A popular Long Beach firework show called “Big Bang on the Bay” has been canceled this year.
The event takes place every year on July 3 and hosts about 75,000 people. Event organizers weren’t able to get the proper paperwork to the California Coastal Commission in time to get approval, according to Long Beach Post News.
There have been complaints and lawsuits by some environmentalists – who claim the event is in violation of the Clean Water Act – over this firework extravaganza in previous years. Environmentalists also said the event hurts wildlife and pollutes the water.
According to the Press-Telegram, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach decided to take charge of the fireworks show in December. The former head organizer, John Morris, told the Press-Telegram he decided to hand over the event because of the lawsuits and challenges that came with the gathering.
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Shannon Vaughn, the coastal program manager for the state agency, told the Press-Telegram that organizers have to file an application and then receive approval from the California Coastal Commission during a hearing to get a permit. The timeline of this process is case by case, but the law does require the commission to have a hearing for each project within 180 days of receiving a completed application.
“Big Bang on the Bay” is a local fundraiser that has taken place every year for the last decade.
Organizers said they are now hoping to do an event over Labor Day weekend.
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