KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News-Study Links Oceano Off-Roading With Air Pollution

Study Links Oceano Off-Roading With Air Pollution

2-22-10

OCEANO - A study released Monday scientifically proves off-roading at the Oceano Dunes is destroying air quality.

The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District found Off Highway Vehicle activity at the Oceano Dunes is indirectly to blame for air pollution.

The study said it damages the vegetation and crust of the dunes, enabling the wind to whip up loose sand and send it over the Nipomo Mesa.

People who live on the Nipomo Mesa are faced with a serious pollution problem.

"We're violating pretty much all State and Federal health standards for particulate matter on the Nipomo Mesa, which is quite a bit higher than we see any where else in the county," said Larry Allen, Air Pollution Control District.

After a year of collecting and reviewing data, the APCD released Phase 2 of its Particulate Matter Study, which began in 2004.

It found Off Highway Vehicle activity at Oceano Dunes State Park is a major cause of pollution.

"By destabilizing the dunes-- preventing a crust from forming, not allowing vegetation to grow are two of the things that help stabilize the dunes to keep the sand down," said Allen.

High concentrations of particulate matter can be very damaging to a person's health.

"Very high levels can actually overwhelm the system, and in extreme cases cause death," said Allen.

However, off-roading at the Oceano Dunes is a popular and lucrative tourist attraction.  

"This is the only place you can drive a recreational vehicle on the beach," said Brent Marshall, Chief Ranger at the Oceano Dunes State Park.

Now it will be up to the California State Parks to help find ways to cut down on off-roading's impact on air quality and public health to keep it open for everyone to enjoy.

"We're going to be looking into it, and we'll have to see where this study goes from here," said Marshall. "But we are looking forward to working cooperatively with the APCD."

Members of the APCD are not recommending banning Off Highway Vehicle activity from the Oceano Dunes.

They are presenting their findings to the board of directors in March.

They are also hosting a workshop for the public on Wednesday, March 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South County Regional Center, 800 Branch Street, Arroyo Grande. APCD members will be on hand to discuss the study and answer questions.