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Surfrider urges PUC to weigh Lake Merced Tunnel relocation to protect Ocean Beach
Summary
At public comment, Bill McLaughlin of Surfrider San Francisco asked the PUC to include a relocation alternative for the Lake Merced Tunnel in the Ocean Beach master plan alternatives analysis, arguing relocation could protect infrastructure and expand beach restoration.
Bill McLaughlin, representing the Surfrider Foundation'''''''s San Francisco chapter, addressed the commission during the general public comment period, urging staff to evaluate a relocation of the Lake Merced Tunnel as part of long‑term erosion control planning at Ocean Beach.
McLaughlin said the SFPUC''''''''s master plan identifies a buried seawall as the preferred protection approach for the tunnel, but he argued a relocation alternative could remove the most vulnerable wastewater infrastructure from the erosion hazard and allow for more beach restoration and reduced long‑term maintenance. He acknowledged staff concerns that some protective structure would likely remain necessary for other assets such as the wastewater plant and pump station but said relocation could place a protective structure farther inland.
He asked commissioners to review the alternatives analysis report due at year end and to ensure relocation is weighed in the cost‑benefit analysis.
