..Although Bechtel's letter did not mention community opposition to the project, Stephanie Gomes, spokeswoman for the grassroots organization Vallejo for Community Planned Renewal, said it was exactly that which turned the tide.

"Everybody knows the real reason [for Bechtel's decision]: the overwhelming opposition from the community," she said. "If there hadn't been community opposition this would have floated through the City Council," she said.

The group, which was formed in opposition to the facility, collected more than 12,000 signatures for a petition calling for the end the project, according to Gomes...