The Sonoma County Planning Commission took hours of testimony on April 16th but decided to postpone their decision until May 21st. The sole issue is whether to amend the General Plan to allow an exemption for the excessive noise the Dutra project will create for the wildlife, and people using Shollenberger Park. One of the worse spots at the park will be the fishing pier, used by many to observe the heron/egret colony across the river. Dutra had their employees and contractor associates testify in support of the project, often providing anecdotal (as opposed to scientifically-factual information) - stories about birds and other animals they had known unphased by nearby noise. Those against the project tended to be more factual, quoting experts, such as Dr. John Kelly of Audubon Canyon Ranch. It was also pointed out that hundreds of local schoolchildren are brought to the fishing pier to observe the heron/egrets during April and May of each year when the colony is active, and school is in session. They would suffer the most exposure to the unmitigated noise the plant would produce. Must those field trips be cancelled in the future if the exemption is passed and the project ultimately approved by the Board of Supervisors? For many children this is a rare opportunity to learn about the wetlands and its wildlife.