Letters in the local press show that Dutra supporters prefer their personal opinions to the facts.

RIVER DREDGING. The Dutra operation is not needed to justify dredging of the Petaluma River by the Corps of Engineers. The Press Democrat(June 1, 2008)reported that commercial tonnage on the river has increased in recent years, topping 1.2 million tons in 2007, more than when the river was last dredged.

NEW JOBS. The Planning Commission staff report of August 21, 2008, indicated the asphalt plant would operate with only "five full-time and five part-time employees" (Page 4).

EXCESSIVE NOISE. Dutra's own noise study of February 27, 2009 states that even with mitigation, noise levels will exceed county standards at several areas, including Shollenberger Park's observation deck (Page 8). This is where we bring 200-225 local elementary school children every April and May to observe the heron/egret colony across the river. If the General Plan is amended to allow this excessive noise, must we cancel future outings?

NOISE AND THE COLONY. Dutra's biologist has placed his blessing on the increased noise levels and and their proximity to the colony assuming the birds will acclimate. This is unlikely according to he leading expert in heron/egret colony management, Dr. John Kelly of Audubon Canyon Ranch.

It is too bad the Dutra people cannot deal with the truth.