Without Pier

The Imperial Beach pier, built 25 years ago, was damaged by winter storms in 1983. Reconstruction work began last month and is expected to be finished in the spring of 1989. In addition to getting new planks and pilings, the pier will be lengthened to 1,491 feet. Workers are hurrying to place as many pilings as possible by May 15, the start of a four-month moratorium on that activity because of the nesting habits of the least tern.