Looking to the west at the virtually endless Pacific Ocean, distilling of seawater or desalination has long seemed the dream solution to our region's water needs. But until recently, desalination wasn't economically feasible because it required a large initial investment, and energy costs of the process were prohibitive.
Today, with water problems afflicting every continent, the great need for potable water has driven technological improvements that now make it a realistic alternative. More than 21,000 desalination plants are now in operation around the world. The City of Carlsbad may someday be part of this trend..
Since 1998, a private company, Poseidon Resources Corporation, has been exploring development of a seawater desalination plant adjacent to the Encina Power Station in Carlsbad. The project has made significant progress toward becoming a reality through a public-private partnership with the City of Carlsbad.
Now, a crucial step in the process has begun: the draft environmental impact report on the proposed desalination project has been released for public inspection and comment.
The draft environmental impact report (EIR) is the legally required public review document that provides the City of Carlsbad, other agencies and the public with objective information and data on potential environmental impacts. It is through the public review of the draft EIR that the community can ask questions, make comments and express concerns as the environmental merits of the project are examined.
Unbiased information is critical to make the most environmentally smart decision about whether to make the investment of time and resources to construct the proposed desalination plant.
Scott Donnell, City of Carlsbad associate planner, says public comment is important because an individual or organization may be able to identify a significant impact not addressed in the draft EIR. Donnell says the City needs as much information as possible, including data, studies, expert opinion or other proof to support claims about significant impacts.
“The more input we get now, the fewer surprises we'll face down the line,” added Donnell.
The environmental impact report is available for the public review and comment in a number of venues:
Online
• City of Carlsbad Web site: www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us
• Poseidon Resources Corporation Web site: www.carlsbaddesal.com
In Person
• Carlsbad City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
• Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Avenue
• City of Carlsbad Dove Library and Cole Library branches
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 5934 Priestly Drive
Donnell says comments must be submitted in writing. They may be sent to Donnell via mail or fax:
Mail: Scott Donnell, City of Carlsbad, Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad CA, 92008.
Fax: 760-602-8559
The comment period is expected to run into June, but the exact date had not been determined at press time. Donnell says it will take some time to review all the comments, and some may warrant additional investigation.
The final environmental impact report will include input and responses. “People can be assured their comments won't just be thrown in a drawer somewhere,” says Donnell.
Water independence is an important goal for the City of Carlsbad, and the San Diego region. As our ability to use Colorado River water declines, the region must develop independent water sources.. A reliable, diversified water supply is crucial not only for residents, but for business and industry. Carlsbad is committed to helping assure the availability of water to a growing customer base throughout the county.
Implementation of the desalination facility will depend heavily on acceptance and approval by the many governmental, environmental and regulatory agencies to make it a reality by 2008. A rigorous examination of the environmental impact report on the project will be crucial to the progress of this project.
Vedder is Communications Manager for the City of Carlsbad.
Today, with water problems afflicting every continent, the great need for potable water has driven technological improvements that now make it a realistic alternative. More than 21,000 desalination plants are now in operation around the world. The City of Carlsbad may someday be part of this trend..
Since 1998, a private company, Poseidon Resources Corporation, has been exploring development of a seawater desalination plant adjacent to the Encina Power Station in Carlsbad. The project has made significant progress toward becoming a reality through a public-private partnership with the City of Carlsbad.
Now, a crucial step in the process has begun: the draft environmental impact report on the proposed desalination project has been released for public inspection and comment.
The draft environmental impact report (EIR) is the legally required public review document that provides the City of Carlsbad, other agencies and the public with objective information and data on potential environmental impacts. It is through the public review of the draft EIR that the community can ask questions, make comments and express concerns as the environmental merits of the project are examined.
Unbiased information is critical to make the most environmentally smart decision about whether to make the investment of time and resources to construct the proposed desalination plant.
Scott Donnell, City of Carlsbad associate planner, says public comment is important because an individual or organization may be able to identify a significant impact not addressed in the draft EIR. Donnell says the City needs as much information as possible, including data, studies, expert opinion or other proof to support claims about significant impacts.
“The more input we get now, the fewer surprises we'll face down the line,” added Donnell.
The environmental impact report is available for the public review and comment in a number of venues:
Online
• City of Carlsbad Web site: www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us
• Poseidon Resources Corporation Web site: www.carlsbaddesal.com
In Person
• Carlsbad City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
• Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Avenue
• City of Carlsbad Dove Library and Cole Library branches
• Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 5934 Priestly Drive
Donnell says comments must be submitted in writing. They may be sent to Donnell via mail or fax:
Mail: Scott Donnell, City of Carlsbad, Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad CA, 92008.
Fax: 760-602-8559
The comment period is expected to run into June, but the exact date had not been determined at press time. Donnell says it will take some time to review all the comments, and some may warrant additional investigation.
The final environmental impact report will include input and responses. “People can be assured their comments won't just be thrown in a drawer somewhere,” says Donnell.
Water independence is an important goal for the City of Carlsbad, and the San Diego region. As our ability to use Colorado River water declines, the region must develop independent water sources.. A reliable, diversified water supply is crucial not only for residents, but for business and industry. Carlsbad is committed to helping assure the availability of water to a growing customer base throughout the county.
Implementation of the desalination facility will depend heavily on acceptance and approval by the many governmental, environmental and regulatory agencies to make it a reality by 2008. A rigorous examination of the environmental impact report on the project will be crucial to the progress of this project.
Vedder is Communications Manager for the City of Carlsbad.