OCEANSIDE — A group of concerned citizens is suing the city of Oceanside for its approval of a cement plant, according to court documents filed April 18 with the San Diego Superior Court.

Attorney Richard Wharton, who filed the petition on behalf of the Friends of Loma Alta Creek, alleges that due to a lack of information regarding Robertson’s Ready Mix’s potential to reduce the adverse effects on the environment, the city of Oceanside violated the law by not

obtaining an Environmental Impact Report before granting approval of the project.

City Council approved the concrete plant 3-2 at a March 19 council meeting, just two months after the project was denied 5-2 by the city’s Planning Commission.

Mayor Jim Wood and Councilwoman Esther Sanchez cast the dissenting votes at the March meeting.

The mayor and council members couldn’t be reached for a comment on the lawsuit, nor could a spokesperson from Robertson’s Ready Mix.

The cement plant is slated to be built in an industrial-zoned corridor in the 2900 block of Industry Street.

The Coast News reported that during the March 19 meeting, City Planner Jerry Hittleman said the concrete plant is on par with the environmental laws and policies, and that the site would be improved by landscaping. He also said there would be a 100-foot buffer of vegetation between the plant and the Loma Alta creek.

However, in the lawsuit, Wharton states there is “substantial evidence” indicating that the cement plant will increase the risks of liquefaction, soil erosion, massive contamination of toxic material, flooding and damage to Native American burial ground in the area.

“Friends of Loma Alta Creek have an interest in preserving the integrity of the natural environment of Oceanside,” Wharton states in the lawsuit.

The city has 30 days to respond to the petition.