The skies were dark over San Diego Bay after the Coast Law Group, on behalf of an organization called the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, sent a notice of intent to sue the Port of San Diego over a planned fireworks display over the bay.

Citing pollution concerns and violation of the Clean Water Act, the notice stated that the firework displays on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July release “substantial amounts of pollution into San Diego Bay.”

Marco Gonzalez, an attorney with the Coast Law Group, which was retained to represent the environmental group, said his clients aren’t looking to shut down the shows, but want the Port of San Diego and Port Tenants Association to get the appropriate permit from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.

”People who think we are trying to stop these shows are wrong,” Gonzalez said. “We are just trying to make them legal and safe for the environment.”

According to news reports, an agreement was reached that allows the 10th annual event in San Diego Bay to proceed in exchange for the coordinator doing some tests and cleanup.

Last week Gonzalez followed through on his threat to file a similar lawsuit to stop the fireworks display in La Jolla, in the name of reducing water pollution due to pyrotechnics.

“It’s going to be quite a wonderful show and it would be nice if Mr. Gonzalez would stop using the media for self-promotion and come down and enjoy the show,” said Deborah Marengo, a founder of the nonprofit La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation.

Marengo said the La Jolla foundation had lined up a pro bono attorney in anticipation of a courtroom showdown.

“We have the resources to secure that the La Jolla fireworks show will continue,” she said, adding that the event costs about $25,000 annually.

—Sources: San Diego News Network and SignonSanDiego.com