LONG BEACH - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
scientists have launched an effort to create an artificial reef
off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier to introduce fish not
contaminated by polluted sediment. Five fish species found
within surrounding waters of the pier - extending all the way
north to Santa Monica Pier and down to Seal Beach Pier - have
high levels of PCB and mercury contamination, according to NOAA
scientists. However, the proposal has raised some concern at the
Long Beach chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Robert Palmer,
veteran chairman of the chapter, said Friday there's concern
that the project would impact the timing for planning on the
reconfiguration of the breakwater. The chapter, he added, has
been involved for 16 years in planning the reconfiguration,
which could include creating holes in the seawall, to improve
water conditions and wave action along the city's shoreline. The
breakwater work, long supported by city officials, still must be
approved by the Army Corps