Sea Level Rise Adaptation and Management

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Heal the Ocean recognizes the planning and forecasting that occurs with climate change adaptation will take much time, money, and planning. However, we want to stress, that there is, in Santa Barbara County, a list of issues already studied, with time and money already spent—to fix, remedy, and pay for, some of the situations we know are coming. Including:

  • Disallowing building in flood zones (including airports);

  • Cleaning up toxic pollution in groundwater, which is expected to rise along with sea levels;

  • Halting septic system installation in flood zones (and removing those that are already in high groundwater);

  • Changing permitting requirements in the coastal zone (require setbacks, pilings, etc.)

  • Starting cost feasibility and preliminary engineering to waterproof, raise, or relocate vulnerable wastewater treatment plants, which will otherwise flood;

Heal the Ocean has had this view since 2014, and we continue to campaign for these, and other preventative measures, to prepare for things to come.