Settlement Talks Continue

Representatives for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines Inc. and the Long Beach Chapter of an international environmental group agreed to continue settlement discussions over a lawsuit that has stalled the cruise operator’s plans for a $16-million passenger terminal in Long Beach. The local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation contends that cruise ships using the terminal would further pollute the mouth of the Los Angeles River. Carnival officials, however, maintain that their plans comply with state and federal environmental regulations. Doug Carstens, an attorney representing the Surfrider chapter, said a new meeting date will be set within the next few days.