initiated, the company decided to withdraw their permit from consideration by FERC. For those who love surfing the south jetty, fishing and crabbing in the nearshore waters, or a nice stroll along the beach to view a beautiful Pacific sunset, this news was a major victory!
More info.

72.

Cape Fear

NC

Mar 2008

Access 33 Kept Open - Wrightsville Beach, NC
Public Beach Access 33 in Wrightsville Beach, which has been used by the public for over 40 years, was recently taken away. When an adjacent property owner recently realized that the access lies within its property line, the Public Beach Access was restricted from further use by the public. The Town of Wrightsville Beach decided not to investigate alternatives for saving the public beach access. The closure of Beach Access No. 33 created the longest gap between accesses within the town.

Through public pressure and petitioning, followed by negotiations with the Town and homeowner the Chapter was able to come to a compromise. With the Chapter's assistance the town will purchase a permanent easement to keep Access 33 open. This agreement also avoids setting a dangerous precedence of closing a public beach access.
More info.

71.

Surfrider Foundation

WA

Mar 2008

WA Legislature supports coastal Marine Resources Committees
The Washington State Legislature passed a bill to support the establishment of Marine Resources Committees on Washington’s outer coast. Marine Resources Committees are citizen advisory groups that address issues concerning coastal ecosystems, including the health of our beaches and rocky shorelines. Similar committees have been working successfully in Puget Sound for over a decade. Now, local governments will be establishing Marine Resources Committees on the state’s outer coast, offering an exciting opportunity for citizens to get engaged in determining the future health of their ocean and beaches.

These committees bring together diverse marine interests, including the scientific, economic, recreational and conservation communities and tribes to address some of the toughest environmental threats facing our coastal ecosystems, such as pollution, invasive species and loss of habitat. Surfrider activists in Grays Harbor County and the Olympic Peninsula Chapter helped generate support for this initiative from coastal legislators and county commissioners. This support convinced the legislature to pass this legislation and provide $250,000 to establish coastal Marine Resources Committees.

70.

Santa Cruz

CA

Feb 2008

City of Santa Cruz adopts ban on polystyrene food service wares
The City of Santa Cruz has passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of polystyrene food service wares.
More info.

69.

San Mateo

CA

Feb 2008

Stopped Destructive Development Project at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
The San Mateo County Board of supervisors voted to reject the application for a Coastal Development Permit and Coastside Design Review Permit to construct a 3,159 square foot addition to an existing 1,332 square foot residence and detached accessory building on a 11,103 square foot parcel, including the removal of one significant size Cypress tree for property located at 324 The Strand, unincorporated Moss Beach area. The Board voted 4 out of 5 to reject the permit and stopped the project in its tracks. The proposed addition was inappropriately sized considering the sensitivity of the local habitat and the proximity to the coastline within the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Also, once approved, this project would likely have required reinforced armoring of the shoreline.
More info.

68.

Kauai

HI

Feb 2008

Favorable Hawaii Navy Sonar Ruling
Federal District Court Chief Judge Ezra in Hawaii ruled that the U.S. Navy would not be allowed to carry on its undersea warfare exercises without implementing further mitigation measures to protect marine mammals. In response to a complaint brought by Surfrider and other conservation groups, Judge Ezra ordered eight new mitigation provisions including increased monitoring for marine mammals for one hour each day before using sonar, three lookouts exclusively to spot the animals during sonar use and stop sonar transmission altogether when one of the mammals is within 500 meters, and sonar must be gradually powered on to warn marine mammals and allow escape. The judge also held that the Navy has failed to investigate alternatives to conducting these exercises. In a parallel case in California on the same day, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected President Bush's attempt to exempt the exercises from environmental laws.
More info.

67.

Jersey Shore
and
South Jersey

NJ

Jan 2008

Public Hearings required for Beach Fill Projects in NJ
Beachfill projects in NJ had some disastrous and unintended consequences. Residents and beach users had no forum to bring up or discuss the potential pitfalls of beachfill. Through hearings, letter writing, and legislative contact, chapter members pushed for this common sense legislation. The new law will now require a public hearing to take place before any beach replenishment project goes forward.
More info.

66.

Jersey Shore

NJ

Jan 2008

Ocean Protection Law in NJ
A new law in NJ will require the Department of Environmental Protection to move towards a policy of ecosystem based management. It also establishes the Ocean Protection Council and charges the Council with studying, coordinating, and developing plans for ecosystem based management in NJ. Surfrider Foundation worked with the The Coastal Ocean Coalition of NJ to pass this legislation.

65.

Treasure Coast

FL

Dec 2007

Protected Beach Access at Bonaire Beach
The Town of Jupiter Island requested that Rep. Mahoney insert legislation that would give the Town first right of refusal to purchase a surplus Coast Guard property consisting of 10 acres, including 900ft of beachfront. The property being acquired from the Coast Guard was to be used for conservation and storm protection purposes. The bill did not include the property being opened for beach access. Properties designated for conservation should include customary recreational use. The chapter raised their voices and was able get an inter-local agreement between the Town and County Commission that not only opened the coast guard beachfront property for beach access but it also increased the nearby Hobe Sound Beach parking lot with 20 additional spaces.
More info.

64.

Palm Beach County

FL

Dec 2007

Protected Coral Reef from Pollution in Lake Worth, FL
The City of Lake Worth were going to vote on a plan to use a coral reef as city dump for reverse osmosis effluent. The pursuit by the City of Lake Worth to discharge 4 million-gallons-a-day of nutrient-laden wastewater onto a coral reef was derailed by public outcry after FDEP announced plans to issue a permit. At a public meeting in June coral reef experts testified that this plan is a disaster waiting to happen. The FDEP has received more than 1,000 letters objecting to the permit from the public, environmental organizations, Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource Management and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. As a result FDEP and the City chose to change the permit from ocean discharge to injection and only use the existing outfall pipe in an emergency.
More info.

63.

Florence, OR (organizing)

OR

Dec 2007

Prevented Beach Parking Fees in Florence, OR
Fisherman and surfers alike have historically used this parking area, known locally as “Chicken Point”, free of charge. In the summer of 2007, Lane County Parks took over the property (renaming it Harbor Vista Park) and put in place a user fee with no general improvement or services for the parking area. Day-use fees set a dangerous precedent for public rights to free and open access to our beaches and coastline scenic views. Area residents and Surfrider activists responded swiftly by gathering over 250 signatures on a petition to eliminate the fee, as well as providing crucial public testimony to the Lane County Board of Commissioners. West Lane Commissioner Bill Fleenor championed the cause and quickly motioned the Commission and instructed park staff to remove the user fee sign from the area.
More info.

62.

Newport Oregon

Nov 2007

Water Quality Improvements at Big Creek - Newport, OR
Over the course of 2 years of water quality testing through the central coast chapter, the Blue Water Task Force determined that bacteria concentrations at the Agate Beach Wayside were often elevated well above the public health advisory level. The chapter's campaign focus was to source and mitigate the bacterial pollution as well as provide the public with better information about the contamination on the beach and incorporate the site into the state's Beach Monitoring Program.

Through persistent work with the state's Beach Monitoring Program, the chapter was able to add this beach site to the state's monitoring program as well as add signage informing the public of the advisories when issued. Inspection of the upper watershed by the chapter led to the discovery of manholes located along Big Creek (which outfalls at Agate wayside) that were occassionally overflowing with raw sewage. In 2006 the chapter began lobbying the city for an investigation to the cause of the overflows and an effort to solve the problem.

VICTORY! In the fall of 2007 the city finally was able to hire a contractor for infiltration and visual inspections of the sewage lines along Big Creek. The inspections led to the discovery of two infiltration breaches, that were allowing significant amounts of stormwater to enter the sewer line; thus, causing overloading on the Big Creek pump station and spilling sewage out of the manholes and into Big Creek. The breaches were repaired through a "resin-cure" or "pipe patch" method without digging up any of the riparian area around the creek.

61.

Santa Barbara County

Oct 2007

Prevented Parking Fees at Santa Barbara County Beaches
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors did not go forward with implementing parking fees at the county’s beach recreational areas. Surfrider Foundation Santa Barbara spoke out in opposition.

60.

Surfrider Foundation

PR

Oct 2007

Puerto Rico’s Northeastern Ecological Corridor Saved
As part of the Coalicíon Pro Corredor Ecológico Del Noreste and following the lead of Luis Jorge Rivera of the Initiative for Sustainable Development, the Surfrider Foundation was successful in protecting the wave-rich ecological gem from being destroyed by mega-resorts when the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, signed an executive order establishing as public policy the designation of the Northeastern Ecological Corridor as a nature reserve.
More info.

59.

Texas

Sep 2007

Texas Open Beaches Act Defended by Courts
The Surfrider Foundation Chapters in Texas have won an important legal battle to keep their beaches open for all Texans.

On September 12, 2007, Texas State District Judge Patrick Sebesta ruled that the Texas Open Beaches Act is constitutional and that 16 houses on the public beach in Surfside, Texas must be removed. Sebesta's judgment is the second judicial ruling in recent months that the Texas Open Beaches Act is constitutional.

Under the Texas Open Beaches Act, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson can ask the courts to authorize the removal of structures on the public beach to ensure proper public access. In 2006, Commissioner Patterson notified a number of property owners that he might pursue the removal of any houses on the public beach and offered financial assistance to move the houses. Several of the property owners then sued Patterson to block the removal of their houses, resulting in Judge Sebesta’s ruling.

Most of the property owners have accepted the state’s offer for financial assistance to remove or demolish their houses. A very small handful of holdouts are likely to appeal the recent ruling, however.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office – which has represented the state and Commissioner Patterson during the legal proceedings -- said that beach photos provided by the Texas Chapter during a legal deposition in Austin two years ago, along with the Chapter’s fortuitous "adoption" of the mile of beach in question in 1998, were key events in the judicial process.
More info.

58.

Texas Coastal Bend

TX

Aug 2007

Beach Water Quality Notification in Corpus Christi, TX
Texas Coastal Bend Chapter activists scored a major victory when the Corpus Christi City Council unanimously passed a motion to implement beach water quality posting per the protocol of the Texas General Land Office's Texas Beach Watch Program. Once the Beach Watch Program signs are installed, Corpus Christi residents and tourists alike will be able to make informed decisions before swimming - or windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, fishing or surfing - in the bay and Gulf waters. Council member Nelda Martinez has asked the city manager to produce a written plan describing how city staff will select locations for the GLO's signs, how they will interact with Dr. Mott's team at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi that does the sampling and analysis, who will be notified by email when a positive test result occurs, and when the signs will be opened and closed and by whom.
More info.

57.

Central Long Island

NY

Aug 2007

Central Long Island Pro Park Campaign
The Chapter wanted to maintain the integrity of several of Long Island’s South Shore State Park beaches by keeping them intact; including the horizon. The now-cancelled proposal by the Long Island Power Authority to put an array of wind turbines in the view-shed of these parks was not acceptable to the Chapter. The Chapter wanted to preserve the seascape vistas of Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Gilgo State Park, and the Western portion of the Fire Island National Seashore. This victory means the parks will be passed along to future generations the way they were conceived by Robert Moses and the way they have been enjoyed for generations. To ensure minimal impact on the environment, the chapter asked for a full EIS, Environmental Impact Statement.
More info.

56.

New York City

NY

Jul 2007

New Surfing Beach in NYC
The New York City Chapter convinced the NY City Parks Department to open an additional surfing-only beach in Rockaway at 67th Street.
More info.

55.

Santa Cruz
and
Monterey

CA

Jun 2007

Capitola Polystyrene Ban
The City of Capitola drafted an ordinance banning polystyrene foam from use as disposable food service ware and promoting the use of biodegradable and compostable food service wares. Due to pressure from the California Restaurant Association, the City had not officially approved or adopted the ordinance. The Santa Cruz chapter mobilized statewide support via electronic letters and broad-based local support via email, letters, phone calls, and testimony at City Council hearings from chapter members, scientists, restaurateurs, and food service management. The ordinance passed 3-2.
More info.

54.

Panhandle

FL

Jun 2007

Improved Beach Access in Walton County, FL
Land that was granted to the public for use as a beach access in order to perform a dredging project was under attack by beachfront condo owners. Property owners were concerned that if the proposed parking that underlies the project is constructed, environmental problems will arise and more beach-goers will trespass on their property. Beachgoers had been parking on the side of the road on this dirt easement. The county attorney recently rendered the opinion that the property is public access. The Scenic Gulf Drive project will place over 100 parallel parking spaces adjacent to the Whale’s Tail Restaurant on Miramar Beach.

53.

Oahu
and
Japan

HI

Jun 2007

Preservation of Pupukea-Paumalu, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
The scenic bluffs overlooking the famous North Shore waves of Sunset Beach, Rocky Point and Pipeline were under threat of development from the Japanese Obayashi Corporation.  Originally purchased in 1974, Obayashi presented plans in the late 1980’s to build a gated community with over 300 homes.  Members of the North Shore community protested the plans, even filing suit after the city council approved the project despite overwhelming public opposition.  The plans were eventually approved in 2003, but in the interim, with all the delays, Obayashi put the property up for sale in 2002 for $12 million;

At this stage, on one of his visits to the North Shore, Surfrider Japan’s Masuo Ueda spoke with Blake McElheney a prominent leader in the fight to stop the project, about the idea of approaching Obayashi to purchase the property.  Jack Johnson made a personal appeal to Obayashi executives while on tour in Japan, and the preservationists were told that Obayashi would consider it.  Local fundraising initiatives began, and an all-volunteer coalition of citizens and business leaders was formed to find money to buy the property and to place it in reserved public lands. That group, the North Shore Community Land Trust, gained widespread community support. The coalition eventually included backing by the state, the city, the military and federal agencies, which contributed to the purchase price of approximately $8 million.

The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit group, helped to steer and complete the purchase of the land for transfer to the state and city.  Fundraising for Pupukea-Paumalu continues in an effort to support the coordination of community planning and stewardship activities so that residents, visitors and surfers from around the world will be able to enjoy the property in perpetuity.  The North Shore Community Land Trust has set up a special restricted savings account for the Pupukea Paumalu Stewardship Fund. All tax-deductible donations to this fund are designated specifically for the acquisition and protection costs for Pupukea Paumalu.
More info.

52.

Newport Oregon
and
Portland

OR

Jun 2007

Reduce Toxic Pollution in Oregon
On June 26, 2007, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski signed into law Senate Bill 737, which provides Oregon with a roadmap for reducing toxic discharges into rivers, lakes, and the Pacific Ocean. The Act will require the Department of Environmental Quality to prepare a priority list of the most dangerous toxics that are accumulating in sediment, fish and human tissue, and produce a report for the legislature identifying the sources of this pollution, the levels entering the environment, and steps that can be taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate these toxics. While the bill is not as strong as originally written, it’s a major step towards stronger implementation of the Clean Water Act in Oregon. Volunteers from Newport and Portland Chapters actively participated in this campaign through the Action Alert, letter writing, and presenting public comments in Salem. Thanks also to our coalition partners Sierra Club and the Riverkeepers.
More info.

51.

Surfrider Foundation

FL

Jun 2007

Stopped New Law That Would Allow More Armoring in FL
Stopped a new law that would allow more beach armoring in FL. The proposed legislative language would have changed existing policy to allow one type of armoring to be used anywhere and for any reason. FL Chapters rallied to prevent this, protecting beaches.

50.

Surfrider Foundation

FL

Jun 2007

Florida Access Legislation
Beach access in Florida is under great distress due to the overdevelopment of the coastline. Florida Statute Chapter 161 Beach Management, had only protected lateral beach access when it came to coastal construction permitting. By adding the several sentences to the definition of “access” both lateral and perpendicular are now protected. The legislation was instigated by the South Florida Chapter's campaign to re-open access at Bal Harbour.
More info.

49.

San Luis Bay

CA

May 2007

Morro Bay/Cayucos Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
After years of hard work from the San Luis Bay Chapter of Surfrider and their allies, the era of the 301(h) waiver for the Morro Bay/Cayucos Wastewater Treatment Plant is about to come to an end. In May, the Cayucos Community Service District Board and Morro Bay City Council both unanimously voted their intent to upgrade the Morro Bay/Cayucos Wastewater Treatment Plant to tertiary treatment standards. The plant currently operates under a 301(h) waiver that has exempted it for decades from meeting federal Clean Water Act standards and allows it to discharge effluent that has received only partial secondary treatment.  The upgrade would increase the treatment to full secondary and include additional tertiary treatment—which means cleaner effluent and opportunity to reclaim water for non-potable use.  This is a landmark moment for the Chapter, the communities of Morro Bay and Cayucos, and all Californians, as the upgrade of this plant will eliminate one of the two remaining 301(h) waivers in the state.  
More info.

48.

New Hampshire

NH

Apr 2007

New Hampshire Beach Monitoring Program Extended into Fall & Spring
The New Hampshire beach monitoring program has been extended beyond the typical summer season. This important victory can be attributed to the energy and motivation of the newly formed New Hampshire Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
More info.

47.

Eastern Long Island

NY

Apr 2007

Town of East Hampton, NY Approves New Coastal Legislation
The Town Board of East Hampton, NY recently voted to approve new legislation to protect the Town's beaches and coastal resources. While creating a Coastal Erosion Hazard Overlay District, this new legislation has had the support of the Eastern Long Island Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation because it prohibits any new hard erosion control structures from being built on the Town's ocean beaches.
More info.

46.

Surfrider Foundation

CA

Apr 2007

Marine Protected Areas on the Central Coast, CA
A network of Marine Protected Areas was enacted on the Central Coast as part of the Marine Life Protection Act. Surfrider and its partners have worked for several years with activists and stakeholders throughout California to help make this happen.

45.

Surfrider Foundation

OR

Apr 2007

Derelict Crab Pots Cleaned from Southern Oregon Coast
Activists on the South Coast of Oregon worked to get 283 derelict commercial crab pots removed from the beach and nearshore in Brookings. The pots, spilled in December 2006, posed threats to surfing access and safety.
More info.

44.

San Francisco

CA

Mar 2007

Banned Plastic Bags in San Francisco
The San Francisco Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is actively involved in encouraging community members and local businesses to reduce their use of plastic. The chapter, along with other environmental organizations went to a Hearing for the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance at City Hall, on March 8, 2007. Chapter activists were there to support the passage of this very important ordinance and on March 27th San Francisco's Board of Supervisors voted 10-1 to make the city the first in the nation to prohibit petroleum-based plastic checkout bags in large markets and pharmacies.
More info.

43.

Delaware
and
Capitol Washington DC
and
Ocean City MD

DE

Mar 2007

Prevention of Shoreline Structure Expansion at Herring Point, DE
Prevented the expansion of an existing groin or construction of new structures to address erosion at Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park. The surf and other natural resources at this location draw thousands from throughout the region.

42.

Argentina

Feb 2007

Stopped reconstruction of jetties at La Perla
Surfrider stopped the Province of Buenos Aires from rebuilding the jetties at a beach called La Perla.  Now they are considering other technologies to stop erosion.

41.

Argentina

Feb 2007

Stopped further construction of jetties in Buenos Aires
Surfrider stopped the Province of Buenos Aires from building “T” jetties at Constitution beach.  The “T” jetties that were a common “solution” to erosion problems are really supposed to be breakwaters (lateral jetties offshore).  However the contractors put in roads to construct the breakwaters and never removed them, thus worsening the situation even more.  Now government officials are considering other technologies to stop erosion.

40.

South Florida

FL

Jan 2007

Access Restored in South Florida
The South Florida chapter regained access to a public beach which had been closed indefinitely by developers in the midst of a construction project and no temporary access was put in place.
More info.

39.

Oregon

OR

Jan 2007

Shoreline Preservation in Cannon Beach, OR
The City of Cannon Beach has decided not to waive land use regulations that protect Oregon's ocean beaches from development. On July 31, a beach front property owner in Cannon Beach filed a Measure 37 claim to construct a motel on top of beach sand dunes long protected by the Oregon Beach Bill of 1967. While parts of the claim were accepted, the city ruled against authorizing development west of the vegetation line. Several Cannon Beach volunteers submitted written comments on this issue and Surfrider also received pro bono research support from two attorneys in the area.
More info.

38.

Delaware

DE

Jan 2007

Year Round Water Quality Testing in Deleware
The Delaware Chapter convinced the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to expand their beach monitoring program beyond the normal tourist season to year-round testing.
More info.

37.

Surfrider Foundation

Jan 2007

Landmark Court Decision to Protect Marine Species
The U.S. Court of Appeals struck down a rule issued by the EPA for inadequately enforcing the Clean Water Act in regards to the use of “once through” cooling systems by coastal generators across the United States. The decision is a victory for the Surfrider Foundation, who along with a number of other environmental organizations and State Attorney General, was co-plaintiff on the suit lead by the Riverkeeper organization.
More info.