Showdown over O.C. tollway is set

The dispute over the proposed Foothill South tollway in southern Orange County has mushroomed into a statewide conflict over where to draw the line between protecting the environment and building highways to ease traffic congestion.

Supporters of the planned six-lane turnpike contend that the road is needed to accommodate development and take some of the burden off Interstate 5, one of the most heavily traveled corridors between Los Angeles and San Diego. They assert that no better alternative exists and that substantial steps would be taken to protect the environment.

Opponents argue that if the toll road is built, it would be the largest project of its type put through a state park. San Onofre would be permanently scarred, they say, and the road's approval could open the door for other significant encroachments on park land statewide, such as utilities, rail lines and desalination plants.

"This is the most significant issue to come before the commission since the San Onofre nuclear power plant in the early 1970s," said Peter M. Douglas, the agency's executive director.

Estimated to cost at least $875 million, the Foothill South would run 16 miles from Oso Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita to I-5 at Basilone Road south of San Clemente.

The highway would course through the northern half of San Onofre and pass over the Trestles marine estuary, which is a nature preserve. About 320 of the park's 2,100 acres would be taken for the toll road, including traffic lanes and two ramps along I-5.

The area contains endangered species, an unspoiled stretch of San Mateo Creek, the 161-space San Mateo Campground and archaeological sites, such as the Juaneño Indian village of Panhe. The nearby beach is known for two surf spots, Trestles and Old Man's.

The commission, which has 12 voting members, must decide whether the project complies with the California Coastal Act. Without such a finding, the Irvine-based Transportation Corridor Agencies cannot seek state and federal permits to build the road.