Editor:

It was with great interest that I read the Grant Scott-Goforth article "Eureka Stinks" (Sept. 17) concerning shrimp processing odors from Pacific Choice Seafood, Eureka's largest seafood processor. While it may seem to many that this article's only concern was "the odor," what's really important about Grant's reporting concerns waterfront zoning. Pacific Choice is located within Coastal Dependent Industrial Zoning, which is very protective of the fishing fleet.

Had the Pacific Choice Seafood plant been located north of C Street, the nuisance odor and resulting complaints would have curtailed the fish plant's operations because of the zoning in that area — Waterfront Commercial. The Eureka fishing industry is supportive of Old Town merchants' and Eureka city staff's efforts to upgrade Waterfront Commercial Zoning, north of C Street, however, Waterfront Commercial zoning imposes significant limitations on fishing industry activities. This is the zoning the Harbor District is trying to apply to Woodley Island, home of your fishing fleet.

Even though Charlotte McDonald of Eureka's "Main Street" program put a great spin on the fishy odor, the Pacific Choice crew is working to alleviate the shrimp smell and your fishing industry appreciates the city staff and community in allowing appropriate zoning for our activities here in the Port of Eureka. Thank You,

Ken Bates, Eureka