Environment and economy: a volatile mix

Alex Coolman

NEWPORT BEACH -- One of the most challenging issues the city will deal

with in the years ahead -- the relationship between development and water

quality -- is the subject of a panel discussion to be presented by

Newport Beach Public Library tonight.

“Can Clean Water & Urbanization Ever Mix?” is the first in a series of

discussions on the environment and the local economy. It will take place

at 7 p.m. at the central library.

The talk will include local environmentalists, medical experts, water

quality officials and developers.

Larry Honeybourne, environmental health engineering supervisor for the

Orange County Health Care Agency, which monitors the water quality of

area beaches, is one of the speakers.

“What I will probably focus on is more the technical part of it,” said

Honeybourne, including the challenges of dealing with water contamination

that originates far upstream.

Richard Watson, representing the Orange County Building Industry

Assn., will bring the perspective of business and developing interests to

the discussion.

“I think most people [in business] want to do the right thing” about

the environment, Watson said. “They’re just not sure what it is.”

Watson added that it can be difficult for developers to respond to

environmental concerns when they have to juggle the public’s desire for a

quick solution with taking the time to decide the best move.

“Some of the environmental groups and other interested citizens want

to have something done. There’s a lot of pressure to do something, even

if it’s not the right thing,” he said.

The clashing perspectives of the library’s panels, which are now

entering their third year, often make for an engaging evening, said

Hallie Strock, the city’s cultural arts coordinator.

“I think these are some of the most exciting presentations that we do

in the library,” she said. “Last year, they were just incredible.”

The discussion starts at 7 p.m. at the Newport Beach Central Library,

1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Admission is free. For more

information, call (949) 717-3800.