Placement of Boulders on Beach Protested
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SAN CLEMENTE — Some environmentalists cried foul this week after Metrolink work crews placed large rocks along the ocean at San Clemente’s city beach.
Officials at the rail agency say the rocks are needed to protect the tracks crossing the beach for Metrolink and Amtrak trains between Los Angeles and San Diego.
But some environmentalists say the work violates the state Coastal Act and will speed erosion of the scenic sands along Orange County’s southern coast.
“We have perhaps the nation’s nicest beach here, and they’re dumping rocks on our beach,” said Mark Babski, a member of the environmental group Surfrider Foundation.
The work, which began Friday and ended Tuesday, was ordered after Metrolink inspectors saw water lapping against the railroad tracks, said Michael McGinley, Metrolink director of engineering.
“The waves will wash the embankment from under the track, which would make it unstable and not able to withstand a train,” McGinley said. Workers have protected the embankment for decades with similar work, he said.
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