The San Diego County Water Authority board of directors (SDCWA) approved an agreement with the city of Carlsbad yesterday, defining how the two agencies will work together to develop a regional seawater desalination plant.
Last week, the Carlsbad City Council, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, and the Carlsbad Housing and Redevelopment Commission unanimously approved the agreement, focusing on a single regional project that will allow the SDCWA to deliver desalinated seawater throughout San Diego County.
A proposed seawater desalination facility at the Encina Power Station in Carlsbad is the region’s most immediate opportunity to bring this new water supply to the county.
The agreement guarantees Carlsbad up to 5,000 acre-feet of water per year as a local supply, enhancing the citys water supply during times of drought or cutbacks. It also addresses the citys concerns about economic impacts of public agency development in the South Carlsbad Coastal Redevelopment Area.
After discussing the matter with other stakeholders -- Cabrillo Power I LLC and Poseidon Resources -- the SDCWA will complete its environmental impact report on the regional project for certification by its board of directors in late 2005.
Once the EIR is certified, the board will be able to approve the project and move forward on developing the regional project.
Source: San Diego Daily Transcript
