Truxlers, LTVA to resume fireworks talks

Mediation in the South Shore fireworks case will resume Monday.

Joan and Joe Truxler of Marla Bay, who brought the lawsuit against the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority and Pyro Spectacular, and their attorney will be meeting with representatives of the LTVA and their attorney.

Lew Feldman, attorney representing the LTVA, told Lake Tahoe News it would be a confidential meeting per federal rules.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Sacramento. The March 31 meeting is in Sacramento.

“Joe and I are determined that this thing can get settled,” Joan Truxler told Lake Tahoe News. “It will be settled once LTVA understands how they have gravely deceived the community they are charged with promoting.”

The Truxlers believe an agency other than a fire department should be permitting the fireworks shows that are put on Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend so any pollutants put into the lake are monitored. A problem with that is no state or federal agency says a permit is needed.

In the lawsuit it says each mortar that has been launched in the last five years should count as a penalty under the Clean Water Act, which would to a fine of more than $70 million for the LTVA.

The Truxlers say the debris from the two 2013 events continues to wash up on Pinewild Beach. The LTVA has cleanup protocols and is willing to improve trash pick up.

The deadline for a resolution is April 4.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report