California American Water Company
Desalination Plant
California American Water (Cal Am) has proposed a desalination plant, which is part of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The project would aim to reduce water use from the Carmel River by generating “new” water by removing salt from ocean water.
Project Status
- EIR Out on Possible Cal Am Buy-Out
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District answers the question of the feasibility of a Cal Am buy out through an environmental impact report. Comments are being accepted on the report, which includes several scenarios. (06.18.20)
LandWatch Involvement
- Press Release: Pure Water Now and LandWatch Collaborate on Environmental Injustice (74k PDF)
The application for a general lease for industrial use in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project raises significant environmental justice concerns, as it would exacerbate already exorbitant water costs, disproportionately affecting low-income communities like Seaside, while alternative, more affordable solutions such as the Pure Water Monterey project are available, and its approval remains contingent upon final CPUC approval and reconsideration of its phased approach due to potential increased costs and environmental impact. (02.22.24) - Op-Ed: Cal Am Distributes BS, Not Water
LandWatch Executive Director Michael D. DeLapa pens this Op-Ed relaying the BS that Cal Am is distributing instead of water to area residents. DeLapa calls on state agencies to step up and defend the coast, science, and climate instead of desalination at any cost. (12.19.22) - Letter: LandWatch Writes to the Coastal Commission in Advance of Permit Decision (453K PDF)
LandWatch notes the California Coastal Act prioritizes public benefits over private interests. In the case of Cal Am’s desalination plant consistency with the Coastal Act, this isn’t even a close call. For these reasons LandWatch asks for a denial of the permit. (11.11.22) - Letter: LandWatch Provides Comments to the Coastal Commission on CalAm’s Plans (214K PDF)
LandWatch provided comments to the California Coastal Commission on CalAm’s proposed desalination plant. Requesting the Commission delay action was first. This was followed by a request to deny the application if delay wasn’t feasible on the grounds of missing information required under the Coastal Act:
(1) The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC’s) pending adjudication of the water supply and demand assumptions; and
(2) The pending adjudication of water rights before the Monterey Superior Court and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). (10.18.22) - Testimony: LandWatch Engages with Commission on Desal (193K PDF)
LandWatch prepared extensive testimony and met with Coastal Commissioners to outline its concerns on the Cal Am desalination plant permit application, and support for the Pure Water Monterey facility expansion. Presentation slides are also available. (09.17.20) - Letter: LandWatch Supports Denial of Cal Am Permit (539K PDF)
In its September 2020 letter, LandWatch outlines multiple reasons to deny the Cal Am permit for the proposed desalination plant, including inconsistencies with the Local Coastal Plan and Coastal Act. (09.10.20) - Letter: LandWatch Reminds Water Board Public Opposes Desal (164K PDF)
LandWatch reminded the Water Board that local sentiment favors the expansion as a safe, reliable, and affordable option for a long-term water supply for the Monterey Peninsula. (06.06.20) - Letter: LandWatch Submits Comments to Coastal Commission (624K PDF)
In this letter, LandWatch reiterates how the Monterey Peninsula Water District provided significant corrections to the State Water Resources Control Board regarding the flaws in the Cal Am demand and assumptions calculations for its desalination plant. (05.22.20) - Letter: Comments to the Coastal Commission (540K PDF)
LandWatch supports the Coastal Commission staff recommendations to deny a coastal development permit for Cal Am’s proposed desalination facility. This is in alignment with the staff’s findings, which conclude: The project is inconsistent with the City of Marina’s Local Coastal Plan policies and the Coastal Act regarding Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), coastal hazards, and placement of fill in coastal waters. The project does not qualify for the Coastal Act exceptions to permit a coastal-dependent industrial facility that is inconsistent with these policies. (11.05.19) - Decision: Judge Villareal Ruled in Favor of MCWD (and LandWatch) (1M PDF)
The Court finds a brief stay is appropriate in light of the current uncertainty around whether there is even a source of water for the desalination plant. … It does not appear Cal Am will be subject to any imminent reductions in its withdrawals from the Carmel River and it is not otherwise apparent a brief stay on the physical construction of the desalination plant will harm the public interest. (10.8.19) - Declaration: DeLapa Provides Declaration in MCWD Lawsuit Against the County (148K PDF)
LandWatch Executive Director Michael DeLapa provides a declaration outlining LandWatch’s position on the Marina Coast Water District lawsuit. The goal was to support MCWD’s replies to Opposition to request a stay or preliminary injunction. (08.15.19) - Petition: LandWatch Petitions Board on Pure Water Project
Landwatch Monterey County is one of the petitioners. “A petition to the state water board has been filed this week seeking to revise the Carmel River cutback order to add new, parallel milestones aimed at accommodating a proposed Pure Water Monterey expansion capable of providing an alternative replacement water source to meet the cutback order in case California American Water’s proposed desalination project is delayed.” A feasibility study found that “the total Pure Water Monterey production of 5,750 acre-feet per year would be sufficient to bridge the gap and allow Cal Am to stop all unauthorized diversions.” (05.10.18) - OpEd: LandWatch Supports Recycled Water
LandWatch Executive Director Michael DeLapa penned this Opinion Editorial related to the California American Water Desalination Plant. He critiques the Public Utilities Commission for ignoring existing demand, failing to recognize the inherent bias in forecasting, and ignores ratepayer risks. (09.07.18) - Letter: LandWatch Submits Comments on CPUC Decision (2.6M PDF)
LandWatch and Surfrider Foundation filed joint comments on the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Proposed Decision (PD) on California American Water’s (Cal Am) desalination plan. Read the comments. (09.04.18) - Letter: LandWatch Submits Letter on Cal Am’s Water Supply Project (1.3M PDF)
LandWatch comments on many inadequacies including the lack of adequate analysis of the groundwater basin, fails to discuss a threshold of significance for depletion of the basin, and fails to consider injury to other water rights holders. (06.25.15) - Legal Document: LandWatch Joins Brief Opposing Sizing Settlement for Cal Am’s Desal Plant (475K PDF)
LandWatch joins the Surfrider Foundation’s opening brief on the proposed settlement agreement. (04.23.12) - Settlement Agreement: LandWatch Signs Cal Am Settlement (98K PDF)
After months of intense settlement discussions, LandWatch Monterey County along with fifteen other parties signed on to a settlement agreement for Cal Am’s Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The agreement proposes resolution of a number of contested issues related to the proposed water supply project. (08.02.13) - Letter: LandWatch Submits Comments on Water Supply Project
LandWatch concurs with the need for additional water studies on the Dune Sand Aquifer, is concerned about the exportation of groundwater, and concerns about impacts in the North County. (04.25.13) - Email Alert: LandWatch Urges Change in CPUC Decision
LandWatch opposes the CPUC’s Proposed Decision on desalination because it is the costliest and riskiest water supply alternative. (08.28.18) - Letter: LandWatch Submits Comments on Draft EIR/EIS
LandWatch focused its comments on three key issues within the environmental document for the Cal Am Desalination Project. These included: water allocation inconsistencies, cumulative groundwater impacts being inadequately evaluated, and that the return water obligation is unclear. (03.27.17)
Project History
- Letter: Cal Am Writes to the Coastal Commission (456 PDF file)
In a supplemental letter to the California Coastal Commission, Cal Am provides two technical documents. One describes proposed outfall modifications and the other provides an analysis of potential effects of Cal Am’s proposed slant wells on nearby wetlands and vernal ponds. (05.19.21) - Deadline Missed by Cal Am, Penalties Start
From a deadline set in a Cease and Desist Order from 2016, Cal Am missed the milestone and stated it would voluntarily comply with the 1,000 acre-foot per year reduction in pumping of the Carmel River, while still meeting consumer demand. The company says the milestone was missed because the proposed desalination plant was not built. (11.23.20) - Water Board States “It’s Your Fault” For Not Meeting Requirements (216K PDF file)
The State Water Resources Control Board makes it clear that Cal Am has not met the requirements of the Cease and Desist from 2016 and that the company should not blame others for its failures. (11.17.20) - Cal Am Admits Milestone is Missed (2.8M PDF file)
In a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, Cal Am states it missed its water diversion requirement from the 2016 Cease and Desist Order. It also acknowledges the penalty is a reduction of water pumping from the Carmel River. (10.21.20) - General Manager Outlines the Testimony That “Never Was” (186K PDF file)
In an Op Ed by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District General Manager, Dave Stoldt, he reiterates that Cal Am withdrew its application the day before a hearing because the Pure Water Monterey facility expansion was an alternative that made the Cal Am project less desirable and less likely to get approval. (09.26.20) - Money is the Bottom Line (131K PDF file)
As the Director of Public Water Now, Melodie Chrislock explains that the motivation to approve the desalination project proposed by Cal Am was purely monetary. As a private company, it’s bottom line is to make money for the investors, not to look out for the ratepayers. (09.24.20) - Cal Am withdraws Desal Plant Application
In a stunning turn of events, Cal Am the project sponsor for the proposed desalination plant, withdrew its application from consideration by the California Coastal Commission the day before the public hearing. The water agency says it will resubmit in the future. (09.16.20) - Regulators Agree Desal a Bad Idea
Cal Am continues to try to stop the expansion of the Pure Water Monterey’s facility expansion, to promote its own costly desalination plant. Many regulators agree the Cal Am project is more harmful and it shouldn’t be approved. (09.08.20) - Setbacks for Cal Am at CPUC and Coastal Commission
Coastal Commission staff continue to argue the project proposed by Cal Am for a desalination plant should be abandoned. And, just two days later the California Public Utilities Commission dropped a surcharge Cal Am had added to ratepayer bills, which amounts to a huge loss of income for the company. (08.31.20) - Coastal Commission Asked to Reject Desal Plant – Page 1
Consistent with its previous staff report the California Coastal Commission rejects the proposed Cal Am desalination plant in Marina because of its impacts. The Coastal Commission makes its final decision in September. (08.28.20) - Cal Am Project Recommended for Denial by Coastal Commission Staff (890K PDF file)
Coastal Commission staff recommended denial of the Cal Am proposal for a desalination plant, noting the project’s controversy, substantial impacts, environmental justice concerns, and because a better alternative exists. (08.25.20) - Report Reveals Cal Am Can Meet Cease & Desist Order – Page 3
A Marina Coast Water District study reveals Cal Am can meet the requirements of the cease and desist order by 2022 without an additional water supply source, but requires careful management to do so. (07.10.20) - Cal Am Attorneys respond to Coastal Commission (681K PDF file)
Attorneys from Latham and Watkins respond to the October 2019 Coastal Commission Staff Report on the Cal Am permit calling out what they believe to be inaccuracies related to the impacts and water supply alternatives. (06.30.2020) - Water District Requests Commission to Deny Desal Project
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District submitted a letter in mid-June requesting the California American Water project (a desal plant) be denied its requested permit at the August 12-15, 2020 meeting. (06.16.20) - Elected Leaders Support Pure Water Over Desal (83K PDF file)
Many Monterey County elected leaders submitted a comment letter to the State Water Resources Control Board that reiterates their support for the economic and environmental well-being of its residents. In short, they corrected misstatements from the Board’s Executive Director and supported the Pure Water Project. (06.11.20) - Letter: Marina Coast WD Unhappy with State Water Board Letter (13.9M PDF file)
In its letter the Marina Coast Water District writes to the State Water Resources Control Board Chair to relay its disappointment with the Board’s apparent support of the Cal Am desalination plant by its Executive Director Eileen Sobeck. (05.21.20) - Cal Am Asked to Delay Appeal
Cal Am must decide if it will withdraw a request to build a desalination plant. The decision is necessary based on the technical and regulatory challenges outlined by the California Coastal Commission in its late January letter. (01.31.20) - Applicant Gets Recommended Withdrawal Letter (178K PDF file)
The California Coastal Commission sent a letter to Cal Am recommending it withdraw its project application due to a number of issues including timing, future meetings of the Commission, and application extensions. (01.28.20) - Cal Am to Host Public Forum Series
Two Cal Am proposals will be discussed during public forums. Topics will include the moratorium on new/expanded water hook ups in the Laguna Seca subarea and a three-year general rate increase. These forums offer an opportunity to hear public concerns. (12.05.19) - Three Water Projects Delayed (Again)
The Pure Water Monterey project and its expansion—along with the proposed Cal Am desalination project—are delayed again. These delays mean it is less likely the required Carmel River water pumping cutbacks will be achieved by the end of 2021. (11.21.19) - Commission Staff Asked to Address Issues
In a seven-and-a-half-hour hearing on the proposed desalination plant, the Commission asked staff to address key issues. There appear to be concerns related to differing projections on water supply and demand, findings for groundwater impacts, and how the Pure Water project meets Peninsula water needs. (11.15.19) - Desal Project Goes to Coastal Commission
Californian American Water goes before the Coastal Commission for its much anticipated discussion on the proposed desalination plant. The Commission staff has recommended denial, but no decision will be made at the hearing. (11.14.19) - Environmental Justice Move Allows Remote Testimony for Desal Project
After a policy passed in March to make meetings more accessible, the California Coastal Commission will have its first “remote” opportunity to testify on the Cal Am Desalination Plant appeal. Concerned residents can go to the City of Marina to watch and testify for the November 14th hearing. (11.07.19) - Commission to Delay Desal Vote
The Coastal Commission opted to delay a vote on the Cal Am desalination project to address key technical issues from the California Utilities Commission. A presentation and testimony will still occur at the Commission’s November 14th meeting. (11.07.19) - Commission Staff Recommends Denying Cal Am’s Desal Project
Outlining issues related to state laws and environmental regulations the California Coastal Commission staff has recommended the Commission deny the application. The vote will be at a hearing in mid-November. (10.29.19) - Politics Being Played on Cal Am’s Desal Project
Opposition for the proposed Cal Am Desalination Plant grows, but politics are being played now as a proposed delay is offered as to “not weaponize” the Pure Water wastewater recycling plant draft environmental document. (10.27.19) - Letters Ask Coastal Commission to End Desal Project
Dozens of letters were sent to the California Coastal Commission asking it to pull the plug on the proposed Cal Am desalination plant. Residents, elected officials and Marina Coast Water District are asking support go for the Pure Water facility instead. (10.21.19) - Protests Emerge on Cal Am’s Plant
Facing doubled water rates and massive impacts to the groundwater and low income communities, residents band together to oppose the Cal Am desalination plant. (10.23.19) - Marina Creates Conflicting Agency
The Salinas Valley created its own groundwater management entity, and then the City of Marina creates one for itself. Marina’s district overlaps with the Salinas Valley area and therefore puts a halt on the plans created from the Valley. Marina’s goal: stop the Cal Am desalination plant. (09.18.19) - State Supreme Court Declines Review
The Marina Coast Water District and City of Marina sued over the Public Utilities Commission’s approval of the Cal Am desalination plant on the Monterey Peninsula. The State Supreme Court declines review of the District and City’s petition. (09.04.19) - Marina Coast Water District Files Suit
The Marina Coast Water District filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the construction of the Cal Am desalination plant. The District believes Monterey Council officials ignored groundwater impact information. The vote by the Board of Supervisors, in July, was split 3-2. (08.19.19) - County Approves Desal Plant
In a 3-2 vote, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the Cal Am desalination plant to begin—even without the Coastal Commission’s approval. The Commission’s approval would be up in November, but the County’s decision allows work to begin in September. (07.15.19) - Appeals Set for Coastal Commission
Though the Monterey County Board of Supervisors is set to hear the Cal Am desalination plant project, the project is also going through the appeal process at the California Coastal Commission stemming from the City of Marina’s rejection of the project. (07.12.19) - Opinion Piece on Desalination Plant
This OpEd was written about the Cal Am Desalination Plant and outlines several issues with the project, including water rights, environmental damage, cost to Peninsula residents, and more. (07.11.19) - Hearing Set for Appeal
On July 11th the California Coastal Commission will hear the appeal on the California American Water Desalination Plant permit. The City of Marina denied the permit last March. (06.28.19) - City and Commission Disagree on Decision
Since Cal Am withdrew its application to have the Marina City Council review the application, the City feels there is no appeal option to the Coastal Commission, but the Commission disagrees. The City also believes the water agency failed to exhaust its administrative remedies. (05.13.19) - Permit Remains in Limbo
Even with residents and groups in attendance, the City Council was a no show on its hearing for the Cal Am Coastal Development Permit. The water agency withdrew its application at the last minute and left the public without a hearing. (05.09.19) - Cal Am Withdraws Permit Appeal
The Marina City Council was set to hear the Cal Am desalination project appeal, but the water company contested three councilmembers’ ability to vote on the project. Cal Am has since withdrawn its appeal and will go straight to the Coastal Commission instead. (04.25.19) - Cal Am Gets Narrow Approval for Desal Plant
Concerned with the long term need for more water on the Monterey Peninsula, the County Planning Commission narrowly approved the Cal Am Desalination plant near Marina. It passed with a 6-4 vote. (04.25.19) - Commission Hearing Scheduled
The Monterey County Planning Commission is set to hear the Cal Am desalination plant project on April 25, 2019. The $132 million project is one of the key components of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply project. (04.20.19) - Cal Am Rate Hike for Pipeline Project
This first in a series of rate hikes will help cover the $50 million pipeline project and the $100 million Pure Water Project. An average monthly bill is expected to be around $135 per household. (04.17.19) - Proposed Expansion Lacking Details
Cal Am is getting early details on a possible expansion of the Pure Water facility, but the details aren’t far enough along to determine if an expansion could help Monterey District customers. The General Manager noted additional environmental review would be needed as well. (03.20.19) - Desal Project Appealed
Cal Am has appealed the decision by the Planning Commission, which denied the permit for its project. The appeal argues the opposite of the resolution’s claims by the City of Marina and will be sent to the City Council first. An appeal to the Coastal Commission is expected. (03.14.19) - Commissioners Denied Cal Am’s Permit
Marina’s Planning Commission considered the application for a permit by the California American Water company for its proposed desalination plant and planned to deny it. March 7th is the next hearing, where staff was directed to return with findings to deny the coastal development permit. (02.15.19) - First Public Hearing on Desal Project
Ahead of the first public hearing by the City of Marina’s Planning Commission, Cal Am is asking two Commissioners to recuse themselves. Based on a review of the application, City staff is asking that the application be denied. (02.13.19) - Workshop Focuses on Water Rights
Public Water Now hosts a forum on whether or not Cal Am actually has water rights to “use” for its desalination plant. The project involves tapping Marina’s water supply, hence the concern for lack of rights to the water. (01.28.19) - Marina to Consider Desal Application
The California American Water Desalination Plant permit application for a Coastal Development Permit is being considered by the City of Marina. The City’s Planning Commission will likely hear the application on February 14th. (01.21.19) - Petitioners Seek Rehearing by CPUC
In a request to the California Public Utilities Commission, the City of Marina and the Marina Coast Water District request the Commission rehear the Cal Am desalination project—all of this while their case is pending review by the California Supreme Court. Ultimately they seek a rehearing to reverse the decision. (10.24.18) - Agencies Sue Cal Am Over Desal Plant
The City of Marina and Marina Coast Water District are litigating the CPUC’s decision to approve the environmental review and has asked the State Supreme Court to overturn the decision. (10.17.18) - Two Agencies Sue on Desal Plant Decision
The Marina Coast Water District and City of Marina have taken the Cal Am Desalination Plant approval to the State Supreme Court after the Public Utilities Commission approved it in September. At least one of the claims is that the California Environmental Quality Act was violated. (10.15.18) - Marina Takes the Hit on Desal Plant, With No Water
The California Public Utilities Commission is allowing the Cal Am desal plant to move forward, which may be great news for some cities that would get water, but not for Marina where the plant would be built. This means Marina, where less affluent residents live, will absorb the associated impacts—especially environmental—with little fight from the permitting agencies. (10.02.18) - Water Agencies Fight Each Other
Public Water Now pushes back against Cal Am’s $1 billion estimate for its water system stating that it is a scare tactic. Public Water Now is advocating for Measure J which allows for a public buy out of the system and this number may scare voters. (09.20.18) - What the CPUC Decision Means
The slightly revised decision from the CPUC includes fewer protections for the ratepayers, but requires Cal Am to investigate expanding the Pure Water facility—but not actually expand it if it is a viable option. (09.14.18) - CPUC Gives Thumbs Up to Project
The California Public Utilities Commission gave a unanimous go ahead to the Cal Am desalination project and its environmental review documents even with massive miscalculations and comments from the public, agencies, and non-profits like LandWatch. (09.13.18) - Questions Remain as Decision Moves Closer
The California Utilities Commission is poised to make a decision on the Cal Am desalination project, but huge questions loom. Mainly, how does the project’s financial risk get absorbed (ratepayers or shareholders)? (09.13.17) - Cal Am’s Bad Math Could Mean 50% Greater Costs
Unrealistic assumptions and bad math on the Cal Am project could lead to costly and risky outcome. (09.13.18) - Cal Am Decision Thursday by CPUC
Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission considers a proposed desal project—and will consider the project’s environmental review documents. LandWatch and others have submitted comments opposing this costly and risky alternative. (09.08.18) - All Commissioners Attend CPUC Hearing
All five commissioners attended the California Public Utilities Commission hearing on the proposed desalination plan. The Commission asked questions on the water demands of the Peninsula, sizing and capacity requirements were questioned as well. (08.23.18) - CPUC Recommends Approval of Desal Plant
California American Water’s desalination project received a proposed decision from a three-judge panel with the California Public Utilities Commission. In the 220+ page filing, the panel found the desal plant was the best option available for an expeditious replacement of much needed water and will help reduce pumping from the Seaside basin. (08.14.18) - Desal Plants Gets CPUC’s Blessing
Cal Am had been withdrawing 14,100 acre feet of water per year for Monterey Peninsula residents, but were only legally entitled to 3,376. Now, after 23 years of turmoil, a solution is here. Cal Am has proposed a desalination plant in Marina to replace the “lost” water from the Carmel River. Judges at the CPUC ruled that the project could proceed. (08.14.18) - CPUC to Decide on Desal Project, then to Commission
The California Public Utilities Commission expects to release its decision on the California American Water desalination plant next week. It is then scheduled for the California Coastal Commission on September 13. Opponents state an affirmative vote by the Coastal Commission isn’t guaranteed based on the project’s vulnerabilities. (08.06.18) - CPUC to Hear Desal Project Argument
The California Public Utilities Commission will formally consider the proposal for the California American Water desalination plant next month when the Marina Coast Water District, City of Marina, supporters and opponents make their case. August 22nd at 2 PM in San Francisco is when the oral argument will be heard. (07.26.18) - Desal Project in Home Stretch
The decision by the California Public Utilities Commission on the proposed desalination plant must be submitted by August 1st (or sooner). Then a 30-day public review period ensues with a September meeting date to consider the project. September 30th is the deadline for the river cutback order milestone. (07.08.18) - CPUC Acknowledges Permit Delays
The California Public Utilities Commission extended the deadline through the end of the year for the permit process on the California American Water desalination plant. It appears likely additional delays will occur for the Carmel River pumping cutback by September 30. (03.14.18) - State Public Utilities Company to Revisit Desal Plant
There may be some movement on the desalination plant proposed by Cal Am in that it is going to be revisited by the California Public Utilities Commission. The CPUC Judge asked all parties to meet and discuss the Commission’s review of the settlement agreement from the Marina Coast Water District lawsuit. (01.19.18) - County and Cal Am Win Over Marina Coast Water District Suit
The State Appeals Court ruled that the Marina Coast Water District is responsible for millions of dollars of legal fees over failed desalination plant. The District’s General Manager will consult with the District’s Board to determine if it will appeal to the State Supreme Court. (01.03.18) - Guest Commentary Outlines Flaws in EIR
The General Manager of the Marina Coast Water District outlines the District’s most critical concerns about the proposed Cal Am Desalination Plant, including: flawed analysis of groundwater impacts, grossly inadequate groundwater modeling, inadequate mitigation, and the project is massively oversized and is not needed. (04.08.17) - Cal Am Public Meeting Shows Frustrated Public
Cal Am’s dirty laundry aired… says one speaker at the first public forum offered by California American Water. The article reiterates that if there was any doubt before how people felt, the board now knows people are frustrated. (08.19.15) - Comments Due July 1st on Desal Project
The California Public Utilities Commission has offered a 60 day period for the public to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the desalination project. This is the public’s opportunity to provide substantive feedback on issues like traffic, energy use, greenhouse gases, etc. (06.06.15) - Water Project DEIR Released
Within the 1700 page multi-volume Environmental Impact Report, the conclusion is that a smaller desal plant combined with a new groundwater replenishment system is environmentally superior to the large desal option. What do you think? Public comments on this Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project are due July 1, 2015. (04.30.15) - Surfrider Submitted a Brief Opposing the Sizing Settlement for Cal Am’s Desal Plant (70K PDF file)
Surfrider contends water for lots of record is not supported (because it fails to reflect lowered per capita usage and unbuildable lots); water for tourism bounce-back is not supported (because there is no evidence that water shortage is hampering bounce-back or that the bounce will return to previous levels); lots of record and bounce-back water should be restricted to those uses; and Pacific Grove’s water should be incorporated.(01.21.13) - Monterey Peninsula Water Update
LandWatch has been closely following the Peninsula’s Water crisis and proposed solutions since 2008 when Cal Am first proposed a desalination project. There are now three competing proposals: the Cal Am Water Supply Project, DeepWater Desal Project and the People’s Moss Landing Project. Numerous concerns exist about all of these projects which have been outlined in a recent report. (03.13.13) - Cal Am Water Project to Get NEPA Environmental Review
Cal Am was directed to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its water project. The EIS must discuss a range of alternatives along with the proposed action and analyze them on equal footing, i.e. comparatively analyzed. It is also recommended that an agency prepare a comparable financial analysis to help inform the decision. (10.30.12) - Board of Supervisors Special Hearing on Governance Structure
The Board of Supervisors will meet September 28th to considering signing onto a governance structure for the Cal Am owned desalination facility. Though LandWatch supports public ownership, we believe this step is premature for a number of reasons. (09.27.12)
